Thunder in the Valleys 2.
 

I am looking at organising another great Welsh rideout across Sarn Helen with Jasext (as he is back to riding again) and would welcome any feedback as to whether it should be a two-day weekend, so that we could make a weekend away. This would make it worth the trip for those who are further afield.

It could be either later this year, or we could try and make it an annual event, and do it in Spring 2012. (not clashing with Lakelands of course!)

It could be a trail ride one day and a road ride the other day, or two different rideouts, one road, one offroad for the whole weekend, depending on numbers.

Or just a one-day event.

Here is a thread with videos and piccys from the last one... http://www.xt660.com/showthread.php?t=16558

The area is near and around Merthyr Tydfil, not too far from the Severn Bridge. There is a basic campsite nearby, but no showers, or another one which is more comfortable.

Stunning countryside abound, with some good road rideout potential for those who would prefer a more solid base to ride on.. For the offroad part, you will need some proper trail bike tyres like TKC or MT21.

Jasext is a very obliging fellow, knows the Sarn like the back of his hand, and offers to guide us XT660.Com members for FREE. (guided trail rides you normally have to pay large sums of money to go on, and maybe the guides are not as considerate as Jase either!) However, I am sure Jase will be well looked after by us all!

So, any input, ideas etc. or interest in coming along...post away!

I'd be up for this !!

As you are probably aware, the lower part of Sarn Helen (from Neath up to Seven Sisters/Walters Arena) is TRO'd from a week before end of August to end of May each year - there are one or two tricky spots, particularly for bigger bikes, but it is one of the nicest parts of the whole route and it would be nice to include it in any ride-out?

So, ideally, for next year at least - I would propose some time between 1st June and 20th August...

Jx

Lots of notice this time, good move Richard.

and, yes, I'd certainly be up for a trip to the deep south, where men are men and sheep, well best left to the locals !! :angel7:

Also, it is best that the Lakes and TitV don't clash, considering Jenny's comment it looks like summer is a preffered time. A year away may sound a long time, but in organisation terms, it's about right!

To assist you, as nothing has been decided yet, I'll propose that the Lakes meet is the same time as last year. Easter 2012 is early April, so we'll aim to fit the Lakes in between 16th April (schools go back) and mid/end May. There are some other events normally run around this time too (Ripley comes to mind) This gives you some dates to play with, I'd suggest trying to keep at least a month between the two events.

As for the TitV, for me the option of a Friday arrival, with a Monday departure would mean maximising the weekend, so there should be some basic facilities available, but I can rough it if needs be. Prefference would be showers, but I'll go with the flow.

Date dependant, I might even mix this up with a road trip around Wales.

ok Darren, Jenny, thanks for the info\feedback...if Lakelands will be in Spring, we could have Thunder a bit later in the year. It certainly can't clash with Lakelands! noooo! It would make the trail (Sarn Helen) a bit easier too!

Hopefully it will attract peeps like you, who live miles away, if we make a weekend of it. There is the slight issue of getting two days trail riding suitable for our bikes/ against our (my??!) capabilities. I am sure we could work something....

And the campsite will definitely have showers etc..if it is to be a weekend event.

So maybe next year will be better, and give everyone lots of notice for the event.

Sort out a road ride, or some suggested rides etc, doesn't have to be two days in the dirt. I'm happy to plot a route with a bit or guidance from the locals

hi, i'd certainly be up for it! so keep us posted,

would a couple of mates on those orange 690 things be ok?

yes your friends would be welcome Stoic...and it would be good to have you over!