After six amazing years of the Wrinklies Run, this year it is time for something a little different.
The original, way back in 2015 was a classic 'Chasing the Sun' route more or less straight across the country from Ness Point in Lowestoft (the most easterly point in the UK) to Aberystwyth (not the most westerly) in Welsh Wales. Because we were not total loonies, we didn't attempt to actually do it in one day, which was the original idea of chasing the sun runs, rather a more leisurely pace, meandering around as befits gentlemen of a certain age...
Everyone agreed it was a top job by Rae and so it became an annual favourite, just not from Lowestoft to Aberwotsit as the following two years were also 'Chasing the Sun' routes again starting in Lowestoft but taking a more meandering route and ending up in Llandudno followed the next year by Lowestoft to Llanelli in South Wales.
As with all route planning, the more you use the same start or end points, the more difficult it becomes to find new and interesting roads and so the last three Wrinklies trips have seen routes from Cleethorpes to Frome, Southport to Clacton and Wheyrigg in Cumbria to Worthing.
We have criss-crossed the country and without going over old ground or heading off to Scotland or Ireland, it is difficult to find new challenges.
Wrinklies Welsh WrambleUnlike the Wrinklies Runs of yore which were always a point-to-point route over two days bracketed by three nights in hotels a couple of hundred miles apart, this year we are planning a single base in mid-Wales with daily loops on the best roads the area has to offer.
The Cast, so far:Brian (Phmode) Yes (Bryncelyn Guesthouse)
Richard (richtea) Yes (Bryncelyn Guesthouse)
Matt (Matt!) Yes (Bryncelyn Guesthouse)
Martin (fjtwelve) Yes (Bryncelyn Guesthouse)
Tom (TomK1300s) Yes (Bryncelyn Guesthouse)
Bob Yes (Bryncelyn Guesthouse)
Rae (raesewell) Yes (Bryncelyn Guesthouse)
Ady (Ady00) Yes (Neuadd Arms Hotel)
Philip (Philip!) Yes (Neuadd Arms Hotel)
Colin (flatfour) Poss (depending on dates)
The proposed itinerary is as follows:
When? Mon 14th - 16th JuneWhere? Confirmed base(s):
Llanwrtyd Wells, just west of the middle of nowhere.
-
Bryncelyn Guesthouse (max 7) booked
-
Neuadd Arms (20 beds) - literally two doors along, bookable
We have a confirmed booking for all 7 rooms at the Bryncelyn Guesthouse for those 7 members who are a definite 'Yes'.
Bryncelyn is a 4 star B&B that has never disappointed in many stays there, has off-road parking for half a dozen bikes on their private drive and Lil, the lovely Irish(?) owner, serves a huge traditional breakfast.
The nearest and most convenient place in town to eat supper and be merry is The Neuadd Arms, 50 yards along the street.
The Neuadd Arms also has 20 rooms available for guests but is currently not taking bookings. I have spoken to the chef (who was in doing lunches for the lads in the garage next door) and obviously, if lockdown is finished then they will be open so anyone else wishing to join in the fun will be able to stay there making one big merry group for the all important evening celebrations. I will keep in touch with them as and when Wales re-opens.
[Update 5th Feb: Philippe got through to them via email: 'I made the reservation (i.e. directly, not via booking.com). The landlady asked to let her know as soon as possible if I wouldn't be able show up for any reason, more specifically if any government would forbid traveling at that time; I can pay when leaving, didn't need to pay any advance.']
The Neuadd Arms also has off-road parking and a wonderful public bar and a slightly less salubrious locals bar as well as its own brewery out the back. No, really! The restaurant serves excellent meals with daily specials as well as a full menu.
How long for? 3 core nights at the dual bases, cheek-by-jowl in Llanwrtyd Wells.
What for?2 full days riding, approx 1.5 - 2 hour sections with 2 coffee/take in the view/fag stops and a lunch break.
Also 2 half-day rides have been added for Monday PM, and Thursday AM if anyone is interested in joining us.
The full day rides start at 9am sharp. Painful, but it's the only way to actually get everyone round and back for opening time!
A day ride is roughly 7.5 - 8 hours once stops are taken into account, so we aim to return by 4:30-5pm.
The half-days rides are 3 hours including a single stop.
Full day routes as GPX 1.1 files:
Download zipFull day routes as ITN files:
Download zipAlso the optional half day routes as GPX 1.1 files:
Download zipAnd optional half day routes as ITN files:
Download zipLastly, for ease of viewing
CLICK ON MAPS BELOW FOR GOOGLE ROUTENOTE: it's not possible to get Google to exactly follow the above true routes, but these are a pretty good approximation for viewing purposes
Tuesday: Brecons Zig-zagThis is based on one of TomK1300S' excellent routes - thanks Tom!
It covers the Brecons - up down, left right, all over the place. Depending on the weather, there may be a few fag/photo stops added.
Mostly A & B roads.
Wednesday: Mid-Wales LoopMid-Wales, including an optional stop at the
Centre for Alternative Technology.
Mostly main roads, with a bit of single track at the top of the loop near Lake Vrynwy.
Half day Monday: Elan Valley (optional half-day)A half-day route to the lakes and dams of Elan Valley - this is a sight-seeing route. Dams, dams and more dams.
A lot of single track roads, so potentially quite challenging. Also possibly tourist traffic on this particular route
Half-day Thursday: To the Sea (optional half-day)A half-day route to the sea. Living in the middle of the country I only get to see the sea about once a year - so it's purely to amuse me. But why not!
Again a lot of single track, so potentially quite challenging.
Because we're based at one hotel, there's the option to split into separate groups, and if there are different ideas for that day's ride, folks can head off into the Principality and do their own thing if they wish.
We are not intending to go to North Wales. That's been done, and it's more heavily policed compared to the rest of Wales.