Road Ride around Mount Snowden, Wales, UK

[MuniAddict]

Wow that sounds like it would be a blast!

[monocyclism]

Originally Posted by MuniAddict

Wow that sounds like it would be a blast!

Yeah I think so - and I'm intending to get some comprehensive video footage and digital photos to put online!!

[Pseudonym]

Did anyone do this? I was hoping to, but I wasn't in good enough shape.

[monocyclism]

Originally Posted by Pseudonym

Did anyone do this? I was hoping to, but I wasn't in good enough shape.

I did it, but unfortunately not on the 36er. Instead I had to opt for my tandem Can't say I wasn't forwarned by people though. I did a trail run before the event and, as someone already said, it wasn't the gradient as much as the distance that it went on. I was in good shape but I decided I would be walking most of that section. Actually on the tandem it was still a beast of a route with torrential rain on the day. Now booked in for the North Wales Bike Ride in May, 30 miles that will be flatter and bit warmer by then.

[1-wheeled-grape]

wow that route sounded so cool, I would definitely ride it, I couldn't careless if it takes ages or kills my legs lol. I've wanted to ride parts of that since I first went to wales!

[monocyclism]

Originally Posted by 1-wheeled-grape

wow that route sounded so cool, I would definitely ride it, I couldn't careless if it takes ages or kills my legs lol. I've wanted to ride parts of that since I first went to wales!

Yeah really cool.....cool enough to freeze my gloves to my fingers If you want to get into Wales pick up with INTO THE BLUE who apparently has a thing for riding down (if not up) Mount Snowdon.

[monocyclism]

This time last year I was just waiting for my first 36er to arrive, having only started unicycling a few months earlier. Whilst waiting I recieved details about the Snowdon Bike Ride as detailed below. Without preparation I decided not to do it on the 36 as I didnt feel experienced enough to boldly go where no 60 year old unicyclist has been before. Instead I did it on the tandem.

Not so this year! However the pressure is on now because I badly bruised one of my toes a few days ago and although the healing process appears rapid the foot needs to be good for the event in 7 days. I expect to be ready

So this post is just to remind anyone who wishs to consider riding the event, that can be entered on the day, and the details are shown below:

Originally Posted by monocyclism

A 33 mile ride that has been running a few years and is well organised with course marshalls and free meal of hot soup in local pub included in the entry fee of £8. the date for the event is weekend of 6th and 7th March 2010 (chose one of the days). Unicycles are welcomed and the details are:

You will be mainly cycling on ‘A’ class roads, so please be aware of other road users and ride safely. The ride is not a race, but a challenge and a day to enjoy. There will be marshals on the route to help with any problems. If you leave the event before the finish please phone details to the Cwellyn Arms on 01766 890321 to avoid search teams looking for you! Some last minute checks: Is your bike in good working order? Have you a drink and some energy food? Are you wearing bright clothing?

If you are interested in taking part in the event, please E-mail your name and address to: snowdoninn@aol.com. Contact: Cwellyn Arms, Rhyd Ddu, Gwynedd, LL54 7YS on 01766 890321

Route: Leaving the Cwellyn Arms go left on the A4085, dropping downhill to ride alongside Llyn Cwellyn. Here and for a few miles you may see or hear trains on the Welsh Highland Railway.

Climb up the hill into Waunfawr, then take the second turning on the right, to Llanrug. This narrower road takes you up to a crossroads before levelling out, with fine views over Anglesey. As you reach the few houses at Ceunant the road descends steeply, with left then right hand bends and a narrowing road before the run in to Llanrug.

Turn right on to the A4086 to head for Llanberis. You will notice more traffic now, the road fairly flat until it climbs a little to pass above Llyn Padarn. Snowdon comes into sight as you drop down into Llanberis. Take the route through the village if you would like food or drink. Otherwise stay on the main road

Leave Llanberis for the village of Nant Peris, with fairly easy riding before climbing the dramatic Llanberis Pass to reach the road summit at 359 metre high Pen y Pass.

PLEASE GIVE YOUR NUMBER TO THE MARSHAL AT PEN Y PASS.

You may wish for refreshment at the cafe before starting the descent. The drop will test your brakes again – watch for the first sharp left hand bends after leaving Pen y Pass. Turn right on the A498 at Pen y Gwryd then enjoy the twisting descent on a narrow tree lined road to Llyn Gwynant. The road becomes fairly level now, passing through Nant Gwynant, with the chance of refreshment at a converted chapel on the right. Pass Llyn Dinas to reach Beddgelert with its hotels, cafes and shops.

You have to stop at the road junction in Beddgelert. The A4085 from Porthmadog comes over the bridge on your left. Do not go this way, but go straight ahead in the direction of Caernarfon. From here the road climbs for a couple of miles, before levelling out after the forest. Snowdon is now in view on your right while ahead is the welcoming sight of Rhyd Ddu and finally the finish at the Cwellyn Arms.

ON ARRIVAL, PLEASE GIVE YOUR NUMBER TO THE MARSHAL.

Then, it’s time for rest, a bowl of the Landlord’s soup, a drink, your certificate and a chat with other riders. All with a great sense of achievement, for you and for the good cause that you are supporting.

Well Done!

[monocyclism]

Haha! Well I had to give this some sort of attractive title. It's true though! Maybe the B*cyclist was tired (but he said he wasn't). At any rate it gave me a boost of confident to overtake a two wheeler on such a relatively steep road.

I only had my 36er for a few weeks when this event came up last year - so I didnt ride it on a unicycle then. This year I rode it on the 36 and did the whole 33 miles.

Some sections of the video show preparations not just riding. I include these as I hope to give, say, beginners and interested dudes some idea of the atmosphere of the event.

YouTube- Snowdon Bike Hike 2010