The TransWales is a 7/8 day long Mountain Bike stage challenge. The event is a mixture of linking stages and special stages and can be tackled in either pairs or as solo riders. It's not just endurance but also tactics, the right equipment and an ability to pace yourself is key to enjoying as well as to winning this event.
The first ever TransWales MTB event was in 2006 and the 2011 race started on the 14th of August. Each day there was a 70-85 km "linking stage" taking you from point A to B. Untimed, but you have to finish within the time limit. Somewhere within that "linking stage" is a timed "special stage". Think a 10 - 20 minute time trial at red-line in the middle of a 5-6 hour endurance ride.
I'm interested in what type of people enter this kind of race and what suffering, challenges and training they put themselves through. So after a little digging about on the web I came upon a great blog from a guy called Robert who lives in America but who decided to fly across the pond and enter this years event. During his training he describes the challenge as "probably the most daunting bike adventure I've faced to date". He's written up a great stage-by-stage account of the race which is well worth a read. Check it out here: fortyf15teen. He also produced an enjoyable summary video which gives an insight into the 8 days and 400 miles of riding all in under 8 minutes.
2011 Trans-Wales Mountain Bike Challenge from robert on Vimeo.
So if you like the idea why not get thinking about next years event. Or if you're not sure you're up to the full challenge there's always the the Mini Tans Wales Event...your choice of either a 3 or 4 day challenge.
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