Coed Y Brenin

frankspencer1979

Going to Wales for a couple of nights later in April. Planning on riding "The Beast" although I may not make it all the way round!

I've got the route map printed off. Is there any where to get a brew/snack half way round other than the main visitor centre? I'll need a rest

dusk

I don't think there is, I was planning on doing the Beast a few weeks back but I was pretty tired half way round so just did MBR (the distance wasn't bad but it's very rocky & fast). It passes fairly close to the trail centre so going back wouldn't add much distance

Rocketmagnet

You can cut out a fair section of forest road to shorten it and you wont miss
any of the best single track. After "Hermon" section of single track you end up on a road
but don't turn off right where it tells you carry on up and take your second right after this and climb up to
the start of "Gomez". Pretty obvious if you look at the map and the long drag your cutting out
is 90% fire road.

Its a well known shortcut applicable to the Dragons Back Route also.. as you certainly don't want to miss out on Gomez,Morticia, Pugsley etc

papertech202

There is a cafe about halfway round the beast just after Hermon that an old couple run.
Top place to stop for a brew & cake.

frankspencer1979

Looking at the map, that short cut seems pretty sensible. Hopefully I won't miss out on this cafe though. I'm just wondering what supplies to take with me, I've done some remote rides before, but this might be the longest. A brew stop is a massive bonus for me!

mintedox

The cafe is where the shortcut/long climb is, I say have a brew then do the climb and admire the scenery.

Rocketmagnet

Do not rely on the Café being open as it's often closed.. especially this time of year
and mid week. So don't expect somewhere to top up your fluids and take enough to begin with.
From the sounds of it your looking at 4-6 hours for the full thing.

It's trail centre riding so despite appearances your never really far from fire roads / roads
if you have physical issues.
Technical ... well usual kit.. spare tubes + repair kit + pump, some spare chain links, mini tool etc.
It's exposed in places especially if you don't use the shortcut.. so some sensible layers...

I've learned from experience to always have a couple of energy gels or bars in my pack for bad days.
For a long ride i'll carry some proper food I like and only dip into the gels if I really need to.

It's not too technical with only a few sections that could test newer riders.

Another short cut near the end is after "Uncle Fester" after crossing the bridge you can turn left
for a flat fire road back to the centre instead of right onto the long fire road climb up to the last section of single track
called "Glide".

StumpyPaul

Anyone know what the conditions are like there at the moment, looking at going on Saturday 6th

frankspencer1979

StumpyPaul wrote:

Anyone know what the conditions are like there at the moment, looking at going on Saturday 6th

If you happen to go past the half-way cafe, could you ask them if they're open Tuesday 16th April!?

papertech202

StumpyPaul wrote:

Anyone know what the conditions are like there at the moment, looking at going on Saturday 6th

Was there last weekend and conditions were perfect, dry dusty trails and just a bit of snow on the fire road at the highest point.

Will also be back there tomorrow 8)
A pic from last Sunday, and given its been a dry cold week things can only be even better.

StumpyPaul

Great, thanks for that papertech.