THE BLAENAU

Multi-Terrain Ultra Rides Through the Welsh Highlands

The Blaenau is a self-supported ultra cycling event, taking in some remote country, with a choice of route distances so you can choose the level of challenge that suits you. It’s relaxed and friendly, with as few rules as possible. Ride how you want. Solo, in a pair, as part of a group. Fast or slow.

It’s a high quality event, with tracking, a rider party, fabulous routes, and great company.  The choice of routes makes the Blaenau accessible to a wide range of riders – the XL route is a proper challenge for even the most experienced of ultra riders; while the shorter North route is not in any way ‘easy’, it is less remote and time pressured, making it a good option for riders who are newer to the discipline.  And to help widen accessibility even further we will have a range of pre-event hints, tips and guides to try and de-mystify the world of ultra cycling.

The next Blaenau will kick off on the first Saturday in June next year, with the rider party on the following Tuesday evening.

All routes share at least the same first day, so you will have plenty of company as you get under way.  The routes are fixed, so you won’t need to be an experienced route planner. The Blaenau is a self-supported ultra cycling event, and will be fully GPS tracked for Dot Watching (but no prizes or podiums).

For 2027 we are increasing entry numbers slightly, to 100, including people who deferred their entry from 2026.  This should ensure that we can retain the friendly and sociable feel that we all love, while having a few more people on the start line to add to the buzz. Once again, we are keeping the entry fee at £99 for all distances (our overheads are the same regardless of route option chosen) to keep it as affordable as possible.

ROUTE OPTIONS

There will be three route distances to choose from, including the original ‘classic’ Blaenau 600, taking in all of the key hill and mountain ranges of Wales and the borders, with the challenge of the landscape equalled only by its beauty. Blaenau translates roughly as ‘remote uplands’, so you get the idea!

  • Blaenau XL (750km+/14,500m+ of climbing) – including Snowdonia with some proper ultra cycling hike-a-bike
  • Blaenau Classic (620km/11,000m+ of climbing) – taking in the Clwydians, eastern Snowdonia, Cambrains, Brecons and Black Mountains amongst others
  • Blaenau North (480km/8,500m+ of climbing) – covering the northern ranges of the Classic route, before returning to Ludlow via the Elan Valley and Trans Cambrian Way 

For riders who take on the Blaenau XL, a route that only one rider has completed to date, there will be a bail-out option that returns to Ludlow via the Blaenau North route, which cuts around a day from the ride. Similarly, you can start out on the Classic route and switch to the North route mid-ride if you start to fall behind your planned schedule.

Event Info

TERRAIN

All routes cover a number of Welsh uplands, with connecting lowland valleys. It’s remote in places and it’s hilly throughout, and we’ve worked hard to avoid busy roads. You’ll cross several mountain ranges and experience a wide range of surfaces, from tarmac to rough rocky stretches, with everything in between.

BIKE SUITABILITY

The routes are definitely rideable on a gravel bike, and this has been the choice of around 60% of finishers in previous years – however the terrain is very rough for long stretches and you ideally need to be able to fit a capable 45mm+ tyre.

As organisers we would choose a cross country MTB ourselves, especially if we were considering the Blaenau XL route. Slower rolling on the road and smoother gravel perhaps, but certainly the more comfortable, resilient and less tiring option overall. Although there will be some hike-a-bike no matter which bike you ride, a cross country bike will allow you to keep pedalling over more of the terrain.

The route is not suitable for road bikes.

START/FINISH LOCATION

All routes start and finish at Epic Cycles/Epic Coffee House in the centre of Ludlow, Shropshire.  The departure time will be 9:00am.

This is also where you will sign on, collect your tracker, and enjoy the post-event party.

ENTRY FEE

The entry fee is £99 for all routes, and includes:

  • Tracker rental and live tracking (aka dot watching)
  • Route/GPX files
  • Rider manual, which will include a list of key resupply locations
  • Barista coffee and pastry/cake at the start
  • Finish party (open to all riders, whether they finish the route or not)
  • Event insurance (riders must also have their own personal 3rd party liability insurance)
  • Event tee
  • Event, kit and preparation (we prefer this term to the word ‘training’) hints and tips

RIDER TRACKING

All riders will carry a tracking device provided by the event, and their progress will be published live by Follow My Challenge.

ROUTE FILES

The final GPX route files, with any last minute changes due to local circumstances, will be sent to all riders around 10 days before the event, along with the event manual.

Routes will also be published on RideWithGPS – the Classic route from 2026 is shown below, to give you an idea of where you will be heading.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Around 7-10 days before the event we will send everyone a copy of the Rider Manual that provides detailed information on all aspects of the event. In the meantime we’ve compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions.

