Yes, I am trying to have a crack at cycling this at the end of the month. I fully appreciate people used to have a go on a Raleigh Lizzard with nothing but Kendle Mint cake and their skills. As I don't have any Kendle Mint cake or skills, I am looking for some advice in terms of preparation/kit.
Route is up Llanberis and down Ranger, cutting back up to Llanberis half way down. Am doing this in a small group. I won't be doing this in bad weather and am fully prepared to turn around if it gets bad half way up. I am also in the back of my mind thinking early morning to avoid walkers (even though this is pre-voluntary ban Summer period) and secondly so I don't get stuck on the mountain after dark repairing a puncture.
I have a hard tail with 115mm of travel. I have taken the liberty of sticking on some Ardent 2.25s front and back as it looks rocky, which is the most the frame/fork will take. Have also got some flat pedals. Unfortunately a bigger bike is not an option, although I would love the excuse.
In terms of personal kit, I have got a map, compass, hydration pack and will be taking spare warm clothes and sugary treats. Also have 1st aid kit and space blanket.
Do I need anything else (i.e. like knee pads)? I am not sure I can prepare my bike much more...
Couple of beers to enjoy the sunrise before heading down Ranger?
Its not that hard if you have common sence.
Take a few spare innertubes and pump up your tyres - your likely to suffer pinchflats otherwise.
Spare mech hanger.
Waterproofs.
Other than that have fun, if the weather looks pants turn round.
comfy walking shoes ;o)
Normal stuff you would take out on a decent ride! Navigation is pretty sraight forward, just follow the path or cairns. From experience i would advise some sort of knee/elbow protection as falling off on the rangers will involve you hitting lots of rocks.
Only thing I would take over a normal ride is a warm layer or 2
Other than that it just a long push/ride and a 'make it worth the push' technical descent
Have a great time
Petes eats when you're finished
A bike
A windproof top
Money for Pete's Eats.
All you need.
spare inner tubes, tyre boot, and a bell. And a sense of humour.
I'm doing it in a couple of weeks time if the weather's ok for it. Are the rocks there really sharp enough to rip sidewalls?
Also what weather is acceptable? Ie if its raining a bit in the morning would we be better off going to CyB? Doing it with 2 less experienced riders and I don't want to put them off bikes, or for them to have a shit time. We're doing a few days at trail centres beforehand to warm them up!
As has been said, pack plenty of tubes. And then a couple more. Just in case. The Ranger is hungry for inner tubes. Its a war of attrition.
As has also been said; Pete's Eats when you get down is compulsory
Have fun! We did it setting off at the crack of dawn, on a beautiful morning with not a cloud in the sky*. Fantastic!
* other weather conditions are available 😉
I'd say ride flats if you already have them, done it twice and you will do quite a bit of bike carrying in places, which was much nicer in Five Tens than the SPD disco slippers i wore the first time.
Be prepared for all weathers, can be blinkin cold at the top, first time i did had snow at the top and i wore latex gloves under my normal riding gloves.
If for any reason you do get stuck in dark or not enjoying it, come back down Llanberis, it is much easier to ride down that Rangers (although not as much fun).
Finally, once you come back down Rangers and have to turn off to cut back over the top to Llanberis, make sure you spot the turn, the path is not that distinct at all and is very easy to go passed especially as you can get some speed up down there.
Oh and have fun..
Alternativly start at Ranger station, push up the zig zags and take Telegraph valley to Llanberis, then the tourist track to the top. That way you get the full unfettered descent right the way to the Ranger.
Few extra layers and knee pads if you have them. If you go in the cafe at the top, dont get warm and comfy as the temp difference coming out of it is shocking!
We are doing it on Sunday!!!
I'd use Lowey's route.
I wouldnt do it on a bike in the snow and ice (unlikely though, I've been waiting to climb Snowdon in winter conditions this year but blinked and missed the chance a few weeks ago)
If the weather is poor, but you still want a big mountain day, you might find friendlier conditions to the south on Cadair Idris (though no cafe on the top!)
Thanks all.
Lowey/agent - thanks, will have a look Lowey's route when I get home.
