Ruthin Merida Marathon

My first marathon completed I did the 55km in 4 hours 10 mins.

Started out with a ride through ruthin. Then headed up for what was one big climb, the pace in the middle of the pack was reasonable though, with many walking. A lot of fall over moments, with people cycling at a slow speed and unable to remain balanced.

After the climb the pack spreaded out and continued to climb further. The track then continued on the Clwyd Loop that I was familiar with then a climb up and down towards gellifor with a great grassy decent. The climb then began again before the first pitstop for the day at the feed station where I ate a banana and continued cycling.

Then there was a road section back towards the lakes of cilcian and a climb back up towards Moel Fammau then picked up a road heading towards Gwenymynydd and then out on the road towards ruthin a short climb then continued before a long decent back towards Ruthin.

For more information on the route click here

Very pleased with my time and will probably do another Merida in the future :) possible the one in July.

Marin Trail Gwydyr Forest

Marin Trail Gwydyr Forest Llanrwst

Like all trails, the Marin starts with a climb before the start of some fireroad riding. The trail is very well waymarked and particularly easy to follow. Following the fireroad presents some of the first singletrack and comes out on to fireroad then out past the quarry for another climb to pay for the fun of the downhill. The trail meets a road and the climb continues then goes right for a short downhill section that brings you out on a fireroad that has fantastic views of snowdon and a lake. Then hit another climb and dive off right for a great piece of singletrack hit this at speed and stones fly everywhere and a smile on the face to keep you going. The trail then continues on fireroad and then some further singletrack before hitting the road where there is another fireroad trail. The trail then continues up a very steep climb before going right where the trail has rocks almost like steps as you continue to climb, carry this singletrack on and you come out at a fireroad for a pause and then head in left over a small northshore then a straight bit of singletrack before fireroad climb that assures a good downhill. Hit the top and turn right then follow this downhill all the way back to the car park easily the best part of the track with switchbacks, rocks, berms and jumps.

Ability: Medium the track is a reasonable distance at 25km but to enjoy it you need to hit the singletrack at speed. Also there is a large amount of forest roads as you would expect and the majority of climbs are found on these forest roads. You’ll either love it or hate it!

Best Time to Ride: As a trail centre suggests its rideable all year round. I rode it after some heavy rain and it was fine. Summer I suspect the trail will be busy but its a reasonable distance therefore unlikely to be congested. There are a few rides that you can combine with the marin trail and even link a loop of Penmachno for an all day epic, that would be perfect for a summer weekend.



Time: Took me 1 hour 1/2 today, they advice 2 - 4 hours to get around. I think a pro rider could do this in the hour if they were motoring.

What it costs: £1.00 a day, although the Pay & Display wasn’t working there today.

Overview: Some good fun singletrack but lots of fireroad that gives it a 3/5.

Here are some pictures from today:

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 :)

Llandegla

Time taken 1 hour 5 minutes.

Did the red again today. I really wanted to try and break the 1 hour barrier will have to try when its hot enough. Decided to try the Science in Sport P2P drink today, as I normally take the Electrolyte, left my mouth feeling like id been in the sahara dessert. I guess a mixture of the two would have been better.

Had fun though and my times are improving so can’t complain.

Vale of Clwyd Loop

2 hours 30 mins today - 40km

Had a really good ride today. I did the Vale of Clwyd Loop, decided to do some more natural riding rather than repetitive trail centres.

Started off in Gellifor head out towards Llanfair DC then left up a bridleway and follow this all the way up to the Clwyd Gate hotel. Cross the road and head down. Then climb upwards go through a few gates and then a little downhill towards the Moel Fammau Car Park. Follow the Red Ride the Clwyd Signs round the long switchbaks then climb up Moel Fammau. The route then drops quickly again following the ride the clwyd signs and down into Gellifor (definately the best part of the ride).

LLandegla

Went out for a blast round the red today. Did it in 1 hour 15 mins but it was very wet and started hailing at one point. Part of the route was closed due to ice.

Also purchased car park permit £40 per year to save some pennies.

Llandegla

Red route today - 1 hour 10 mins

Trying to keep a log of my times here to try and improve them as I’m aiming to get up there about 3 times a week. Lots of snow there today. Made the northshore a little difficult, but quite straight forward.