The tailgate of the Burniewagon eased itself open against the soft hiss of the gas springs and the new Boardman 650b floated out on a fluffy cloud of pride. It was a million times lighter than his previous steed, and damn was it clean. Steve was super keen to be involved in this years Welsh Ride Thing.
Steve had done ‘cycle touring’ but was fresh to multi-day off-road bikepacking. He needed luggage and we had it. Before he had a chance to strip down to his base layer Jim and myself had fitted him out with a full set of Alpkit bike luggage. Not a sniff of a pannier in sight he was clearly impressed, which was a good distraction because none of us had planned the ride.
The maps had arrived on Friday morning, my bad for not being organised, and we didn’t get around to looking at them until Friday night in Newtown chippy. We were starving so the maps didn’t get that much attention then either. We didn’t have the most efficient route plotted out but at least we would be at the start line with enough stuff for a mini expedition.
There was the usual faff Saturday morning but that was ok, it is never an early start and why should it be? The Grand Depart couldn’t happen until the bikes were weighed which probably just stimulated further faffing.
Jim and myself were riding Genesis Caribou fat bikes and we were going slow and comfortable, lots of luggage space meant we didn’t have to cut everything to the bare bones. Having gears was a new experience for me on the WRT, fortunately it was geared 1/10, even I could get my head around that.
The tyres gave great traction on the gravely climbs and floated over the tusky grasses where Steve was obviously having a tougher time of it. It was also noticeable just how much speed and momentum they generated on the downhills. Even though they were fully rigid the bulbous tyres soaked up the bumps with glee.
The campsite provided us with a few comforts including a log fire made from a recycled washing machine drum. It looked terrific but most of the heat went straight up into outer space. We downed our beers and looked at the stars.
By morning we were still in the same place. Steve had brought along a full on spare chain, unfortunately no chain tool!