On Friday 7th October ten Redhill CC MBR’s set off for an organized trip to Afan forest mountain trail area in South Wales for what turned out to be a great weekend.
We all finally arrived at the B&B I had arranged on Friday night and after a beer or two headed for bed in ready for Saturday’s ride of a 23 mile trail called “Skyline”. The forecast for the day was rain and upon rising I looked out the window at the black sky and thought hope the rain holds off. (Wishful thinking)
After a fab breakfast we gathered draped in wet weather gear and headed for the trail. Riding to the start of the trail the rain was already beating down hard with the banter among the group being “what are we doing?” by this time I was soaked and we had only just arrived at the start of the trail.
Onward and upward with the heavens open we started the climb into the forest and some shelter, up and up on excellent trails through the forest back and forward around tight switchbacks to the top. The wet trails made the riding tough and slippery but nothing the Redhill boys weren’t used to as we took rest and shelter at the top. We continued on the Skyline over the top of the valley and down some of the best single-track in the country, up more fire roads and through the forest this went on for some hours with still the rain coming down but not one moan from anyone (well maybe Alan). Wet and a tad tried we reached the two third mark and took in more single track and fire road back to the start. All back at almost the top of the first climb the group splintered with myself, Dave R, Dave P, Gareth and Phil heading upward again for a extra loop called the “Whites” trail the rest heading for home and a hot bath and clean down. Climbing upwards again Phil picked up a slow puncture and turned back for a bath and we carried on. The single-track on this trail was excellent and this for me was the highlight of the weekend as it descended fast to the bottom and back near to the start.
The next morning the weather had transformed and after the excellent meal we had the night before we packed up and left the very recommendable B&B for our next ride. The “Penhydd” 22KM trail was located a few miles along the route home so once again we gathered at the start minus Phil and Gareth who both picked up knee injuries the day before. So ten became eight and onto the trail and yes and you guessed it, climb to the first trail top. Well drained trails made the ride one to remember with non stop roller coaster single-track with tough leg burning fire roads on the ups. 22KM later we all wanted more but the decision was made to pack up and head for home.
Everybody will have there own story to tell on there favourite part of the weekend, but the feedback from everyone was “more of the same please”
Hope you all enjoyed it!