Elan Valley Epic! Hafod Church - Elan Valley Visitor Centre Circular (Road/Hybrid Ride)

Before booking on the ride, please read, understand and agree to the ride rules which are pinned to the top of the Cycling Ceredigion with Lorraine Facebook page, many thanks.

Route is:-

Hafod Church Car Park - Cwmystwyth - Pont ar Elan - straight on ahead down the huge hill - Rhayader - Elan Trail (cycle path) to the Visitor Centre.

Cafe stop at the Centre.

Return route is heading past the lakes. We may also stop at Penbont Tearooms, weather and time permitting.

FOR THIS RIDE, THERE WILL BE TWO GROUPS - those of you who want to go a bit faster will go first, and we will regroup at the VC.

The more leisurely paced group (mine) will use the traffic-free trail from the main road from Rhayader to the VC, and also the trail as far as we can on the return leg.

If you are in the faster group and on a skinny tyred road bike, you will have to use the road on the way back as it isn't really suitable (though I have done it, I wouldn't do it again on a road bike). But we'll talk about that on the day.

Faster group - roughly 11mph average speed
More leisurely - roughly 9mph average speed

But this is a touring pace, relaxed ride. My rides are not about racing anywhere.

PLEASE BRING ADEQUATE CLOTHING AND FOOD. Remember this is one of the remotest roads in Wales, the weather can change dramatically, very quickly.

Whilst this is a no-drop ride (no one left behind on their own), you must have a good level of fitness and be used to being out on the bike for much of the day.

There are lots of uphills and a very long steep downhill, so for safety reasons, you must be confident in cycling these sort of roads and your bike must be well maintained.

But let's get out in one of the most spectacular areas of Wales and have a great day out! :-)

Helmets Essential

First timers welcome, but please make sure you've completed at least a 25 mile hilly ride fairly recently. E-bikes always welcome too :-)