Like all self supported bikepacking events we have a few basic rule that riders need to follow, but the Blaenau is a relaxed event and we’ve tried to keep them down to a reasonable and manageable number. The main ‘rule’ is that riders need to be fully self-supported, with no helpers, support crews or private supplies and accommodation. Riders are also fully responsible for their own safety, conduct and mechanical support during the ride. But where we differ from many events is that we are not concerned if riders ride together (alongside – not drafting, unless riding as part of a pair or group) for extended periods of a few hours, or if publicly available accommodation is booked in advance. Riders enter as individuals, but can choose to ride the entire event in pairs or groups – we just ask that they let us know they are doing so before completion of the event. So if you want to pair up out on the road, go for it! For the safety of all riders we have a mandatory kit list:

  • properly functioning and suitable bicycle, with appropriate tyres for rough off road conditions
  • cycling helmet
  • two front and two rear lights
  • outdoor shelter, such as a bivvy bag or tent
  • waterproof jacket
  • full leg cover, such as over trousers, biblongs or thermal leg warmers
  • full arm cover, in addition to waterproof jacket, such as long sleeved jersey, puffer jacket or thermal arm warmers
  • emergency whistle

FULL CONDITIONS OF ENTRY

  1. Riders take full responsibility for their own health, safety and any accidents, incidents or mechanical issues of any kind that may arise during the event.
  2. Riders must follow the Highway Code and the Countryside Code, and obey all UK traffic and Access Laws during the event, and respect other road users.
  3. Riders are responsible for deciding when and where to sleep, and when and where they obtain publicly available supplies. The route takes in large stretches of remote countryside with few places to obtain food and drink.
  4. Riders must only access supplies, shelter and outside assistance that is publicly available. No private support or accommodation is allowed. The event checkpoints are unmanned, with no facilities. Unlike many other events, riders will be allowed to book accommodation in advance, as long as it is commercially available to all.
  5. Riders must not ride in a state of exhaustion and sleep deprivation that poses a risk to either themselves or others.
  6. Riders should be considerate of others, especially local residents and pedestrians, and should aim to ‘leave no trace’.
  7. Riders must wear a cycling helmet, and fit two front and two rear lights to their bicycle. A properly functioning and suitable bicycle with appropriate tyres for rough off road conditions must be used. Gravel bikes or mountain bikes are suitable. Road bikes are not.
  8. Riders must dress appropriately for remote mountain conditions at all times. Even in summer the weather in the Welsh uplands can be unpredictable and extreme, especially at night. Riders should carry enough equipment and clothing to cope with unexpected stops, changes in weather or mechanical issues. The following mandatory items of equipment must be carried or worn by all riders at all times: outdoor shelter, such as a bivvy bag or tent; waterproof jacket; full leg cover, such as over trousers, biblongs or thermal leg warmers; full arm cover, in addition to waterproof jacket, such as long sleeved jersey, puffer jacket or thermal arm warmers; emergency whistle.
  9. Riders must have their own personal 3rd party liability insurance.
  10. Riders must understand and acknowledge that the route includes remote and rough off-road terrain, and have the fitness, self-sufficiency and equipment to handle such conditions. It is strongly recommended that riders carry at least two GPX devices, spare batteries and/or charging capability such as dynamos or power banks.
  11. Riders must inform the event organisers of an emergency or if they decide to withdraw during the event. In the case of an emergency riders must inform emergency services. The organisers are not responsible for providing any emergency assistance. If riders withdraw they will have to make their own way back to the finish or home.
  12. Riders agree to carry a tracking device and for their position to be published live on a tracking site.
  13. Riders agree to post time-stamped photos on social media at the start, each checkpoint, and the finish.
  14. On completion of the event riders must email the organisers with a GPX file of their ride.
  15. Riders must be at least 18 years of age.
  16. The organiser reserves full right to refuse the participation of a rider, and will issue a full refund if they do so.
  17. There will be photography during the event, and riders must agree to be included in photographs, which may be used for promotion and social media purposes by the Cross Cartel (the event organisers), event sponsors and Epic Cycles (the event host).
  18. Event Cancellation and Withdrawals: if you subsequently wish to withdraw from the event we are not able to offer any refunds; however entrants can transfer their entry to another person via email to the organisers. Entrants can also withdraw and request that their entry is carried forward to the net running of the Blaenau. Entries can only be carried forward once and transfer/carry forward requests must be received 21 days in advance of the event date. No refunds will be issued under any circumstances. If the event is cancelled for any reason, including extreme weather, entries will be carried forward to the following Blaenau.
  19. Riders are fully and solely responsible for their own actions and safety at all times during the event. The event organisers (the Cross Cartel) and the event host (Epic Cycles Ltd) carry no liability.

The short answer is no, and the longer answer is that it’s completely up to you. The Blaenau is a challenge ride, not a race. There are no prizes or podiums – just the satisfaction of taking on and completing a big adventure.

The beauty of these events is that the challenge is personal, and it can take whatever form you like. Whether you want to ride the route as fast as you can, or take a steadier approach, we love to see everyone creating their own adventure along the way.

