I have a free Monday and Tuesday coming up towards the end of November based in Cardiff. Got bike and car but aside from Afan, I dont know the area at all.
So any suggestions for a must do ride in South Wales, dont really want to be driving much more than an hour to get to it though.
Preference is natural as opposed to trail centers.
Many thanks!
The Brecon Beacons are within your range and probably your best bet. The Gap is good, Black Mountains Killer (never done it but heard it's good). This ride near Llangorse is also good, did it last month:
There's a decent loop around The Gower too if the sun is shining.
[url= http://singletrackworld.com/trailguide/uk/wales/between-trail-centres-south-wales/ ]Between Trail centres[/url]
Have a look at this. Rideable from Cardiff
Cwmcarn is the closest.
Local rides around Machen and Castle Coch
killer loop .... but reverse the published routes so that you climb up past the resevoir
[i]killer loop .... but reverse the published routes so that you climb up past the resevoir
[/i]
Only if you want to ride up a great long descent, to ride down a super steep short descent.
If you like night riding come and join our Monday ride
http://www.castlebikes.co.uk
+1 Cwmcarn.
I did this the other week and loved it:
http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?lnk=http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1279811/BreconBLongRev4.gpx
First half is not very eventful and involves a long tarmac climb, but the second half rocks. You're well off rights of way in the middle, but it's all logging roads that the MXers seem to use a fair bit, so you shouldn't have any issues.
The Forest of Dean is within range too. . .