Bikepacking : April 2016

So the first test for the new bikes was the Bearbones 200. This is a 200km ride around mid wales. The original plan was to head down and spend the night in the van, then do half the route sleep in a bothy then do the other half the day after. As always the ride never goes to plan, that's why we love bikepacking due to the freedom and opportunity to change plans at the drop of an allen key! Nearly half way round we came across dolgoch-bunkhouse luckily for us they were having a work party and said we could stay the night. The afternoon got even better when they also said we could join them for tea. Homemade curry and crumble or a freeze dried meal! No competition here.

After a good night sleep (ish), plenty of hot drinks and freeze dried porridge for breakfast we were off. The weather was very friendly to us as we headed over bogs with some pushing until we reached Rhayader. 10.55 and the cafe opened at 11 definitely worth the wait for a mega breakfast baguette, more food from the the Spar (excessive amount) before we continued on.(Handy tip from Fi - if there is a shop buy as much food as possible you never know if there will be another one!) Many more hours followed observing landscapes never seen before (to us) as we trundled our way back avoiding shortcuts. Oooh they were tempting but the sun had come out and was enticing us to keep going. Finally after two fun days and winter boots that kept our feet toasty we arrived back at the van dry! Loving the new bikes and this bikepacking malarkey!