It can be very cold and windy on the summit, even it it's fairly clear. Dress appropriately and take plenty of energy bars - fairly energy sapping to climb up there and you want to keep your brain sharp. Am envious BTW.
oooo wow this is something i would love to be able to do,fantastic scenery if the weather holds off.You will have a marvelous time.
Maybe one day i would be able to take on the challenge of reaching the top,but my skill's come quite short of this terrain,hence why im going on a skills course 🙂
you'll have hoot of a time.
We are planing this trip shortly found the link below to be good
http://www.planetfear.com/articles/MTB_Roots__1_of_6_Snowdon_Ranger_Path_1110.html
Make sure your brake pads have plenty of life in them and as others have said, take plenty of tubes, spare clothing and a fully charged phone. It is a miserable place if the weather is against you, however if the weather is fair, it is absolutely stunning, enjoy it.
However, if you are from Merseyside, leave your bike at home, wear trainers, jogging pants, a t-shirt and carry your sarnies/Pringles in a Kwik-Save bag and expect to see a Mountain Rescue Team, possible yellow helicopter and spend a couple of days recovering from hypothermia in Ysbyty Gwynedd Hospital in Bangor!
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Rigid bike, steel rims, brake blocks with a leather strip in them, ron hills in lime green, no helmet, butties made by my mum.
It's a big hill, get on with it.
Crikey - that pic only shows that you got to the top in one piece!
Yes, cos now, some 20 odd years later, I'm still posting from the top......
I did it last summer and it was great fun. I'd take knee/elbow pads if you're not used to rocky steep stuff. Go tubeless if you can and take spare tubes. Brake pads should have life in them and make sure you have a couple of layers. Ron hills and no helmet are fine if it's sunny and you don't crash. If you fall off and knock yourself unconscious or get stranded and freeze then you look like a pillock.
[i]If you fall off and knock yourself unconscious or get stranded [/i] you're probably not very good at riding a bike down a big hill....
Im off up there in the 25th really looking forward to it. We have Llandegla and the MBR at CyB on the Saturday. If anybody else is up here that weekend keep an eye out for a bloke pushing a silver bike up the hill moaning about his legs. As I will either be doing that or bouncing down the Rangers on my head.
I just want to see the pics from the bottom showing your shredded Ron Hills and rims that have been scored through 'cos your blocks had worn out by the time you got down to Cloggy. You'd be smiling because we had no idea what the future would hold.
Chaps, whilst I acknowledge that Snowdon is a proper mountain (just) with the variable weather that comes with being so high, lets not forget that you can get up and down in less than half a day. This isn't a polar expedition. Its even got its own railway FFS!
Take an extra wooley top, enough munchies for a half a day ride, and some armour if you feel that way inclined, and get it done.
I did it three times on the same bike, then again twice on my next bike, but in lycra shorts and a T-shirt. Pad up, helmet up, make sure those hydraulic pads are up to it, take your camelbak, take all the spares you think you need, been there done it before you, done it with less crap, enjoyed it more petal
All good advice above.
Personally I'd run:
Big tyres
QR or dropper seatpost
And I'd take:
Some nice grub
Spare tubes
Spare brake pads
Knee and shin armour
A good outer layer and a spare mid layer
First aid kit
Space blanket
Whistle
Phone
Camera
My time getting down. 🙂
It's a shed load of fun - enjoy!
[url= http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5101/5680827234_2a8709ed7b.jp g" target="_blank">
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/pimpmasterjazz/5680827234/ ]Paul on the Ranger Path[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/pimpmasterjazz/ ]Pimpmaster Jazz[/url], on Flickr
Ooo, hark the all mountain men on here!
If you look closely you can still see the pieces of raw rabbit between their teeth from dinner tonight. 😉
Train ticket
this would be an adventure for me i think as i normally ride trail centres.
Actually take crikeys advice. You're a complete jessy unless you cycle up Snowdon backwards on a fixie wearing spandex whilst tossing off an angry gorilla, before kicking a toddler just to teach his dad a lesson for wearing hiking boots and sensible clothing.
Hurrah for modern mountain bikers...
