White's Level, Afan, Wild Weekend In Wales_Day 1
Wild Weekend in Wales - Day 1 - White's Level, Afan
I just love the alarm going off at 4.15am... even more so when I know I'm off on an mtb epic to Wales to ride the mountains of life.
I was even more looking forward to this jaunt, as Tomks and I were to be meeting up with Appleyam. He had also decided to brave the unpredictable Welsh weather. We knew Sparky would be making an appearance too as he had already arranged to meet some of riding buddies there.
The beginning of our journey, with the M25 shrouded in fog and the car thermometer reading minus 5, didn't put a damper on our spirits. And with laughter and smiles we head for our rendezvous point.
We were only slightly behind time and arrived for breakfast at Leigh Delamare services to find Appleyam (Mark_1) already there.
We reacquainted, ate and got back on our way... The weather by this time was much clearer and after brief contemplation of stopping at Cwmcarn, we headed for Afan.
Straight to the Drop Café centre car park...the ground was very icy as we sorted ourselves out for our first ride of the weekend... Whites Level.
The ascent... The very beginning of the ride has been modified slightly with a series of crane weight blocks been laid down to form a firm path to the first gate. Pretty much the rest of the climb is just the same... And after such a long time, I remembered why I LOVE THIS PLACE... The sweet climbing single track never fails to bring a smile to my face, with its gnarly roots, switchbacks and small rock chokers, it seemed quicker up than ever before and before we knew it, gate 11 had been reached with very little needed stopping time, apart from to take some layers off and "look at the view" moments.
We decided to drop in on the Black initially. This was muchly fun with its usual whoops and doops and today with additional icy puddles. Through the next gate and as we approached the wood, before I had got to it, I knew I was going to take it completely wrong and fall off... And of course I did and hit the ground like a sack of spuds... Elbows and forearms totally protected by my 661's, the jarring just made my right hand and shoulder ache. To the surprise of both Tom and Mark, I was straight back up and off on the trail again. There was no way I was going to be out of action on my first day.
I think we can all agree, the continuation of the Black run was fast, fun and so cool, even though the ground beneath us was moving around with volume of water it was holding.
No hesitation at all as we made the last berm and steep descent down to the fire road gate.
My shaking subsiding and the decision to poodle up the fire road to now ride Windy Point, we chatted about the ride so far... So far so good and none of us being much of climbers, we made good time to the next rollercoaster.
We continued the whole ride down Windy Point, through, in and around Energy, over Goodwood and down the demonic Darkside with skill, speed and above all with grins from ear to ear... Top first day as we made our way back to the Drop Off incessantly chatting about how well felt our descents had gone.
Sorry no photo's of today's ride... we forgot to take any!!
Coffee and Hot Chocolate supped and the rain started... we had finished just in time, as the rain was there to stay for the next 14hours.
All of us staying at the Queens B&B, we arrived to find Sparky (Mark_2) already moved in and asleep since 2pm!
Shower, dinner, lots of beer, ready for Day 2.....
Pics: Goblinshimmer, Fisher
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raymond
said:
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... went back in 04/05 when the uplift was runing with gilbert.. heard they was staring the uplift back up on the 10th may 2010 ??? would like to get on it if it is  |
Nikki Channon
said:
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... Near the Brechfa trails - for great accommmodation, fab food, free "off-piste" riding etc check out www.mudtrek.com Think of a ski chalet... for mountain bikers... in Wales! |
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