Cycling UK Forum

Hello all

Heading off next week on my first ever cycle tour heading out from Llandeilo to Builth Wells (36 miles uphill grind) , then Builth to Rhayader then hopefully picking up the Élan Valley trail then NCR 81 to Tregaron (42 miles) then heading home to Llandeilo, with a 30 mile leisurely ride.

Just wondering if anyone has done anything similar, I'm sure lots have. I've got a couple of nagging questions

1. Trying to work out my timings. On an unloaded heavy tourer I can cover about 18 miles in 1.15. Just wondering what you guys add on for hills, weight etc
2. Getting lost - how clear is the NCN? I'm pretty good with OS maps but the NCN ones are new to me. The whole 'panels' layout doesn't seem to me that logical?
3. Anyone know if there is a single map that covers all the cycle routes, without having to buy 2 or 3 maps, all with disjointed panels!
4.How do you contingency plan? I'm planning bunkhouse to BB to bunkhouse, but I'm tempted to carry my tent and stove / emergency rations in case I get caught out.

A lot of these questions are probably dumb, but a bit of learned advice would really help.
regards

Stuart

Back when I was using that technique, I found that 15mph and one hour for every 600m of climbing worked a perfect treat for me. I was amazed by just how predictable it was, though of course I may have altered my effort a little if I was going faster or slower.
Of course that will be different for everybody.

I am afraid that you really have to keep your eyes open and wits about you when trying to follow Sustrans' routes. The section that you are using hasnt had a Ranger for absolutely years, so no idea what the quality of the signing will be.
I had one bad mistake using the Sustrans map, the yellow highlighting gives the impression that the NCN route is the main road and that the other roads are minor roads joining it. So I ended up missing my turning and making a considerable detour after that I turned the GPS back on.

I wouldnt take a tent and my emergency rations would be stuff that doesnt need cooking, just something to eat straight out of the panniers. I do take a stove but if the weather remains like this, you would need to find a good bit of shelter to make it reasonable to stop for a brew without freezing in the process.

Water can be a bit of a problem, if you are willing to filter or boil then there is no shortage. I dont like to spend time doing that on a ride for my drink bottles. Pontrhydfendigaid and Llandewi Brefi both have public toilets with proper taps.

You have quite a bit of exposed and isolated territory on that ride which can turn quite hostile. However you said in your introduction to the forum that you are into mountains, so I guess that you know what it is like out there. In the case of a real emergency there will always be a car coming within an hour.

Apologies that this does not address any of your queries. Please be warned that the fabulously scenic cycle route alongside the various Elan valley reservoirs can get particularly frustrating when you have to constantly dismount and remound to pass through a variety of gate-shaped obstacles. Such a shame.

stuartmack wrote:4.How do you contingency plan? I'm planning bunkhouse to BB to bunkhouse, but I'm tempted to carry my tent and stove / emergency rations in case I get caught out.

I've been caught out a couple of times, and would recommend being prepared for a night out of doors.

A sleeping bag, with a waterproof bivvy bag and a space blanket is generally enough if it's just in case. The space blanket is designed to help conserve body heat in an emergency & can double as a rain tarp. For a little more weight and money, it's possible to buy slightly heavier ones that are designed for such dual purpose use.

If I'm going to go to the trouble of carrying a tent, I'd rather use it and save the money spent on B&Bs A stove could be useful, too; even just to make a cup of tea, if there isn't much around.

Thanks everyone, trip was a huge success and ill post up my travelogue or blog soon.

Cheers
Stu