The return of the EPIC. This event last year didn‘t quite go to plan. It was devestating to us as well as disappointing for some of the guys who had entered. Saying that, most people did managed to navigate their way around and those comments were very positive which goes to show the course itself was a great one. The event and us took quite a beating on social media due to a handf of  guys who entered not being happy and i’m Sure one or two of those guys who prefer to moan on Facebook rather than reply to emails will pop their heds up once again this year. This is the world we now live in. 

This was our second ever event and the one that we learnt the most from. The signs we used at our first event which worked a treat, and has done one other events (not ran by us) did not work on this event!! Reflecting onthe event we have come to the conclusion that this was down to more than one factor. One, they were solid yellow, which stood out well on a sunny day in spring, but were slightly camouflaged in the autumn due to the leaves starting to turn. Secondly there weren’t enough signs. What we though was obvious was not to some other guys. Thirdly the weather was biblical. Torrential rain made them even harder to spot. 

Since, we have purchased large hi-viz signs, gone over the top with the signage ensuring even a sheep trail was covered and both our events since have been very successfu. We have had nothing but positive comments as can be seen on the Facebook event page as well as from some guys entering who might not have been happy with this one last year not knowing it was us, bing a little apprehensive at the start only return saying all the issues with this one had completely been irone out and had nothing but positives.

We have also produced GPX files for each route since this one, something that was totally new to us as we are locals and just went exploring. This is there as back up for anyone not sure. 

Finally there was one junction that that had an A3 sign up that a fair numbers missed. We will have someone in hi viz standing there this year directing people. 

We can honestly say we have learnt a lot from the last EPIC. No, some of the comments weren’t plesant, and some of the marshalls took some undeserving abuse, but we looked at everything reflected, and reflected and  worked very hard as well as invest quite a bit of money on better and more signage and the last two event since have been proof. I know a small handful will never return, but if you do fancy the EPIC and have some doubt or have read some negative comments we can assure you, you have to be blind to miss these new signs.

Enough about that!

Snowdonia's EPIC MTB challenge is again a challenge and not a race. The EPIC will take in TWO iconic trail centres (graded red), consisting of superb single track and forestry road Climbs. As a twist you will also head off the beaten track and deep in to the national park where you will have the feeling of being out there. Trust me you won't see a house or a soul apart from other participants for a good few miles. This is again a truly unique event.

So, where does the EPIC come in? The long one will be 90k of amazing Snowdonia mountain biking!! We think that's quite EPIC! This is a mixture of natural trails, The Gwydir Trail, the old Marin and Penmachno loop 1 & 2.

The middle distance will miss out Penmachno but will still head in, deep in to the national park as well as a full lap of the Gwydir and comes in at roughly 55k. 

Then to keep to the spirit of the Bryniau MTB events being chilled out and open for everyone, there will be a short version that anybody with good fitness and a bike can tackle at 25k. The short will head straight in to the national park, and miss out both trail centres. But don't worry you will still face some spectacular views and awesome riding, and unless local probaly never ridden before. 

All three will start and finish at the same sopt. There will be approx 4k of fire road to start so this will spit the pack nicely.

All three will have a shop stop, as well as TWO amazing feed station that have been provided on all our events. 

Again we will have event t.shirts available to pre-order. They will be £15 each and all orders to be placed through PayPal by the end of august to gareth@bryniaumtb.co.uk

As usual we must adhere to National Park and NRW rules, and is capped at 300 riders. There won't be any extensions. 300max. When it's full it's full. So be quick!