Too dim to understand that the most important bit of safety kit you have is between your ears. Snowdon is perfectly safe, perfectly doable on any bike if you use your brain, choose your day and have the sense to back off if conditions are not right. It's not about being macho, its about matching your ability to the task. I've run up and down Snowdon in a pair of shorts and shoes, on a summers day. Presumably this is gnarr level idiocy...
Ah. Proper mountain biking. 😀
I've refined my kit over the years to blend lightvweight and common sense.
For me, the following make up my big hill essentials.
Rab Photon hoody
Rab Momentum Jacket
Smart wool hat
Waterproof gloves
waterproof shorts or trousers
Survival bag
Whistle
map and compass
Spare buff
Leg warmers
Arm warmers
Kyle Strait knee pads
Elbow guards if it's properly technical
Dry bags to stuff my gear in
Charged mobile phone ( last resort)
Spare food
Bag of sweeties
halva
bottle of ginger
Nuts
gilet
Head torch
First aid kit
It might sound like a lot but it packs down easily into an Alpkit 20 litre bag and doesn't weigh very much at all. I only add a couple more bits for hut to hut touring. I go for the better to have and not use it than forget it and wish you had brought it approach. Using water bottles instead of a Camelbak saves a shed load of weight and makes for less heft on your back.
Of course, you don't need to take any of that stuff to have a good time!
Enjoy it and post some pics.
Jesus Sanny its not Everest.
most important bit of safety kit you have is between your ears.
Which is why it's a good idea to protect it with a helmet ffs!
Except I would have had to wait a few years for them to be invented...
Good grief, you boys are softies...
I ache
Of course it isn't but I like being prepared. Well that and it's an excuse to buy more kit! Ha! Ha! I've been on a few rides where mates have had major offs (broken pelvis followed by a helicopter trip, broken collarbone etc) that made me realise the importance of common sense and being prepared. On one ride many years ago in the snow, I reached the stage where I wanted to get off my bike and go to sleep in the snow. I've never felt so cold and fortunately was still with it enough to recognise that I was in deep shit and had to keep going. It stuck with me and I learned a valuable lesson of not underestimating the hills. Sorry, I'm not trying to be preachy or Mr Super Safety. Most of the time, being unprepared isn't going to bite you on the ass! If you have a read of MRT reports, it's interesting to see how things can escalate. Most of the time, things work out fine in the end but I was shocked and saddened to read that a mountain biker died on Iron Keld just before Xmas. It's a trail a know really well being close to Ambleside so it came as a real shock to read the report.
Don't forget the oxygen cylinder due to the altitude. Don't worry, you can save weight and discard it half way down with all the others.
Fair do I can't say that I have ever been in that sort of situation and if I had I would probably carry as much as you do.
Whatever you would take on a 4hr ride, plus two extra tubes, a repair kit (assuming do not normally carry one) and an OS map (unless you are absolutely sure you know where the Telegraph Valley turn-off is). While it is just a bigger version of what I imagine you've ridden up countless times – do be willing to turn back if conditions on the ascent take a turn for the worse.
The most important advice is to go as a group all the gear and space balankets wont be any use if your have a serious off. A partner can provide help and summon assitance which will save your life.
I think what Sanny lists makes perfect sense to me,the risk is too dear,it is a high mountain peak, with highly techinical terrain,hence why i for one will be taking all of what sanny suggests with me.
Are there any guided ride's that go up there? as safety is of the upmost importance to me,.
It is just a big hill, and some of you worry too much..
However, Having previously exticated a man with a dislocated hip from the bottom of a waterfall in the snowy mountains, three hours from the nearest phone signal and 6 hours from Melbourne hospital, and dealt with a friend with a mangled hand 5 hours drive from the nearest town in Morocco i'd say take whatever you feel comfortable with... as in both instances there were things we wished we had...
I'd probably take my usual riding pack with a few extra bits, knee and elbow pads, but if taking a full expedition pack on your back makes you happy then go for it...
Safety issues aside, how technical is the Ranger path compared to, say, the N Wales trail centres*?
*Don't want to start a man-made v natural debate, just chosen as a benchmark that many on here will have experience of
Ranger path isn't that dangerous, unless I slip while carrying my bike 😉
It's not just a 'big hill'.
