This year’s Trans Cambrian is going to be a very special edition of the popular mid Wales sportive.

Featuring new routes planned out by Clive Powell, riders will have the option of riding purely on tarmac, or riding one of the new cross routes.

These routes are about 75% tarmac, but include sections of fairly non-technical off-road going.

You will not encounter steep drop-offs or anything scary; it will be the sort of going that you can take at a consistent pace on this challenge ride. Expect stone tracks, open hillside, some dirt and a stream crossing.

There is a choice of three distances – 20 miles, 50 miles, or 75 miles and each distance has a road or cross option.

Taking place on August 31, it is an ideal ride to get you ready for the cyclo-cross season, and entries to date include such notable cyclo-cross stars as Tim Davies.

Online entries are on the event website.

A cyclocross bike would be the ideal choice for the cross routes, but any bike with tyres about 35mm wide would be fine. Other than that, just take with you some spare tubes and a sense of adventure.