We are sooo looking forward to seeing you at the start of a delicious weekend of riding, camping, wholesome food, great company, music and all-round good vibes...
On recent recce's we were blown away by basecamp at Willow Springs - its fab valley setting, facilities et al, the sublime trails and breath-taking views - perfect for a wild adventure. We’re pretty sure you'll love it!
As you wind your way up the dreamy, riverside lane up to basecamp you'll find yourself in the other-worldly mountain scenery. As you roll up - you'll be welcomed by the super welcoming welcome crew. Soak up the views, chilled camp vibes, waterfall, sauna and join the other lovely folk for the start of an unforgettable weekend in the mountains.
Here is all the information you’ll need to prepare and join in the fun
- How to get there
- Camp site
- Parking
- Weekend programme
- Routes
- Safety briefing
- Guidelines
- What to bring
Wild Wales is non-competitive event. Rides are self-guided (routes provided) and although representatives from Wild Cycles may participate, you are responsible for your own safety and decision-making during throughout the event and the rides.
Know your capabilities and limits and adapt the routes to suit your ability and preferences.
Be prepared - so please make sure you’re familiar with the guidance, routes, safety briefing and checklist below. As the event takes place in a remote area you should effectively be self-sufficient - especially when out on the rides.
Included in your weekend ticket
3 night's camping - Friday, Saturday and bonus Sunday night!
Choice of routes to ride on Saturday and Sunday
komoot routes and tokens
Chilled Friday evening vibes, with access to sauna, plunge pool, waterfall!
Meals: Saturday dinner, Sunday breakfast
Saturday evening entertainment, including live music!
Access to plunge pool and sauna!
Before 7 June
stohk
Make sure you familiarise yourself with the routes, features and profiles
As this is a self-guided event you need to download route GPX's from komoot onto your GPS - this will be the only means of navigating your way around the routes (below). Note these are provisional routes and subject to update in the preceding week. Updates will be shared prior to the event.
Check out the guide and checklist below to make sure you know - and have all you need to make it your best and safest cycling weekend ever
Study the safety briefing below - we’ll ask you to sign the waiver and confirmation you have read and understood ride features, risks and safety aspects online or when you sign on
Add the mobile numbers below to your contacts
If you haven't already when booking - please let us know by Monday 3 June - if you have any dietary preferences so we can prepare the right pizza for you!
Late breaking news!
There’s more magic happening off the bike at Wild Wales this June!
We're super excited to announce that belicious brews from the bicycling brewing bros at stohk are available to pre-order here.
Stohk's amazing small batch extra pale ale is available to Wild Wales adventurers in a special 4 x 330 ml XPA pack.
Stohk's are specially and lovingly crafted for gravelly adventures. And there are fewer better ways to refresh and replenish after a long, hot :) day out on the trails - than with an ice-cold delicious stohk.
Wild Wales - there's more magic after riding a bike!
Friday 7 June
Arrive at base camp between 5-9pm.
Llwyn Y Ffynnon Farm, Glyncorrwg, Port Talbot SA13 3DB
what3words: bends.adverbs.point
Note there is limited parking on site so would strongly encourage you to arrive by train. There is a direct train from London Paddington to Neath - 2 1/2hrs!
Approx. 10 miles from basecamp.
Alternatively London - Maesteg (via Cardiff) - 3 hrs and only 6 miles from basecamp.
Please park up and head over to sign on, choose your pitch and join others for a chat and cook-out.
A few spaces are reserved for vans - specifically for those of you who have asked. Crew will show you where to park.
Friday evening is for chilling around the camp fire, having a sauna and swim if you fancy and meeting folk and contemplating Saturday and Sunday's rides!
Saturday 8 June
Have yourself a good breakfast (08:00 - 08:30).
At 09:00 we'll do the briefing and then you are free to roll out anytime after that.
There is no hard and fast start time. It's really up to you - and depending on your chosen route/distance.
