Wild Wales Challenge

The Wild Wales Challenge, now in its 30th year, is possibly the best kept cycling secret in the UK. We don't advertise it in the mags-we don't need to. Every year those "in the know" flock to Bala in North Wales for this unique event; for those riders, it represents the ride of the year, a fixture in their cycling calendar. And 650 riders is the maximum we'll allow, in order to preserve the particular character of this special event, so if you miss the boat, well, there's always next year!

The Wild Wales is NOT a sportive; nor is it a race. It's a true challenge event where the ingredients are a cracking good ride, all on road, the vast majority on minor roads and lanes; a different route each year; spectacular scenery; feed stops with good old comfort food; support from sag wagon and marshals; a specially engraved slate plaque (much coveted amongst the cognoscenti), and all-round value for money with a very modest entry fee. What more could you ask?

The idea of the WWC is that riders should not just belt round, head down, using it as a training run, but should take their time, take pleasure in the wonderful North Wales countryside, and enjoy the camaraderie of cycling in the company of fellow spirits.

For 2014 I have set a course which will test riders' abilities over a longer route of 97 miles, including the climbs of the Milltir Cerrig and Bwlch y Groes. More details to follow.

How tough is it? Well, it IS a challenge ride; there are steep hills and descents, but a reasonably fit cyclist with low gears will get round fine. The event is designed to appeal to a wide range of cyclists, not just the fast boys, and is a traditional-style tourist club event. Therein lies its charm.

The WWC is organised by Merseyside CTC, but you don't have to be a CTC member to enter. Any sort of bike may be ridden, as long as it's roadworthy. The message is: Look round and wonder at the spectacular scenery, soak up the general buzz, make new friends and chat to old ones, and just enjoy the day.