Another good turnout and ten of us completed the “Arthur 2 times” route around the northern end of the Clwyd hills, thanks to Matt having programmed it into his GPS from the Ride the Clwyds website. A few spots of rain as we set off gave way to sunshine and fantastic views across the Vale of Clwyd, Denbigh and Ruthin, to the Carnedds and Tryfan beyond. Despite all the recent rain, the going wasn’t as wet as anticipated as many of the tracks appear to have had gravel applied. This route isn’t without some long climbs, but much of it traverses the hills giving some “quality” offroad riding.
After a very pleasant lunch at the Loggerheads Country Park cafe Jon, Kevin, Jack and I set off to do a bit more. 1000 feet of climbing later and Jack’s legs began to protest – hardly surprising after a full morning’s ride, so he and Kevin peeled off while Jon and I rode one of the permissive routes over the shoulder of Moel Famau with a superb grassy descent to the west. The only trouble was that left a gruelling climb back up and over the ridge before we could descend towards Cilcain and the lanes back to Loggerheads. Thanks also to Andy B for the additional pics.
I've riden this route before, and really enjoyed it, so count me in! I'd appreciate a lift though, if there is a spare seat somewhere.
Matt,
I think I will have a free seat. Jack and his flatmate James(aka Macca) intend joining us but will share a car. So if you want me to pick you up somehere give me a ring on 07795450878. I live on Kingsmead.
Jon C and I travelling out together (no more room I'm afraid).
See you there at 10am. Bring a waterproof, drink and some food as we don't pass any cafes or pubs on route. Aiming to have lunch back at the Loggersheads cafe then out for some more.
We're up to 9 so far and I've book sunshine and a gentle breeze.
Sounds like it should be a quality day especially now you've ordered the weather Nick! See you tomorrow
It was a great ride and the reduction in tyre pressure paid off. Not sure where we went wrong after leaving Nick and Jon to "press on" to the summit but we found some tricky decents and tracks. When it says "No Wheels" does that apply to mountain bikes as well??
Sounds like you might have deviated from the bridleway Kevin. Not sure about the "no wheels" sign?
If you and Jack keep on coming out on these rides I'm sure you'll soon be able to stay the duration.
I'm trying to organise an off-road weekend, probably October/November in Dolgellau area so we can do the Coed y Brenin trails and Cader Idris. Let me know who's up for it.
Definitely interested in the week end, and count me in as a helper for the cyclo cross. I'll get Jack to confirm as well.