The Wild Wales event was organised by Wild Cycles, a family business run by John (dad) and Jon (son). Having grown up in South Africa, they bring their experience of camping in the African bush to the UK. The camp was so well set up that we were definitely glamping rather than wild camping - warm showers, kitchen, open fire, homemade pizza…It was an amazing weekend away and we hope to see you there next year!

Day 1 - Gravel Loop  

"In no time we’re riding on stunning trails with only sheep and cows for company."

It’s four degrees outside when we open our eyes at 7 am but a sneak peek of the view through the tent door makes getting up easier. An hour later we’re ready to go! As we wanted to take our time & enjoy the scenery, we’ve chosen the medium loop - 47 kms off-road with just over 1000 metres of elevation gain.

We quickly form a small group and get rolling. In no time we’re riding on stunning trails with only sheep and cows for company. We were expecting Wales to be green and rainy but it’s actually warm & sunny on that day, with lots of golden patches.

"The climbs are great, challenging enough, but not crazy hard so we can really enjoy them."

The second part of the ride is just incredible - open rolling hills with the most scenic views. The climbs are great, challenging enough, but not crazy hard so we can really enjoy them whilst the descents are just awesome. They’re not too technical either, which is great since we’re a bunch of roadies with not much technique when it comes to gullies and rocks!

We then climb for a few kilometres through a pine forest (we could be in the Alps or even Canada) and at the end of the segment come the gullies! Thankfully they’re hidden on flat trails, but it doesn’t prevent me from gently losing my balance quite a few times. It wouldn’t be fun otherwise… 

After that it’s time for descending all the way down to the campsite on probably the most exciting downhill segment of the day: it lasts forever and gets you properly flying alongside the most epic view of red-ish mountains.

"We just sip a few beers, make more friends and enjoy a well-needed warm shower."

We get to camp just after 4 pm and Beatrice, John’s wife, has made a range of German delicacies to purchase - apple strudel, orange cake & open sandwiches (with gluten-free options too!). It’s delicious and we have to refrain ourselves not to go for round 2 (we know there’s pizza for dinner…). Instead, we just sip a few beers, make more friends and enjoy a well-needed warm shower.

Photo courtesy of WildCycles

Soon the fire starts crackling - we settle in some of the Komoot deckchairs where we eat dinner. At this point, warm food feels like heaven.

To finish the day on a high, the very talented trio Angus, George & Forbes treats us with an hour of live music and brings a fantastic party spirit. We walk back to our tent feeling like we’ve just had the best day and can't wait for tomorrow.

Day 2 - Wind Down “Bimble”  

It’s freezing again when we wake up, but it seems that our bodies are getting used to these temperatures and it’s easier to slip out of our sleeping bags. Today’s aim is to all get to a waterfall, we’re excited! Whilst getting ready, I promise myself that next year I’ll bring a coffee kit as I am feeling caffeine-deprived, however, the plan for the day being a “wind down bimble” I should be fine.

bimble /ˈbɪmb(ə)l/, verb: walk or travel at a leisurely pace.

A leisurely pace that’s for sure, since we’re starting straight away on a pretty punchy climb that lasts for kilometres!

"We keep repeating to each other that this part of the world is just stunning"

The views are admittedly stunning, a great distraction from the screaming legs. It amazes us how the same place can deliver so many different impressions according to the time of the day, the light, the weather and the mood you’re in. We feel like we’re re-discovering yesterday’s landscape & keep repeating to each other that this part of the world is just stunning (and that we’re incredibly lucky with the weather).

After 16 km of cycling, we’ve already climbed 600 meters… A reminder that gravel riding is not about speed! We’re now at the top of the valley, ready to descend some technical trails all the way down to the waterfall - which was surprisingly dry but still a really cool place to hang out and chew on an energy bar.

Unfortunately, from here we have to use the main road as a shortcut back to the base camp in order to make it to London on time. It feels like we haven’t touched proper tarmac in forever and the adrenaline of speed catches us before we realise it.

"Our bikes are splattered with herbivore's excrements so we’re grateful to have some brushes and cleaning sprays together with a hose"

Back at the campsite we then make the most of a really handy Muc Off washing station - our bikes are splattered with herbivore's excrements so we’re grateful to have some brushes and cleaning sprays together with a hose. You might think that there is nothing special about this, but for us Londoners who wash their bikes in the shower it’s really close to luxury.

It’s 3 pm when he hit the road back to London, we had a mini holiday (a sunny one!) and it was just fantastic. Bring on Wild Wales 2023!

COMING SOON - Moloko goes Wild ⚡️

 What a great weekend that was, and the exciting news is that there is more gravel coming your way. Together with Wild Cycles, we’re launching a series of 6 gravel adventures this autumn/winter, all in a special location and in partnerships with exciting brands! Keep an eye on the rides section of our website and subscribe to our newsletter not to miss it!