MTB Micro Adventures

Cadair Idris is Wales 19th highest peak standing at 893m, almost 200m lower than Snowdon. Snowdon tends to get the largest majority of Mountain Bikers probably due to it being so well known and having been publicised in MTB magazines over the years. Cadair Idris is however a different beast on a bike. Where Snowdon is rock all the way to the top and back down again, Cadair is a mixture of everything. Singletrack bridleway, tarmac, double track, grassy traverse followed by a steep boulder filled ascent for the final 2km. We started our ride at Abergrynolwyn, a lovely little village to the south of Cadair. Our group of 9 were well up to the challenge that lay ahead. Off we went and within 20meters of the start point I had sent us down the wrong turning to the bridleway. This was followed by chants of "what sort of guide are you" and "what hope have we got of getting to the top if you cant get us out of the car park" Fair comment I suppose. Anyway we found the bridle...

Penrhos Isaf Bothy is situated on the south side of Coed Y Brenin Forest and is an ideal overnight stop if your into mountain biking and like a little adventure. The group of riders I was guiding this week was made up of three Dads and three lads aged 13. This was their second such trip to the Bothy having done a similar trip last year during the summer months. The day started in the cafe at the visitor centre where all good rides should start/pass or finish at. Following a bit of form filling, a chat about the plan for the weekend and with coffee and bacon baps lining our stomachs we headed up to the skills area at CYB MTB centre. The kids loved this last year and asked if they could go on it again this time. Its a great little set up for the little ones and for adults, with green, blue, red and black sections for them to try before they head out onto the longer trails in the forest. Having tested their skills on the green and blue runs we headed back to the cars to ma...