Penmachno

This is the second time I’ve been up here after getting lost first time around, this time was much better. The weather put a dampner on things to say the least.

Approx 2 hours.

The Course

Starting off is the great climb (what a warm-up), then cut through to the right and start on some single-track, the legs were beginning to ache at this point (1 week off the bike excuses excuses). You then get spat out on to fireroad, after this there is a turning on the right (the track is all signposted). This is where the fun begins start off straight down full speed rocky and a great test again out on fireroad. This fireroad is the first beast, straight up and over the river and continue to climb then take a path right. Again another flier, carry on over two small north shore type sections. Out at road and then right again, down and then the switch back climbs, great for the legs. Nice views from the top (my first break point). Carry this on and then out again (this is the bit where I got lost turn left for loop one and right for loop two. The second beast of a fireroad begins straight up and up and up feels like forever (aka 5 mins lol). Then right on singletrack (its cold this is the most exposed area not good when its raining like hell!). Single track then goes on for about 10 mins this was really good mostly flat last bit fast. Next break point and then climb up forest track. At top of climb take right down on singletrack (starting to get good!). Carry on on fireroad and take right heading down and then out on fireroad. Continue forward and then get going on the last stretch of singletrack before popping out at the bottom of the road into the (very) small carpark.

Thoughts

Great track but I think knowing it is very powerful. One thing I’ve found with all the tracks in wales is one lap really doesn’t give a lasting impression. I enjoy llandegla as I’m used it I can hammer into corners because I know them really well. I’d love to be able to get to know Penmachno a bit more and then I would have some serious fun. It is a lot more fluid than llandegla and no where near as artificial. Its no where near as busy as llandegla and doesnt have many walkers so all in all a great day ride. Only thing is i’m itching to go back :)