We do suggest you get going between 09:30 and 11:00.
Make sure you have the best day ever out on one of the spectacular routes, soak up the fabulous views and stay safe!
You should head back to base camp by 6pm. If you decide to stop riding at any point you must phone or txt one of the mobile numbers (below).
You must clock in with the registration team at the end of your ride.
Join in the post-ride buzz, grab a sauna or swim in the plunge pool as you reflect on the day's epic ridings with the gang around the camp fire.
At 6:30 we'll start serving more deliciousness for dinner from the legendary Wild Cycles kitchen.
After that you can soak up the sounds of the local folk band we've arranged especially for you to lull you into good night's sleep.
Sunday 9 June
After your breakfast at 08:00 - you’ll have the option of a Sunday wind-downer of approx. 30 km on a very scenic local route taking some of the fabulous, riverside trails and waterfalls.
Roll out 9:00-10:00am
Return to base camp 2 - 3pm. If you decide to stop riding at any point you must phone or txt one of the mobile numbers (below).
You must clock in at the end of your ride.
From here on out on Sunday afternoon you can stay on for another night (included). You'll have full access to the basecamp facilities although you'll have to cater for yourself. For those heading home on Sunday we'll sadly say our goodbyes and hope to see you again soon!
Planning and Preparation
With that in mind we have prepared a SAFETY BRIEIFING and CHECKLIST to help you to prepare for your up-coming self-guided ride. The following is essential reading so please be sure to digest and familiarise yourself with the crucial information provided. Please don’t hesitate to let us know if you have any questions or need any more information.
the routes @ komoot
routes are subject to adjustment following final recon rides.
please stay tuned for Updates which may be shared pre-event.
There are 3 routes to choose from on Saturday and one on Sunday - which are all stunning and varied as far as terrain, gradient, surface and profile is concerned. It’s your responsibility to ensure that you have the fitness, skill and capability to complete your chosen route.
Please note that all routes are challenging. Be sure to familiarise yourself with the route profiles. Extreme gradients, challenging terrain, route and weather conditions have a huge impact on average speeds. For example - the 70km route took a couple of riders with advanced skill and fitness levels approx. 10hrs to complete recently. Carefully consider your route/distance choice and ensure that your skill and fitness level is suited and proportionate to complete your ride safely and within the time-frame.
The 100km route is in a particularly remote area - so you need to carry sufficient water/hydration and food/fuel to get yourself around the route
All rides are self-guided and although representatives from Wild Cycles may participate, as a rider - you are responsible for your own safety and decision-making during the rides. Know your capabilities and limits and adapt the routes to suit your ability and preferences.
Routes feature very steep, technical climbs and descents, loose, slippery, uneven and rutted surfaces requiring a very good level of fitness and advanced riding skills. Featuring a mix of loose and hard surfaces, flint, roots and ruts – they include gravel, woodland trails, sand, grassy fields, bridleways, public roads and lanes. It is therefore essential that you have experience of riding on public roads and off-road on varied terrain. Routes use and cross public roads used by motorists (light, medium and heavy vehicles) where extra care and vigilance is required. Conditions, degree of difficulty and speed will be significantly impacted by weather conditions. Check the weather forecast beforehand.
Conditions, degree of difficulty and speed will be significantly impacted by weather conditions. Check the weather forecast beforehand.
Note that routes are provisional, subject to adjustment following final recon rides. Updates will be shared prior to the event.
Wild Cycles gifts you a komoot lifetime access Region Bundle for South Wales.
Komoot is an app that lets you find, plan, and share adventures with the easy route planner. Driven by a desire to explore, and powered by the outdoor community’s recommendations, it’s komoot’s mission to inspire great adventures, making them accessible to all.
What you get at a glance:
- Offline functionality: Save individual Tours or entire regions offline for reliable navigation when you’ve got no phone signal.
