17 Aug 2008

Day 1 Builth Wells to Cilycwm

After a quick team photo prior to the start all 4 riders started off on the 70km linking stage from Builth Wells to Cilycwm.

An easy road ride, broken up with tricky singletrack soon saw RAF riders entering the Crychan Forest Complex. A change to previous events, the organisers added a short timed stage within this linking stage to determine the starting order for tonights special stage at Cymrhaer Forest complex. Early issues saw Dan Lewis (RAF Marham) sustain a puncture after the first singletrack section. Sam Bennett (DCAE Cosford) lost his back brake when the pads disintegrated. Gav brown (DCAE Cosford) took a tumble over the bars during this tricky stage!
Rob Calverley (RAF Leeming) wasn’t getting away with the dramas as he was seen to be riding sideways and was heard to be shouting out “ I need to change my tyres!”
Lunch stop was at the Sugar Loaf picnic area and this saw Dan regain his normal position at the head of the RAF field. After a quick refuel, the riders proceeded to the Esgair Dafydd Forest and a 3 mile climb. Best part of the day then followed with some tricky descents and a river crossing before they all headed to the campsite.

Cilycwm was a hive of activity and “jacko” Jackson (RAF Coningsby) was soon put to work bike fettling. The ACU riders have pitched camp adjacent to the RAF camp and are utilising the RAF service.
Quote of the day came from Sam Bennett whilst riding with Rob, “Why are thos guys over there making such a meal of the trail ahead?” prior to Sam taking a tumble over the handlebars and finding out why they were making a meal of it!

The rain has now started to fall again and the prediceted down pour has arrived early!

The Chinese themed dinner awaits the riders and support crew at 1830, perfect fuel for the night special stage at 2200 hours. The starting order has not been publicised, hopefully we will be able to update you later as to their success.

GARETH and ANDY












And they are off


As the gray clouds came overhead all four solo riders set off on the first day of Trans Wales 2008. At nine am this morning at a damp builth wells camp site the race officially started. The boys spirits were high, all looking forward to the week ahead. More updates later today!

It Has Stopped Raining

First morning 'Lewis' with trumpet in hand! All ready & waiting to go. Weather dry with blue sky drifting over. Missing sides to popup have now arriived!