Over the course of my mtb weekend I visited the two above with some thoughts on each..
Afan now feels barren and desolate, not a tree in sight, however the trails were bone dry (Saturday) and rolled really well.
Conversly, it was awesome to be back in the trees in Brechfa sunday, but the trails were still soaking wet…
Plus sides for both, and also negatives..
I would when complaining about trees being cut down in future remember that the trails are much drier as a result of this.
Bottom line – awesome weekend of mtb – best ever!!!!! (again)

Observation – people complain about the lack of view in trail centres then complain when they put the view back!

Do people really complain about the lack of views at trail centres?

I’ve always been too terrified of crashing to look at the view

bikeneil – Member
Do people really complain about the lack of views at trail centres?

It’s generally a comment from the proper mountain bikers grumpy haters.

Fewer trees at Afan now so that there will be more trees for future generations, and native species at that.

Fewer trees also equals fewer midges when summer comes 🙂

so id Afan worth a visit for someone from the North?

I dont ride on the trees I ride on trails. Plus one for dry trails.

timc I think Afan is still one of the best mate. Why? Lots of great long trails and they ride fast all weather. I rode Bike Park Wales today. Not a trail center but well worth a visit for a day.

Darkside – to me was named cos of how dark it was under the tree canopy, on Sunday I was blinded by the glinting sun!

With all the removal of the trees, it did feel like there were more rocks (loose rocks) on the trail, but maybe I’m just too XC-lite for my own good.

It is a working forest so we’ve got to expect some change – I like to think that it’s also good to have known it with and without trees.

Had a bloody lovely weekend doing Cwm-carn Saturday then W2 Sunday either way, I’d like to thank Summer* for her early appearance.

*Meant in the best Mint Sauce version of the word!

Next time do Cwm Rhyader as well, only a coyple of miles but a great decent and the climbs just steep enough to get you to the top again quickly in 15min without wearing your legs out.

In fairness Brechfa is almost always wet even when everywhere else is dry. Some All of my wettest rides have been at Brechfa*, there’s something about the place. I still love it though.

*much wetter than even Penmachno!

Much as I love the riding at Afan it’s never struck me as particularly beautiful. Sometimes no view is a benefit.