- Turn-by-turn voice navigation:
Whether trail running, hiking, cycling or mtb, just listen to the instructions or follow them on screen to keep your adventure on track.
- Available on all your devices: Use komoot on all your favorite devices, such as your phone, Garmins, Wahoos, smartwatches, or practically any GPS computer.
- Automatically follow Wild Cycles and have access to our event routes.
Redeem your komoot voucher now by going to komoot.com/g and entering:
WILDWALES24
Offer valid until 10/06/24
Saturday - 36km, 50km or 100km
36km
There are now 2 options for the 36km.
One (Wild Wales Gravel Route) is a purely gravel route and is recommended for the lesser experienced off-road rider. Featuring miles n miles of fabulous rolling gravel - mostly fire roads. Still beautiful!
The second one (36km Technical incl. single track) includes a number of technical segments - along a series of challenging single tracks. It is recommended that this route is chosen if you are really confident and a skilled off-road rider.
Short & punchy gravel ride with all of the best bits including a blend of sweeping rolling gravel, mountain n valley views.
50km 860m climbing
A longer and more challenging ride, including some wild and beautiful single track and rocky sections for those with the nerve and skill. Includes some hike-a-bike and more of the most spectacular views from what feels like the edge of the world.
Route notes:
Colliers Arms pub @ 15.5km.
Go around the gate and enter from above the road @ 25.3km.
100km 2100m climbing
This route is seriously challenging (it took a team of seriously fit, skilled and accomplished recconoisters c. 12 hrs to complete!). Route is classified as EXPERT by komoot - and should only be attempted by those with a high level of fitness and expert off-road skills. The 100km route is in a particularly remote area - so you need to carry sufficient water/hydration and food/fuel to get yourself around the route.!
Pub @ 70km.
Sunday Wind Down
Join the crew and the gang for a delightful and scenic mystery tour of the surrounding mountain tops, rivers and waterfalls. The perfect way to soak up the scenery with friends - old and new.
30km 480m climbing
Don't be misled by the low km/mileage - this is a challenging - though stunning route, which winds its way around some spectacular scenery which includes a waterfall. A mountain bike is highly recommended for this one. Alternatively - gravel bike with super-skilled rider on board.
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safety briefing, waiver
(We will be asking all participants to sign one of these online via a link that will be provided or on hard copy)
All routes listed in this guide feature very steep, technical climbs and descents, loose, slippery, uneven and rutted surfaces requiring a very good level of fitness and advanced riding skills. Featuring a mix of loose and hard surfaces, flint, roots and ruts – they include gravel, woodland trails, sand, grassy fields, bridleways, public roads and lanes. It is therefore essential that you have experience of riding on public roads and off-road on varied terrain. Routes use and cross public roads used by motorists (light, medium and heavy vehicles) where extra care and vigilance is required. Conditions, degree of difficulty and speed will be significantly impacted by weather conditions. Check the weather forecast beforehand.
Familiarise yourself with the route distances, profiles and conditions and make yourself aware of the risks and hazards associated with undertaking your chosen activity.
All rides are self-guided and although representatives from Wild Cycles may participate, as a rider you are responsible for your own safety and decision-making during the ride. Know your capabilities and limits and adapt the routes to suit your ability and your preferences.
Please note the following aspects and Actions for your safety applies to all routes
Please note that all routes are challenging. Be sure to familiarise yourself with the route profiles. Extreme gradients, challenging terrain, route and weather conditions have a huge impact on average speeds. For example - the 100km route took a couple of riders with advanced skill and fitness levels approx. 10hrs to complete recently. Carefully consider your route/distance choice and ensure that your skill and fitness level is suited and proportionate to complete your ride safely and within the time-frame.
