Craig Boyde is renowned in the club for riding extraordinary distances. Here is his account of the recent Brecon Beacons Devil sportive.
Last year I challenged myself to the 200km long route; this year I just did the medium route which was no easy ride, but it was a lot more enjoyable. The Welsh countryside here is absolutely stunning to which makes the suffering worthwhile.
Soon after the start the route took us over Gospel Pass (the long route also goes over the Tumble as well) and then an undulating ride around the lanes in Powys, passing Brecon and Builth Wells, riding up the Usk and Wye valleys and climbing Llanbedr moor at the end with the views at the top across England and Wales. It was no easy task with 25% climbs. In addition to the climbing, it was made tougher by narrow lanes where the road surface was rough with mud, gravel, debris from the rain and potholes.
