In July, we are going to ride two routes in and around the Brecon Beacons. The ride start and end points are centred on the Visitor Centre in Brecon. The visitor centre or booking.com can help with finding accommodation for those who wish to ride on both the Saturday and Sunday.
These rides are tough, you need to be riding towards the top end of the Thursday rides or a GIOTW regular in terms of your level of fitness.
Riding the roads of Wales in the wet is absolutely no fun at all, so be prepared for last minute changes to the routes. The weather would have to be forecast to be very poor in order for us to cancel the rides altogether, but it is a possibility. When you make your accommodation bookings therefore, ensure that you can cancel without a fee (unless you want to spend a rain sodden weekend in Brecon of course).
Usual ride rules apply, you will need lights (a rear light that will run for the entire ride is recommended), drink, spares, more snacks than usual, money, membership cards and a phone. The wearing of a cycle helmet is strongly recommended.
Lunch stop venues are suggestions only, and of course stopping on route for an impromptu espresso is considered an absolute must.
We rode these routes last year and they were pretty awesome. The general concensus was that everyone wanted to have another go at them this year.
Saturday 14th July
Starting at the Visitor Centre in Brecon at 10:00 on the Saturday.
Address: Cattle Market car park, Brecon, Powys, LD3 9DA
Tel: 01874 622485
Email: brectic@powys.gov.uk
140km today taking in the iconic Gospel Pass and The Tumble.
Leaving the start point we head north to Builth Wells, then south to Hay-On-Wye on NCN Route 8. Then it’s a long climb up the Gospel Pass before dropping down in the Abergavenny on NCN Route 42. Here we can grab something to eat (there’s a Waitrose!) before heading up The Tumble.
This is the last climb of the day, before heading back along the valleys to Brecon via Crickhowell and Talybont-on-Usk.
Strava link to the 140km route
Saturday Evening Meal
For those who are staying over, a curry and beer will be required after such a hard days efforts. Zeera’s is great, and we can re-fuel for the Sunday.
Sunday 15th July
Starting at the Visitor Centre in Brecon, again at 10:00am.
Leaving Brecon we head west to climb Devils Elbow, before dropping down to Glyn-neath. We grab lunch at the Garwnant Visitor Centre. Then follow minor roads past the Llwyn-on Reservoir, followed by a short section on the A470 to Cefn Coed.
North then past the Pontsticill Reservoir and on to Talybont-on-Usk. Heading east to Llangynidr then straight to Bwlch.
Strava link to the 91km Sunday route