Coed y Brenin

Routemaps
(From www.mtbwales.co.uk)

Well I'd never have guessed that Dolgellau was pronounced "Dolghethlee". But anyway that's where CYB is. Our ex-East End B&B owner Nigel sorted us right out with secure bike storage, a full English breakfast, seemingly endless tales of his crashes, and he even washed and dried the soaking muddy rags that our biking gear turned into after Day 1. Top santé.

Day 1

Rained from the off. Rode Karrimor trail (@32km with a few minor diversions) and then despite being absolutely soaked and freezing cold we decided to tackle the Redbull (11km). It rained pretty much constantly, but the trails were blinding - a lot more technical than expected which was good.

Day 2

Rode the MBR trail (22km) today before the rain set in again.

Spent some time on the short BSX style track near the carpark (end of the RedBull run). Good fun although we found it difficult to carry enough speed round the berms to get much air - Maybe we're just crap.

First Impressions:

• Karrimor
  Varied terrain (roots, rocks, gullies, forests, hillsides...) and some good views. Technical descents linked by some lengthy fireroad hauls (one climb in particular was not popular given the lashing rain). Starts of the same as the Redbull, including the rocky twistfest that is Snap, Crackle and Pop.
• Red Bull
  Quick blast with great twisty downs and a few good short climbs. The last descent kicks arse, and leads into a mini BSX track before the carpark - perfect for showboating your skills or smashing your face into the gravel overcooking the jumps and berms.
• MBR
  Probably the best overall as every climb seemed to lead to a great descent. Pink Heifer is really rubbly and tested our levels of commitment and grip.