Full-on MTB weekend based around Betws-Y-Coed in north Wales. After much arranging and re-arranging of accomodation we had a hard core of 5 (Ian, Rich, Simon, Bill & myself) staying in the luxury of the Glan Aber bunk house whilst the self-titled "Cheltenham softies" (Jase & Mike) took the easy option of rooms in the hotel itself.
Bills' flight from Spain was delayed so the remainder of the bunk house crew arrived at 4am! I should have got slightly more sleep than them but the absolute lack of any sound insulation combined with a late bar in the hotel put paid to that.
Fully charged on a cooked breakfast we headed off to the first trail - Penmachno - we were joined by Dave & Paul who drove over first thing, so there were 9 in all. Rode to the trail head from town, probably adding 10k (it all counts) then took it on in all it's Welsh rugged glory. Great trail, very demanding - I won the prize for most tumbles - including a spectacular over the handlebars resulting in lacerations and bruising all down my right arm / shoulder (nice!). Mike yet again won mechanical mis-hap prize with a double whammy of chainring bolts falling out and a broken spoke.
Got back to Betws early afternoon and grabbed burgers / chips before the more (fool?) hardy set out again for the Marin trail. Mike had the excuse of getting his bike fixed, Jase wanted to keep him company whilst Paul and Dave were honest enough to admit defeat.
Marin was good but morning trail had the edge - when we rode back into town later afternoon spotted Jase and Mike weaving along the pavement having had 5 pints!
Really tired we all retired around 10pm !
Sunday - fuelled up and drove to Coed-Y-Brenan, around 20 miles away. This trail won hands-down for me, was absolutely stunning plus a great cafe once you had gone through the torture. I did really struggle after the exertions of the previous day so thanks to all for waiting at the top of each ascent - it was appreciated !
Everthing now aches but probably cleared around 75km with 1500m climbing in a day and a half, almost all offroad. The read mad ones (Ian, Bill, Rich) heading down to Cannock for another trail today, now that's commitment!
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