It's a mountain.
Just because it's got a railway and a caff doesn't mean it can't be dangerous.
Ice & snow on the Llanberis (railway) path above Cloggy is particularly dodgy - some very experienced people have fallen there, because it looks so benign and you can't see the extent of the drop, or stop yourself if you start to slide when snow is on the ground.
I'm nowhere near good enough to ride down the Rangers path, but walk it a couple of times a year - compared to somewhere like CYB I'd personally say it's way beyond anything you'd find in a trail centre because of the loose surface, unpredictability of the conditions and the potential consequences of getting it wrong.
I've got genuine respect for anyone who attempts it, but you need to show it a bit of respect in return.
Steeper than it looks in the videos too.
EDIT, The ice cream shop opposite Pete's is excellent and have a play in Dinorwic quarry if you've got time, it's ace.
The chippy's pretty damn fine as well.
You can get spare tubes at the bike hire place in town, near the lake if you run out.
I like the comment about what's between your ears being important. A bit of common sense goes a long way and the advice about riding with mates is sound too. Something I should have remembered up Braeriach last year while negotiating a snow field on a steep banking at the head of Glen Einich where I ended up having to inch my way along between the steep slope and a big bank of snow and ice which had come away from it, post holing my handlebars into the snow to stop my bike from skittering down onto the boulder field below. Stupid bugger, I thought to myself as I could have taken a slightly longer but easier route. 😆
At the end of the day, have fun, take pics and tell us about it after. 😀
Go with kit for changeable conditions... this was Christmas day 2007, cracking day, hike a bike up Rangers...
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To this....
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To this....wheeee!!
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Take all day ride stuff, plus more tubes. Have only punctured once but still take about 4 tubes. Good bits of kit for the way down was the goggles as the wind was blowing a hooly so was good to be able to see properly, leg warmers as you're not pedalling much but get cold (if you're doing it in sub 10 degree weather). Done it a few times now, every time i say I'll do it on flats next time for the bits you have to walk.....one day I will use flats.
Also, go Christmas Day, you have the place to yourself 🙂
A warm coat?
Planning a trip in May. Given the ban, what time would we need to start in order to get down by 10am? Is it worth it?
It snowed there pretty heavily on Sat night / Sun morning, only above about 1000ft though.
The most valuable thing you can take is another human being.
+1 for Petes Eats, the monster omelette comes recommended.
Dear god! There's some proper fannies on here. Whats the worst that can happen? You get a bit cold? You run out of tubes and have to push your bike down a bit? MTFU!*
dday - we got down on Friday night, got leathered at the pub in llanberis, kipped under the stars in the field next to it (didn't even bother with a bivvi bag) Then woke up when the sun came up, grabbed our bikes and headed up. Set off before 6.30. Plenty time
* or alternatively do it in July. Like we did 😀
dday - we got down on Friday night, got leathered at the pub in llanberis, kipped under the stars in the field next to it (didn't even bother with a bivvi bag) Then woke up when the sun came up, grabbed our bikes and headed up. Set off before 6.30. Plenty time
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:swoon:
My two mates went through my supply of spare tubes (after their own) on Telegraph Alley.
I always take a wind proof and spare layer since it get get very windy and therefore cold at the top. Winter gloves too since most of the time I can't feel my fingers coming down from the summit!
A real man wouldn't use shaving foam either 🙂
Chainsaws are gay! I've now upped the ante a bit. I have the grim reaper turn up every morning and shave me with his scythe, while I insult his mother
Its ace! Ranger is one of my favorite descents in the country. I've never came across anything as remotely technical at a trail centre.
space blankets are a bit useless, buy a proper emergency bag instead, pretty much the same size as a blanket and will last forever or until you need it.
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Lowey's advice from yesterday is good advice - park at the Ranger Station.
You'll probably use more tubes on Telegraph Alley than later on the Rangers descent, mainly because of the speed and number of drainage bars. Each clumsy strike and there goes another tube.
I managed to put a half inch incision in the tread of my rear (spesh storm tubeless)on that bit when we last did it in January. Not a pinch-flat, a pure flint cut!