1. Bike condition
See BIKE & EQUIPMENT below
Do a thorough bike safety check before the ride
Check and make sure your brake pads have more than sufficient life to complete the distance NB route profiles
Carry pump, spare tube/repair kit (see checklist)
2. Overhanging branches and fallen trees
Keep a look out and warn following riders
Adjust route if cannot be avoided
Wear a quality helmet and eye protection
Maintain awareness, be vigilant and exercise caution
3. Wet weather and terrain
Ensure correct tyre pressure and tread
Beware of livestock waste protect and/or clean water bottles & equipment
Wear appropriate clothing suited to weather
Know your abilities and limitations, ride and make decisions accordingly
4. Terrain - uneven, rocky, ruts, flint, roots mud & loose surfaces
Be vigilant and take extra care on these surfaces, watch your speed and ride within your abilities
Identify hazards and difficult, technical terrain
Be cautious
Ride within your ability
Get off and walk when negotiating rocky and uneven terrain
Warn following riders when approaching
5. Steep gradients - descents and ascents, steep drop-offs
Approach with caution
Use appropriate speed for the terrain
Know your abilities and limitations, ride and make decisions accordingly
Get off and walk if in doubt and wherever it is safer to do so
6. Other users: Walkers, dogs, horse riders
Be respectful, give priority to walkers and horse riders
Leave plenty of space when passing
7. Warm, hot weather
Apply sun cream
Wear appropriate clothing
Stay hydrated and top up with fluids constantly
See NUTRITION & HYDRATION in the guide
The 100km route is in a particularly remote area - so you need to carry sufficient water/hydration and food/fuel to get yourself around the route
Download and use https://www.refill.org.uk/
8. Darkness and poor visibility
Unless you have the appropriate lighting - front and rear - should darkness fall or visibility fades you must call Wild Cycles for recovery
Monitor distance, average speed, progress in relation to time of day and sunset
We will be setting a cut-off on the 95km at approx. 50km and if this is missed you will be required to continue on to the finish via the shorter loop
9. Traffic on the trails and public roads
Obey the rules of the road and ride with the utmost care on public roads
Be vigilant and maintain high awareness of traffic on public, forestry and farm roads incl. cars, HGVs, farm machinery and implements
Be vigilant and keep a lookout for other fast-moving trails users e.g. mountain bikers
Maintain a steady line whilst riding on roads
Wear reflective/bright clothing
Be super vigilant and extra cautious when crossing roads and at junctions
10. Fatigue, accidents, injury
Carry a 1st aid kit with you to attend to minor injuries
Call 999 in the case of a serious injury to yourself or another rider
Monitor your performance and judgement and ride within your limits
If you feel exhausted and need to cut your ride short call us for recovery if required
11. Mechanicals
Carry the spares and tools listed below as there is no official mechanical support
See BIKE and EQUIPMENT in the guide
If unable to continue call us for recovery if required
12. Call us on one of the numbers below if you decide to stop riding at any point
13. Know your abilities and limitations, ride and make decisions accordingly
All routes - especially the longer routes are seriously challenging, are classified EXPERT by komoot - and should only be attempted by those with a high level of fitness and expert off-road skills
I hereby confirm that, with the exception of any liability which cannot be excluded by law, Wild Cycles Limited shall have no liability for any loss or damage I may suffer as a result of my participation in this event. Furthermore, I will indemnify and hold Wild Cycles Limited, its officers, agents and employees harmless from and against any and all expenses, losses, liabilities, damages and costs of any type incurred or suffered and any claims or legal proceedings which are brought or threatened, in each case, arising from my participation in this event.
To be signed at online (form to be provided) or at registration:
Name:
Date:
Mobile contact number (for the weekend):
Emergency contact name and number:
Signed:
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Contact numbers
Emergency services 999
Paramedic 07870 628656
John Heard 07501 006366
Jonathan Heard 07305 973508
Nick Porter 07507 555509
Bike & equipment
It’s your responsibility to ensure that your bike and equipment is suited to the routes and conditions. Have your bike serviced beforehand and safety checked before the start. Ideally start with a new chain, brake pads and tyres which are new or nearly new.
