Let’s get one thing straight: there will never be another trip like this one. Eight days. Zero rain. In Wales. That alone makes it a statistical miracle. But beyond the weather lottery win, Traws Cymru delivered something else. Something harder to engineer: a true adventure that blended grit, chaos, community, and a whole lot of unexpected Welsh weirdness.

‍

This wasn’t your typical bikepacking trip. It was part challenge, part pub crawl, and part cultural immersion.

‍

The Ride: Miles, Mountains, and Muddy Smiles

‍

‍

Riders came ready. Andrew led the charge, pedaling through every mile with stories of uneven trails and judgmental Welsh sheep to prove it. Others paced themselves, tackling climbs at their own rhythm, grateful for the daily route options that made the days tough but doable.

‍

Ron had a rough start. A crash on day one and he was off the bike for a bit. But after some recovery time (and a few drinks in the van), he was back for parts of the ride and all of the fun.

‍

The Lock-In (Because, Wales)

‍

Now, about that lock-in. It wasn’t planned but it happened.

‍

The team had scoped out a local pub the night before and casually mentioned what a lock-in was—a rare, unofficial after-hours drinking session where the pub doors are closed, the till is shut, and what happens next is technically off the books. These usually happen maybe twice in your life. Maybe.

‍

So when the crew rolled in after dinner, they weren’t expecting it. But the pub owner looked at Kev, lit a cigarette indoors, and asked, “Mind if I smoke?” That’s when it hit: they were in it.

‍

The till was literally shut, so drinks were suddenly free. One of the riders, Chad, was pouring beers for everyone.

‍

The Group Dynamic

‍

This trip was a jigsaw puzzle that somehow fit together. Jason and Melissa rode as a team. Matt and Chad did their own thing. Andrew bounced between groups. And Ron, once recovered, got chummy with a woman at one of the hotels who was asked (politely?) to only speak to him in Welsh. That kind of week.

‍

Behind the scenes, Tom worked route magic—adjusting distances, providing tiered difficulty options, and making sure riders of all skill levels hit the finish line at roughly the same time (and with functioning legs). Every day had a midpoint meetup stocked with snacks, cold drinks, and mechanic checks.

‍

The Landscape Told Its Own Story

‍

‍

The route unfolded like a storybook: starting with gentle border hills, transitioning into remote moorlands and ancient reservoirs, then climbing into pine forests and jagged peaks before rolling down to coastal castles.

‍

The Lodging Vibe: Idyllic to Grandma’s House

‍

From clear sky reserves and bunkhouses with outdoor barbecues to an oddly charming guesthouse that felt like staying in your nan’s attic (wonky floors and all), accommodations were part of the charm. Even the weird-smelling spots had character.

‍

What We Learned (And What We’ll Change)

‍

Next year, we’re leaning into tiered routes, possibly adding more e-bikes.

‍

Traws Cymru gave us solid weather, tough riding, and a group that made the week what it was. It wasn’t easy, but that’s part of the appeal. The route, the people, and the moments along the way all added up to something worth doing again.

‍

We’re taking what worked, tightening what didn’t, and getting ready for the next round.

Ready to Earn Your Lock-In?

‍

Backpacking Wales 2026 is brewing. Want to give it a try? Book your experience.