Hello all
So the details for BMW2004/1 South wales are:
We will be camping in the afan forest park campsite which is located on the A4107, six miles from M4 junction 40. Look out for signs for Afan Argoed Countryside Centre.
Camping will be £1.75 per night and drinking water is available, toilets and a washroom is there. Sorry no showers but the nearest campsite to the rides with a shower is 40min drive away so I thought it be better to stay close. If anyone does want to stay with a shower contact me and I will try to sort something. The wash room should be good enough though and there is a b**e wash aswell so we could always hose ourselves down!!
Not too sure about car parking. Usually you have to pay (only £2 per day) but since we are camping we may get away with it or will at least get a discount, we will find out when we get there I suppose. Should be able to sort something with the ranger.
Sorry to mark wiggins and steve (and anyone elso) who may bring there camper/caravan you will not be able to take them into the campsite so a tent would be better. You could sleep in the car park if you really want to stay in the camper/caravan though.
so meeting:
I should get there by about 6pm on fri eve. If anyone gets there before me ask the ranger where the campsite is and he will direct you. As you go into the camp you will see an area on the RHS with bbq’s we can try to have that area for ourselves. It should be ample big enough. If you can find it or the ranger not about phone me on 07736 470768
The onsite café should be open all weekend 9-5ish and is very reasonable so you could always eat there but of course feel free to bring your own food. I think a communal bbq may be nice so I will bring some charcoal and another bbq so if ppl just bring food it would be good.
If anyone is coming on the sat obviously come as early as possible so we can get a full days riding in
The Plan:
This is a very rough guide so just take it with a pinch of salt really but:
Fri 1800 onwards meet up drink beer get to know ppl bbq etc. could do a night ride if ppl are up for it?? (let me know thoughts on that, if ppl are up for the night ride has anyone got lights I could borrow?)
Sat 1000-1100 ish start riding
Sat eve/night more beer maybe a night ride if we don’t do it on fri and just generally have a good time
Sun 1000-1100 do another ride and sadly go home
We can decide what rides to do when we are there but there are 4 main routes to try and we could always head up the valleys if we feel nessecary but thats about a 50 minute drive
The possible routes:
The wall – 23km one big climb then lots of interesting DH and singletrack. Much of the single track traverses the north side of the afan vally, the trail varies from fast open flowing to tight technical and rooty.
The single track is often exposed on some steep slopes.
Penhydd – 22km
Very varied, fast fire type road climb with technical switchback singletrack through woodland and open singletrack with stunning views. Big climbs and technical decents.
Whites level – 15km
Another mixture of climb and technical singletrack
The new Skyline a massive 46km
Same but different and bigger!!
You get the picture by now
All the routes are clearly signed and will be easy to follow
The people who know me will smile at this comment but the routes are cokerable (for those who like the speed) but there is lots of playing to be done on Muni’s also. If anyone is up for doing the skyline I think I may give it a go but I think a coker/29 would be the best option for this as the distance but anyone on a smaller wheel is obviously more than welcome to join in.
Those of you that enjoy riding coker bring it as it will be good.
I will try to upload some maps f the routes but I have no scanner and campus is shut when I finsish work but I will try to post them up. if I cant do that there will be plenty available on the day.
Ummm what else
The campsite may be quite busy espeshally on sat so if we could organise sharing tents it would be good.
If anyone has a gazebo they wouldn’t mind bringing then that would be good also.
You can find info about the park on www.afanforestpark.co.uk
http://www.mtb-wales.com/ has got some route maps (os in anquet format but you can download a shareware copy) and has got loads of stuff about afan (just do a search)
there are no near shops (nearest is about 20mins away) so try to bring everything you need (don’t forget the beer!)
well I think that’s everything if anyone has any questions email me on desdeadly@hotmail.com or even phone me on 07736 470768 sorry no landline or just put up a post and I will try to check every day.
So please let me know if you are up for the night ride? (and if you could lend me lights 
)
And I suppose numbers, who is coming?
Looking forward to seeing you next week
Take it easy
Des
