Cambrian Trail

[Richard G]

Just got back from a successful completion of the Cambrian Trail.

Apologies for the dot watchers amongst you who may have enjoyed the watch, but I really wasn't sure I was going to be able to pull this off (especially due to recent injuries and training downtime) so I didn't want to put any undue pressure on myself.

Conditions were utterly horrific at times, and I genuinely thought I was going to freeze to death on the second day as I couldn't find shelter. In the end (after putting on everything I had with me), I had to hide in a cow shelter and basically stayed there until light desperately trying to warm up (no heat sources with me).

As usual I couldn't sleep, so the whole three days only saw me lay down for a few hours to recover my muscles a bit (I really need to learn how to sleep outdoors). Blew my hamstring in the last four hours and by the time I finished I couldn't even cycle back to Swansea for food / a train. I had to sit there huddled into a shop front in some random town at 3am, waiting for the better half to pick me up.

I didn't realise until the last day that I had a chance at improving on the current fastest time, so I went for it (details with Ian for confirmation). I honestly believe with the right conditions though the whole thing could be done in sub two days. Not with the wind / rain that I had though. :( Amusingly, it went completely in the other direction at points too as I started to suffer heatstroke and I'm pretty badly burned.

Will write some actual thoughts at some point, right now it's all a bit jumbled and raw.

[Richard G]

Related, I genuinely feel like sub 2 days is possible, but you'd need perfect conditions (no rain because of rocky sections, no wind because of exposed sections).

Oh, and I must admit, I've NEVER been so happy to see the Beacons. Had I realised the two climbs that were to come after it (near Afan) then I might have felt differently though.

[Ian]

Well done - it's been a while since we had a completion on this

I can relate to the "glad to see the Beacons" comment. You almost think you're done at that point, but it's still a tough ride to the finish from there.

[whitestone]

Well done Hope your injuries heal quickly.

[ianfitz]

Nice ride RG, well done, especially in those conditions

What was your ride time?

So far as I know the fastest completion is 2:15:15 - by Steve Heading & Alan Sheldon

[Zippy]

Top work sir! Now let's hope the recovery goes well.

[Ian]

What was your ride time?

So far as I know the fastest completion is 2:15:15 - by Steve Heading & Alan Sheldon

I haven't had a chance to look at the Strava files yet, but it's a very good time

[benp1]

Good work mate!

[Ray Young]

Well done, look forward to a write up.

[Bearbonesnorm]

[NorwayCalling]

Tidy like

[Scattamah]

Good job fella. I'm with you on the sunburn...I have helmet strap marks and arms that look like 50/50 bars.

Greetz

S.

[Richard G]

Ha... yeah, had I done your route I think I'd have definitely been carrying something heavy duty for protection.

As it was, I put some chamois cream on my ears and legs. :D

[Bearbonesnorm]

I put some chamois cream on my ears and legs.

Aye, you don't wanna get chafed.

[Richard G]

I think it actually worked, which is luck more than judgement!

[Ian]

OK, folks - we have a NEW FASTEST TIME for the Cambrian Trail: https://cambriantrail.wordpress.com/completions/

Very well done for that - stellar performance in less than ideal conditions

[Richard G]

[benp1]

Good stuff!

[99percentchimp]

Brilliant ride