sunny day (Stage 1)
Accommodation
While some cycle tourists prefer to camp, days of repeatedly ascending 1000m or more are unlikely to be pleasurable with heavy luggage. This guide makes maximum use of hostels and bunkhouses along or near the route (though also lists a selection of cycle-friendly hotels and B&Bs – see Appendix B), but if you prefer additional comforts you will find information on a variety of accommodation to suit most pockets at the Welsh Tourist Board, www.visitwales.com. You may not be able to get exactly what you want at the start or finish of each of stage, so you may have to curtail your day before the end of a stage, ride further into the next stage or temporarily leave the route.
Hostels are always busy during the summer months, and those in the more popular locations can be full at weekends and sometimes even in the depths of winter, so it pays to book early. The Youth Hostel Association, www.yha.org.uk, has a number of hostels in Wales, and there is an increasing number of independent hostels – see www.independenthostelguide.co.uk for details.
It is worth seeking out Visit Wales’s star-graded B&Bs, guest houses and hotels enrolled in their Cyclists Welcome scheme, which provides drying facilities, bike storage and other services. Whatever you choose, if you want to arrive early to drop off your bike and go sightseeing, or anticipate arriving late due to an unforeseen delay, it is only courteous to ring ahead and let them know.
Waiting to check in to a wonderfully situated hostel at St David’s (Stage 3)
What to take
The plethora of accommodation and the high number of cycle shops along the route mean you can keep the bike as light as possible. Here are my tips to lighten your load:
Think layers and add-ons rather than alternatives.
Use drying facilities to rinse through cycling gear and other clothing every evening.
Choose leisurewear, such as long-sleeved T-shirts, that can also be an extra layer for chilly days.
Share tools and accessories.
Buy travel-sized toiletries and give shaving a miss for the week.
Make do with a smartphone and leave all other electronics at home.
Only carry one feed-bottle – it’ll be plenty.
Use accommodation with secure storage and leave the heavy bike lock at home.
But always wear a helmet as riding without one is irresponsible.
Adopting such guidelines produces the kit list shown in Appendix D, which totals 5–7kg for summer tours and 7–9kg during winter. Having reduced your kit as much as possible, you should be able to fit it easily into a pair of panniers or a set of seat and frame packs.
Preparing your bike
Other than for a very short section on the old coach road between Newbridge-on-Wye and Rhayader, the road surface is remarkably good so you can ride the route on a road bike, a mountain bike or a hybrid/city bike. However, there are some things that you can do to make your ride more comfortable:
Leave your best carbon frame and carbon wheels at home.
Use tyres that are 28mm or wider as they will be more comfortable, especially over the short sections of gravel track that are occasionally encountered.
Swap mountain bike tyres for lower profile urban tyres, which require less effort and provide a quieter ride.
Fit a cassette with a 30-, 32- or 34-tooth sprocket to make it easier to climb hills.
Fit bar ends to straight handlebars so you have more choice for resting tired hands.
Fit a bell, which is essential for negotiating pedestrians on shared-use paths.
Whatever you choose, It is always advisable to have your bike serviced a couple of weeks before your trip, allowing sufficient time for any worn parts to be replaced and run-in before your departure. There are plenty of cycle shops on or near the route, see Appendix A for details.
Cycling dos and don’ts
Be considerate to others on shared-use paths, particularly to children and dogs, which can often behave unpredictably. Ring your bell or call out to pass – and always say thank you.
Although you can legally ride two abreast, quickly move into single file on minor roads always giving a cheery wave to thank considerate drivers.
Scan ahead for hazards, such as road furniture, grit and livestock detritus.
Avoid the green mossy strip along the centre of tree-lined roads as it may be slippery.
Always park your bike in a prominent position and secure it with a ‘café lock’ when you go exploring.
Ride across cattle grids square-on, standing on the pedals with your knees bent and you will hardly notice them.
Always use hand signals to make your intentions clear to others.
Eating
Cycling is strenuous so keep your energy reserves topped up by eating frequently, otherwise you will soon ‘hit the wall’ and feel tired and demotivated. However, it is best to avoid a full breakfast as it will weigh heavy for most of the morning. Get into the routine of eating little and often rather than waiting until you feel hungry, as by then it is frequently too late.
Many cyclists rely on things such as sandwiches, fruitcake, cereal bars and fruit. That’s not to say, you should ignore the region’s many inns and cafés; but err on the side of caution and stick to energy-giving snacks and pastries rather than a full midday meal.
A popular cycle café in Llantwit Major that goes the extra mile by providing cycle locks for customers to shackle their bikes to nearby railings
10 Foods to try in Wales
Bara brith (speckled bread) is a Welsh version of tea loaf enriched with dried fruit and mixed spices, usually served sliced and buttered.
Glamorgan sausage (selsig morgannwg), which is traditionally made from Caerphilly cheese, leeks, breadcrumbs and spices, was popular during World War II when meat was in short supply.
Cawl, often said to be the national dish of Wales, is a broth made from meat, potatoes, swedes, carrots and other seasonal vegetables, such as leeks.
Thought to have originated in the Welsh Valleys in the 18th century, Welsh rarebit is cheese on toast, sometimes mixed