There is no formal mechanical support ono the event so you must be capable of repairing punctures en-route and at least one member of your group should have a basic mechanical knowledge and capable of carrying out roadside repairs.
Please note that all routes are challenging. Be sure to familiarise yourself with the route profiles. Extreme gradients, challenging terrain, route and weather conditions have a huge impact on average speeds. For example - the 100km route took a couple of riders with advanced skill and fitness levels approx. 10hrs to complete recently.
Note all routes feature extreme gradients and challenging terrain. Furthermore route and weather conditions are highly varied. A gravel bike or mountain bike with a minimum tyre width of 42mm and tread pattern suited to a wide variety of terrain is essential - as is suitable gearing to cope with gradients and terrain. It is your responsibility to familiarise yourself with your chosen routes and their respective features and profiles - and to ensure you have the necessary equipment and skill to complete that.
Nutrition & hydration
Please note distances and route profiles. A significant proportion of the route is in remote areas which is great and part of the magic of these exceptional rides. However in light of distances, terrain and conditions you must plan ahead. Ensure that you carry sufficient nutrition, sustenance (fuel!) and hydration with you and plan your refuelling stops accordingly. You must carry sufficient nutrition, water/hydration with you which takes into account the sometimes infrequent opportunities to top up in remote areas. The 50km route pass by villages with cafes. The c. 100km route is in a particularly remote area - so you need to carry sufficient water/hydration and food/fuel to get yourself around the route.
Campsite facilities
Our beautiful campsite is in a stunning mountain & riverside setting. There are toilets, washing facilities, hot water and showers. You'll be shown where to pitch your tent when you sign on.
Catering & refuelling
Saturday breakfast and dinner as well as Sunday breakfast is included in your ticket.
You'll need to BYO drinks and ingredients for meals, snacks which are not included as well as your own equipment and utensils.
There is a mega Tesco about 10 miles from base camp - if you need to stock up. Check out the maps for lunch and refuelling stops on your rides.
Checklist
Essentials which you should bring with you are listed below.
Please note we advocate TRASH FREE TRAILS and are running a zero waste event so please do not bring any single use plastic with you or leave any behind!
Note that there have been reports of gnats in the area - depending on weather. Locals advise that the best deterrent is Avon's Skin So Soft Dry oil - which works wonders.
For camping
Friday evening meal, drinks
Cooking utensils and ingredients for meals, snacking in between
Mug, bowl, plate and cutlery
Warm clothing for evenings
Torch
Tent (van as arranged with specific people beforehand)
Sleeping bag suitable for weather conditions (check the weather forecast and your sleeping bag’s temperature rating)
Pillow
Toiletries
Sun-block
Personal medication
For riding
Your bike!
Ensure it's in perfect working order, safety-checked, serviced beforehand and is therefore safe and suitable to complete the full distance
Bike lock to keep your bike secure at basecamp (or leave it in your vehicle)
Multi-tool
Tyre levers
Spare inner tubes and/or
Tubeless repair kit
Tyre boots
Spare tyre
Pump
Quick chain links
Spare cables
Spare brake pads
Chain lube
Zip ties
Lights recommended
Bike lock
Water bottles/hydration pack (also see nutrition/hydration guidance above)
1st aid kit
Your own quality cycle helmet which conforms to the latest safety standards must be worn whilst riding
Suitable clothing + extra/spare sets of clothing
Footwear
Eye-wear
Gloves
Waterproofs
Warm clothing for evenings
Tent (van as arranged with specific people beforehand)
Sleeping bag suitable for weather conditions
Check the weather forecast and your sleeping bag’s temperature rating
Pillow
Insurance
Ensure you have adequate insurance cover for your property and equipment including bicycles intended for your use as well as medical expenses.
If you have any questions - please don't hesitate to ask.
Contact:
e john@wildcycles.co.uk
m 07501006366
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