Regardless of speed, there are sure to be some fantastic stories to be shared at the finish line.

Of course! We are happy for you to ride the event solo, or as part of a pair or small group. You don’t have to make this decision before you enter, but please let us know when you sign on at the start. You can even choose to team up while riding – again, just let us know in the event WhatsApp group.

If you wish to cancel your entry to the Blaenau and withdraw from the event we are not able to offer any refunds.

However, entrants can transfer their entry to another person or to the next running of the event.

Entries can only be transferred once, and transfer requests must be received via email to the organisers 21 days in advance of the event date.

If the event is cancelled for any reason, including extreme weather, entries will be carried forward to the following running of the event.

In addition to the mandatory kit list detailed in our event rules tab, plus adequate food and drink, we strongly recommend carrying the following:

 

  • TWO GPS computers (GPS failures are one of the two most common reasons for people not completing the event)
  • Powerbank, cables and plugs
  • Bike pump
  • Tyre levers
  • Spare inner tubes (even if running tubeless – tyre failures are the other most common reason for non-completion)
  • Tubeless tyre plugs AND puncture repair kit
  • Tyre boots
  • Multi Tool
  • Chain lube
  • Zip ties & electric tape
  • Chamois cream
  • Sunglasses
  • Sun cream
  • Water purifying tabs (Chlorine Dioxide)
  • Emergency contact information
  • Emergency foil blanket
  • Mobile phone and charger – note that Wales doesn’t have the best coverage. Vodafone and EE are arguably the best for signal
  • Warmer clothing than you might think, including gloves and cap/buff

 

No. The Blaenau is self-supported. If riders are unable to continue they will have to make their own way back to the finish or home.

Riders must inform the event organisers of an emergency, or if they decide to withdraw during the event.

In the case of an emergency riders must inform emergency services. The organisers are not responsible for providing any emergency assistance.  

No. All riders must use the tracker issued by the event at registration.

All riders will set out in waves from approx 9am on the first Saturday in June.

If you set out late that’s not a problem at all – but your official ride time will start at 9:00am that day.

You will be able to register from 4pm on the preceding Thursday.

At registration you will be issued with your tracker and event tee etc.

There isn’t a formal ‘time limit’ and you can take as long as you need, however there is a finishers party to aim for on the Tuesday evening.

For many riders, and ourselves, this has been a highlight of previous editions, with everyone sharing their stories over a bite to eat.

We will also have some beers and soft drinks for you.

Trackers can be returned on completion of your ride at Epic Cycles, at the finishers party, or via the post (we will provide a return address).

The Blaenau will be tracked on the Follow My Challenge website.

Any publicly available source, such as shops, cafes, public water taps etc. No private or stashed supplies are allowed.

We have no issue with asking random strangers for water from their garden tap for example – but not friends, family or dot-watchers as they aren’t chance/random encounters.

We will provide a list of key resupply points in the rider manual – this won’t be a full list of every possible resupply point, but will provide riders with a decent ‘starter set’. It will also include a few places that aren’t obvious from maps, or are at points where the resupply options are scarce.

No. None at all. You will need to follow the route using the GPX files sent to all riders 7-10 days before the event.

In addition to the organiser’s event insurance, which is covered by your entry fee ,you will need 3rd party public liability insurance.

This can be the free insurance that comes with membership of some cycling bodies, such as British Cycling, or commercial insurance cover from the likes of Cycleplan or Yellow jersey insurance.

The cost of cover can be from around £10 for a full year if using Cycleplan.

Entirely up to you as long as the accommodation you use is publicly available – so no staying with friends or family!

Other than that you are free to choose your type sleeping arrangements tent, bivvy, pub or hotel. Whatever you prefer.

And feel free to book in advance.

Yes. There is ample storage at Epic Cycles. But please note that we will only be able to guarantee access to your bags during normal shop opening times. We will endeavour to have someone in place to greet you at the end of your ride, even if outside opening times, but cannot guarantee it.

We will ask you to name your likely route and start day choices when entering, but these can be changed right up to 7 days in advance.

If you change your mind in the last few days before setting out then you can let us know at registration – but please try to avoid this if possible, because the admin is much trickier once the event is underway!

In addition, you can change your route choice during the ride itself.  For example, if you set out on the Blaenau XL then decide to drop the distance down to the Classic, or you intend to do the Classic but change your mind while riding and switch to the Northern Loop, all we ask for is a Whatsapp or text so that we can switch you over on the tracking site.

Yes, all parts of the routes are open to other members of the public. So it’s important that that you ride safely and considerately at all times, and obey the Highway Code and Countryside Code.

Yes. We have three routes, all of which are fixed and published  – this is not a self routing event.

The final routes, with any last minute changes due to local circumstances, will be sent to all riders approximately 7 days before the event, along with the rider manual.

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