I have spoken to a few people I know about this and I think those who were there in the early days were cyclists looking to ride off road. So things like fitness mattered, climbs were one part of the ride. It seems to have swung a long way now, and yes in the UK at least riding, as in pedalling, seems to no longer be the point, if that makes sense. I am talking the average rider, at the top in all forms of cycle sport fitness matters.
Most of the climbing at a SuperEnduro is road based - so you need to be fit to get up a long old climb on a big bike, but you're not timed. The Enduro format recognises a shift in mindset where a climb is just something that has to get done, rather than of any value in the ride.
Plenty of natural trails there for those that want them. Trail centres can provide fast smooth swoopy stuff - tricky rocky stuff is out there in the hills.
It wasn't the weather for natural trails, I'm a +1 for trail centres being weatherproof options, not some limited/sterilised take on one sub genre of riding. There's lots of great trail centre rides in Wales, its just that Penhydd isn't one of them.
My Alpine 160 with bombers, coil forks and a smattering of Saint probably fits the Enduro bike bill, didnt think I was unusual (and other posts suggest I'm not) in finding Techy climbs rewarding and part of riding. You don't need a 22lb 80mm-travel whippet to be able to climb, or enjoy it.
I'd far rather techie climbs than miles of steady smooth switchbacks, like Whyte's.
Cwmcarn >> Whites.
One of my old favourite trails ruined by yet more smooth surfacing. At least it solves the 'what tyres for Penhydd?' questions.
Slicks of course.
Cool. Seems ideal for a visit with the HT next month.
