New Event: Hiraethog 50:50 MTB Enduro
Event Date: August 21st /22nd
A new and unique endurance event will be hosted by one of the most exciting venues in UK. The opportunity of experiencing stunning views in an outstanding location you would think you are in a different country, you are, this is Wales. The Hiraethog 50:50 is an endurance event with a wider appeal than other 100 mile events on the current calendar. Unlike other endurance events this is not to break the spirit or see how few can survive but to allow every participant, whatever their ability, to meet their own personal goals and challenges. The event is structured to span two days with 50 miles riding each day over a route that will be reversed from day 1 to day 2 to give the riders a variation of challenges within the weekend.
Hiraethog is the traditional name for a Welsh region stretching across an upland moorland between the valleys of the Clwyd and Conwy. It includes two man made lakes Llyn Brenig and Llyn Alwen and also the Clocaenog forest. Although mostly upland moorland it's average height is over 1000ft with the highest peaks reaching 1700ft. Much of the area boasts exceptional views across North and Mid Wales, near views to Snowdonia, the Clwydian Hils and the Berwyn Mountains and distant views to Cader Idris.
The Hiraethog has been settled for nearly 6000years and more recently been host to many sporting events including the RAC Rally and Motorcycle enduros. For the last 20 years it has been host to mountain bike cross country and orienteering Trailquest events. These have been mainly driven by the North Wales Mountain Bike Association who also held a popular 50 mile challenge ride , the Cyffyliog Challenge for many years. Recently NWMBA formed a partnership with the landowners, Forestry Commission Wales and Welsh Water and local community groups. It is proposed to increase and improve the facilities and trails on offer to mountain bikers and help local groups develop outdoor sporting events that help highlight the many benefits the locality offers to sporting enthusiasts. The region is also to be promoted to MTB riders from across the UK looking for extended weekend breaks. They can incorporate Hiraethog with trips to nearby MTB trails at Llandegla & Betws y Coed.
Information on the Hiraethog can be found at www.hiraethog.org.uk and event information at www.h5050.co.uk
