Wales Duro set up

I did it back in 2021. Probably one of my most memorable events. It’s a great ride and certainly not easy.

I was on a pretty basic alu 2x gravel bike. There’s some sections that feel very MTB, but also lots of road too. I recall the last section in to Cardiff being a fairly long drag on tarmac.

A brilliant event though. I’d like to do it again at some point, I’d need to massively improve my fitness though. It’s certainly long and hilly 😀

Is walesduro different to xdurowales?

I believe it’s the same thing, renamed in 2019.

Yes same event I think, Bangor to Cardiff, times segments, bivi overnight in midwales, mix of inroad and off-road.

Ah yes....in thwt case ive done it twice. Its brilliant!

I don’t a gravel bike, will be riding my Santa Cruz Highball HT, probably with 2.1″ thunderburt tyres to help rolling resistance on the road unless there is something more suitable.<br /><br />

No idea about the event… but I used to ride the same bike and had a pair of TB tyres. Super fast, but weren’t great on my gravel commute. I’ve never worn so much sealant. <br />Ikon might be marginally slower rolling but I think might have more puncture resistance

The route is ace. It was mostly hard surfaces apart from a short HAB section that can be boggy in places. I guess i was pushing for about an hr.

The campsite is ace, but its v midge prone. I had a headnet, but at might my bivvi bag had no mesh screen and i had a disturbed nights sleep being bitten.

I have done some of the same routes in another event and a gravel/CX bike should be mostly fine. There are also a few you tube vids onto event with competitors on gravel bikes

Good to know, will look for a midge net.  Should be ok at night, will take a hooped bivvi.

No gravel bike so xc hard tail will have to do, appreciate it won’t be the best on long road sections hence looking at tyre and aero bars .

I know the thunder burts will be fairly fragile compared to usual MTB tyres but are they not tougher than most of the narrower gravel tyres that gravel bike riders will be on?

Conti xc race kings protection have similar rolling resistance to thunder burts on bicycle rolling resistance site, so they could be an option.

Did anyone bother with gas and stove?  It looks like there’s food at the campsite and will eat cold food on the road?

No to brew kit/stove....not required

+1 on the midges, I woke up looking like SuperTed’s mate.

If you don’t get a place at Daf’s farm then there’s a proper camp site just down the road.

Agree that the Thunder Burts should be tough enough. The section I saw most people struggle with punctures was coming down the slate mine early on day 1.

Memories are flooding back, making me want to do it again.

Its the first timed section through the slate quarry thats super hard on tyres. I live about 2 miles from here and i wiuldnt blast through the quarry there if i knew i was 5% into a 280 km ride. Others may have a different opinion

I don't think I will be troubling the leader board so riding with the main aim of completing the route in the allotted time.  Looking at the elevation I have need to shift some weight!

This is a helpful thread. I'm signed up to do it.

* I'm bivvying at the farm, planning on using a lot of insect repellent

* I'll probably push some of the slate, I don't want a puncture

* More pushing on the gap, looks unrideable for my level

* I'll start early both days, 6am as I'm really slow

* I'll go as light as I can, bivvy, mat, sleeping bag main weights

Any other tips to help me finish? Finishing is my only aim 🙂

Looks like rain over the weekend for Walesduro. I'm thinking of taking a tent instead! I think the extra weight will be worth the shelter overnight.

The tent will help a little with the midges too! I'm not one for a bivvy so had a small tent when I rode it.

Absolutely no shame in pushing up the Gap on a loaded gravel bike. After that it's down hill/flat all the way to the finish.

Looking back at Strava and I registered about 800m more climbing on day one, it's definitely the harder day I feel.

It's a great ride. Good luck!

Thank you funkybaj, reassuring post, cheers!