I was fortunate this weekend to have the pleasure of guiding the Sussex and Hampshire Association of Biking Idiots (SHABI) around some of the most beautiful parts of southern Snowdonia.
On Saturday we climbed, summited and descended our local mountain Cader Idris. At 893 metres Cader stands imposingly above Dolgellau and is a short, steep climb up from there. We took the longer, more ride-able (and legal) route up from our base in Abergynolwyn.
Some pushing on the way makes this a tough ride, and the boulder-strewn upper slopes make it impossible to ride up and difficult even to ride down. Further down the track becomes smoother, faster, and more fun, and with added technical trail sections it a really brilliant descent.
The Gamallt provided a scenic return to the village where the Railway Inn was waiting with ice cold beers to cool us all down.
On Sunday I led the group into the vastness of the Dyfi Forest where they were treated to some of the best of its hidden trails. A few hours riding meant that we could barely scratch the surface of what’s on offer here, but the smiles all round mean that the SHABIs are sure to be back again to seek out more Dyfi fun in the future.
Thanks to Tom and the rest of the SHABIs for being such good sports and making it such a fun weekend in the Welsh sunshine! I look forward to seeing you all again next year! (Hopefully when Dodgy has fixed his bike!)
Wheelism offers guided riding in southern Snowdonia and across Wales – we can cater for individuals, couples, families, or groups of up to 24 riders – get in touch if you’d like more information!
Thanks Steve , excellent couple of days riding , I learnt a lot about how to handle my bike , simple advice and tips that once they are pointed out are blatantly obvious and make it so much more enjoyable . Having you guide us up and down routes that were , not only suitable for our abilities , but routes we would probably not have even found , was a time saver and great fun .
Great guiding this wend Steve – enjoyed it immensely – will be sure to be back for more next year! Cheers Nick O (Sir Fallalot) SHABI