Real Ale Wobble
The Real Ale Wobble at LlANWRTYD will be held on the 17-18th of November 2007 this year.
As part of the Mid-Wales Beer Festival, the appositely named Real Ale Wobble see cycling enthusiasts (respectively over the first and final festival weekends) negotiating picturesque Welsh mountain terrain around Llanwrtyd Wells, "aided" by episodic bouts of drinking.
Seemingly encouraging the simultaneous benefits of exercise and inebriation, this festival guides intrepid (and increasingly optimistic) participants through some of the most majestic scenery in the country, with various checkpoints on the way to refresh, refill - and presumably redirect.
The festival itself is hosted by the various free houses of Llanwrtyd Wells , where triumphant survivors of the beer-cycle can award themselves more congratulatory ales. There are around 60 real ales on offer as well as entertainment in the evenings - "with emphasis on the social aspect of drinking real ale in pleasant surroundings amongst good company" - how very civilised..
This year was really very good however the cold snap didn't freeze the ground and so didn't reduce the slop on the mountain, and it was pretty chilly come 2.30pm, hey at least it wasn't raining. The evenings entertainment on Saturday night at the StoneyCroft was outstanding with a live band, a mosh pit for the insanely drunk and of course the beer all in one large tent at the back of the pub.
There is always a choice of miles per day 18, 23, 28 and all routes are waymarked, except when the sheep eat the markers. This year saw a better route with the extra five mile loop by feeding/beer station 1/2 so non extremists could continue drinking whilst the extreme could do more miles of mud. The free real ale at the checkpoints, is to be had by cashing in your tokens- so all three routes are 90% off road, using farm and forest tracks, paths, open land, wild and desolate mountain terrain.
Refreshment at various stops is included in the entrance fee, so also is First Aid cover in case of mishap.Gordon Green spends £1000 on insurance and the same again on emergency support for the ride, however you are then asked to sign a waiver absolving him of any blame, when you may have broken your leg, being pissed on a bike in the mountains of Wales
It is claimed that there will always be a varied amount of evening entertainment apart from drinking beer, well we did see naked tea tray surfing two years ago on the Neuadd stairs but that's been it so far? accompanied by some serious looking carpet burns.
ENTRY COSTS for the two days cycling is £16 for the 2 days that's Saturday & Sunday or £10 per 1 day including refreshments (that's the beer), payable in advance to Green Events Ltd, Ty'r Sospan, Llanwrtyd, Powys, LD5 4SS.
Booking Form: http://llanwrtyd-wells.powys.org.uk/raw_entryform.htm
Tourist Office: Llanwrtyd Wells Tourist Information Centre
Address: Tourist Information Centre, The Square, Llanwrtyd Wells, Powys, LD5
4RB
Phone: +44 (0) 1591 610666
Fax: +44 (0) 1591 610666
Email:tourist information">
All rides start and finish in the centre of Llanwrtyd Wells.
There is a wide range of acommodation to suit all tastes available in Llanwrtyd, all of which is cycle friendly. For 2005 accommodation enquiries, contact the Tourist Information Centre
On arrival, please register at the Neuadd Arms Hotel, in the Square.
Essentials you will need to bring with you include:
- Mobile phone to call the emergency number when things go wrong.
- Compass/sat nav & map are always a good idea.
- Waterproofs
- A Bike
- A Helmet
- Emergency food
- Whistle
- Survival Bag
- Tool Kit
- Suitable bike riding kit because you know you are going to get wet and protective clothing
Remember it can be VERY WET AND COLD on the Welsh Mountains, and the weather can change dramatically hour by hour, there is no such thing as bad weather just incorrect clothing!
In the interests of safety, anyone under 16 years old must be accompanied at all times by an adult.
And now the Welsh Tourist Board Disclaimer:
This is a non competitive event held in mountainous terrain. Participants should be adequately prepared and equipped and should carry emergency gear in case of accident or inclement weather. By entering, participants agree to indemnify the organisers against liability for accidents, thefts and/or damage to property. The organisers will, of course, make every effort to make this a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
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