Your once-a-week dose of retail therapy from Singletrack’s Premier Dealers, stockists and advertisers:
Tuesday Treats gives you a quality serving of independent bike retailing and a chance to WIN BIG in this week’s prize draw!
This week, we introduce: Ty Beic
Ty Beic translates from Welsh into ‘Bike House’. Beautiful, North Wales accommodation that is focussed on those that love the great outdoors. Karen Price and Richard Roberts tell us more…
‘Ty Beic’. What’s the deal guys?
Quite simply we offer holiday cottages in North Wales, for mountain lovers. It’s self catering accommodation near Bala, North Wales, developed and run by us cycling fanatics (Karen and Richard) and done out in a camp Alpine style – not twee though, you understand. As Ty Beic translates from Welsh into ‘Bike House’, you get the feel. We’re lycra and baggies friendly.
What drew you to Bala?
Karen: We’ve both spent years cycling round this region on mountain, cross and road bikes. Richard used to spend his summer holidays camping (in a tent) in the Tanat Valley just over the hill, riding his Raleigh Burner up and down the quarry that is now the Revolution Bike Park – playground of the Athertons.
So, you’ve always been ahead of the game in promoting cycling in the area?
Richard: Ydy wir (yes indeed), as they say round here. And what an area it is to promote. But, little could I have imagined all those years ago just how much investment would go into developing the trail centres around here. If you combine all the official trails built within about half an hour’s drive of Ty Beic you’d be getting on for 400 miles of dedicated, undiluted offroad riding (that are designed to rideable all year round). That’s not even mentioning the natural stuff – of which there is plenty. It’s not an accident that we’re here.
But there’s more to it than ‘just’ the mountain biking?
Karen: There is indeed – there are even tarmac roads where you don’t see many cars. Something we had forgotten existed when we lived in SE England. The road riding here is great – and again there is a lot of variety to it. Richard had definitely lost all his love for the road bike before moving here, but I can say that it is now fully restored.
There’s a really active road club just started up in Bala (Clwb Beicio Bala) of which me and Richard are founding members. I have also qualified as a British Cycling coach and run regular Saturday morning sessions to get children into cycling.
What sets Ty Beic apart from other places to stay?
Richard: We’re totally committed to cycling in all its forms (in all weathers). We have secure bike storage, bike washing facilities and pretty much all the tools needed to fix most things. There’s also a laundry where you can wash and dry your kit. More than that we can offer advice on riding in the area, offer informal guiding and also arrange ‘official’ coaching and guiding with qualified local instructors.
Are people allowed to set fire to things at Ty Beic?
Karen: Well, I’m glad you asked me that and the answer is yes – we feel it is an important aspect of any trip to the countryside. We have arranged a fire pit in our field where man (and woman) can make fire. Each cottage also comes with a barbecue and room to sit outside and enjoy it. As well as that an amazing beer and wine shop has just opened in Bala so you can appreciate very fine ales whilst burning your food.
Finally, what can Singletrack subscribers expect?
We offer subscriber’s 10% off our list prices throughout the year and on arrival (to get your holiday off to the right start), we’ll supply you with some of our very special Ty Beic beer, brewed by Karen.
Click here to win this week’s prize!