The Rangers path is great. Flats aren't a big issue on there as the occasional techier bits have to be taken slow anyway. IIRC there are only two rocky steps that might have you dismounting, maybe 5 metres max of walking. The rest is just pure fun. Enjoy.
Too dim to understand that the most important bit of safety kit you have is between your ears.
That says to me that you know the importance of being prepared. 😉
Just because it's got a railway and a caff doesn't mean it can't be dangerous.
I'd go so far as to argue that it lulls you into a false sense of security. On training for the Welsh 3000s we met a load of scousers in tees and trainers where the paths merge from Crib Goch (our route up) and the railway track (I forget the correct name). Half of me was impressed because they were obviously suffering but getting on with it, and the other half was in a state of amazement be because they were obviously cold and carrying nothing other than the odd jacket or carrier bag.
I'm nowhere near good enough to ride down the Rangers path, but walk it a couple of times a year - compared to somewhere like CYB I'd personally say it's way beyond anything you'd find in a trail centre because of the loose surface, unpredictability of the conditions and the potential consequences of getting it wrong.
IIRC there are only two rocky steps that might have you dismounting, maybe 5 metres max of walking. The rest is just pure fun. Enjoy.
Aah, good old STW consensus!
I walked up Snowdon in March. There was a woman up at the top in shorts and flip flops! 😯
Do it, it's ace.
[url= http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3234/2964096418_71ce8bb17b_z.jp g" target="_blank">
Don't forget to set up base camp and do several equipment drops prior to the attempt itself.
Don't forget to set up base camp and do several equipment drops prior to the attempt itself.
And recruit some locals to carry your bikes to the top. 😉
recruit some locals to carry your bikes to the top
That is probably the best bit of advice on this thread.
If you go to the pub in Llanberis on Friday night, then nothing that can happen on Snowdon, in fact Nothing that can happen [i]ever[/i] will scare you
Mike D is it all like that? That looks almost a complete opposite to the kind of trails I like to ride 0_0
I read this as 'Swindon - 'essential' gear' 😯
Harpoon gun
Breadcrumbs for retracing your steps
Coloured beads for bartering with the locals
Shinythings doin' it when we went up first Monday in October
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i don't think you joke about going up Snowdon!!!
i for one will be applying strict rules as to what to take,hence i will be taking my 30L camelback full to the brim with all the equipment,should i fail and have to sleep up there.
my other half wont ride it with me as he's not as keen as me 😥
No its because she doesn't want to have to deal with all that shit. Take a chill pill.
Huh i was only stating a fact that it's no joke,taking the essential equipment is vital for doing this kind of biking.
and she is a he!
Seriously you really don't make it sound fun. While I agree that you should be prepared I also think that you shouldn't go over the top as it takes the fun out of it.
Oh and apologies for misreading and typing she.
apology accepted 🙂
fun,preparation,full equipment sorted.
Mike D's picture is just before what is possibly the hardest section, but its only relatively short, and theres a chicken run anyway.
The rangers path is not remotely like any trail centre I've ridden. There are some superficial similarities between some of it and the munsters sections of CyB from back in the day before they were re-worked. If you're used to being fed a line by trail centers, Rangers will, IMO, be a very rude awakening for you.
If you're uncomfortable with moderately slow, steep wheel drops, sometimes at the balance point and often threading through smallish gaps, with little run-out and not much space before the next drop to compose yourself, or if you favour flow, then you're not going to have much fun on the rangers path.
So as not a huge technical rider, who fancies doing this solo, in a reasonable amount of gear / not hungover way how doable is it.
Is it like a Fort William mandatory air type thing or can I ride and drop etc...
Kind of fancy it 🙂
Honestly, if the weather is clear it's a scream - go for it - its proper mountain biking.
Just tell someone where/when you are going, take a little survival bag and a fully charged phone in case you cant walk or ride out; just like you do on normal rides. The only real difference to a "normal" riding outing is that it can be unusually cold and windy so dress appropriately.
OP if rangers path looks a bit technical, give the llanberis descent you've climbed a go down. I've done both a few times and find the extra speed and flow much more fun. If I'm honest, the llanberis descent is probably my favourite ride in the uk. I cant wait to go again in a couple of weeks:)