Tempted by Afan tomorrow alone - any advice?

MountainPete

I'm tempted to drive to Afan forest tomorrow to ride the Skyline trail. I've been to Afan a couple of times with other riders, but never alone; anyone advise me against going on my own, or is it a common practice?

welshkev

i ride alone quite a lot but the skyline is loooonggg

i'd say do it, just make sure you tell people where you're going and what time you're expected back etc etc and make sure you have your phone

Stu T

ride on my own all the time there no problem. Just be aware half of skyline seems to be shut according to the Afan website though

http://mbwales.com/en/content/cms/News/ ... What_.aspx

MountainPete

Aah thanks! Haven't done the skyline before but am looking for a long day. I guess Heartburn, Handy Andy and Grand Canyon can't be a huge amount of the route, unless anyone can tell me better?

Stu T

MountainPete wrote:

Aah thanks! Haven't done the skyline before but am looking for a long day. I guess Heartburn, Handy Andy and Grand Canyon can't be a huge amount of the route, unless anyone can tell me better?

Not huge amounts but some of the best parts

Anonymous

I rode alone for years before coming across this site. Now I rarely have too, for good or bad

Anyway, just consider when on your own that if you have a smash you are literally on your own. Unless some kind soul happens to come past.

Take a charged phone, emergency contact details you can carry on yourself, and maybe keep the number of the local ranger or whatever. Plus a map and GPS is handy so you can guide the ambulance to wherever you are in the depths of whatever forest. Having been involved with that a couple of times now for others, it can be tricky trying to describe where you are in relation to a tree that looks like every other tree.


All that said, I'm sure you'll find people here willing to join you. There's a South Wales thread somewhere here too.

Silversladey

+ 1 Very sound advice,
I work for the emergency services, acurate directions are critical. If ride on your own you have to have a rough idea of your location at all times, so if you need help you can direct it to your location.

MountainPete

Thanks all! I went today instead and it was awesome. Took a GPS and phone so I decided I should be ok, especially if I took care.

Managed the Skyline in 3hrs 30min which I was quite happy with! It didn't feel like an outrageous pace, but I didn't really stop so I think that helped out :-)