Wild Wales Challenge

Road Cycling: Wild Wales Challenge (Bala-Bwlch y Groes-Dinas Mawddwy-Aberllefenni-Corris-Machynlleth-Tywyn-Llwyngwril-Cregennen-Dolgellau-Brithdir-Bala)
Distance/Climb: 90m/8500ft
As with last year's event, this superb day out proved that I am wrong to think I know North Wales like the back of my hand! Some highly obscure roads and wonderful riding. Having only done one short training ride (the Tour de Flintshire), I was a little concerned about my bike fitness. Although last year's route was longer, I was at least bike fit after the Alps. This year, we left Bala with some mist and high cloud around. Along the side of Llyn Tegid then up the easy side of Bwlch y Groes above Cwm Cynllwyd. I've done this climb before and really enjoy it. It is gentler, with several flatter sections, and far less sustained than the desperate Mawddwy side (down which we had to descend). I waited for Vic and friends to reach the Bwlch, then set off as I was keen to get a clear run at the steep and dangerous descent down to Dinas Mawddwy. After a brief respite, the road headed from Aberangell up impossibly obscure roads through the Dyfi forest. A very hard climb followed, with superb views of Cader Idris higher up. This was really energy-sapping and completely unexpected (for me). After Corris, more sharp climbs on the minor road past the Centre for Alternative Technology led eventually to the first feed and checkpoint in Machynlleth. After a nice rest, we headed to Tywyn, taking the inevitable turn away from the main road and on to the hilly route through 'Happy Valley'. This has another climb, culminating in brief Alpine style hairpins, before a scenic and fast descent to Tywyn. I went straight to the Race the Train HQ - wrongly - then spent a frustrating few minutes looking for the town hall and lunch stop. From here, I teamed up with Vic and friends for a brief flat coastal stretch heading north towards Rhoslefain. Tiny roads and another steep climb led up the hillside, with increasingly wonderful views over the sea to Llyn. The roads became tracks, almost wide paths, more suitable for mountain bikes for a while. Then a very steep descent lost all the height gain in a matter of minutes, down to Llwyngwril. The crux came shortly afterwards: a desperate and quite lengthy climb, very steep, inland to gain a high and very narrow road overlooking the Mawddach estuary. Quite beautiful, but tiring. We were rewarded with a superb descent, eventually, past Cregennan lakes with views of Cader and Tyrrau Mawr above. For me, the lowpoint came after we past the Gwernan car park familiar from Ras y Gader. We didn't take a direct route to the third and final feed and checkpoint at Brithdir. Instead, little roads through beautiful ancient woodland led down to the edge of Dolgellau at Tyddyn Ednyfed and yet another hard climb to Tabor. Brithdir was a relief, and the final stretch was easy by comparison. This took yet another obscure and narrow road, gently climbing to Pont Rhyd y Gwais. Then superb riding back to Llanuchllyn, working as a mini-peloton and eating up the miles back to Bala. It is a classic event, uncommercial and low-key, and although the route was marginally easier than last year's epic anniversary special, it felt just as hard to me as I had no bike fitness at all this year! The route planners have an admirable knowledge of minor Welsh roads and an eye for a logical yet challenging giant loop.