Merida Bikes MTB TransWales 2008 - CONCEPT

Over the years Mountain Bike stage events for example the TransAlp, the TransRockies and the Cape Epic have been on the top of the event wish list for thousands of mountain bikers around the world. The TransAlp is booked out just hours after the opening of online registration and has seen numbers for over 800 teams per year since is started almost 10 years ago. These events are the most gruelling yet inspiring experiences one could have on a mountain bike.

The in 2006 launched TransWales managed to seamlessly slip the UK adaptation into the ranks of these high class events and has managed put the UK on the global ‘MTB Trans’ map. The 2006 event attracted a very broad spectrum of cycling and sports enthusiasts and found a worthy follow up event in the 2007 TransScotland. You could find everything from mountain bike racer, marathon specialist, extreme tourer, adventure racer and lots of other general sports fanatics who have never spent countless hours in the saddle but are up for the big challenge.

The TransUK events have taken the concept of the ‘Trans’ events and applies it to the terrain and conditions we have in UK. Contrary to the afore mentioned events the TransUK events had a mixture of mostly off road run linking stages which are un-timed and special stages which are timed.

The Merida Bikes TransWales ‘08 will follow the same concept. We are currently still in the course planning stage but as it looks we will utilise some of the best welsh trail centres – either as special stages or part of linking stages. Keep an eye on the stage plan page where we will put any news and updates on the course. The 2008 will differ fairly heavily from the 2006 course without cutting out some of the great bits of trail the riders enjoyed so much in the launch year. For details check out the stage plan (link).

Linking Stages:
During a linking stage you will be riding from one location to the other. We will set a generous time limit which will allow you to get to the next location without any problems. Normally the time limit is based roughly around a 12km/h average speed but gets reduced if the climbing or the terrain is particular severe. All teams will be equipped with a route card which shows reference points along the way and has all the emergency number on it. The courses are fully marked from start to finish. A certain amount of strategy is required to make sure that you arrive at the next location within the time limit. If you should arrive late you will get penalty points which will affect your over all position.

Special Stages:
We will have 4-5 Special Stages in the Merida Bikes TransWales ‘08. As we are still in early stages in regards to the course planning this might change closer to the event date. The Special Stages are time trails against the clock and will be run on fully marked and marshalled courses or as specially marked part of  linking stage. Some of them will be run as relay (one rider starts the other one takes over half way) or pair (both riders ride together for the whole length) time trials and require again a mixture of skills. “Who is the strongest climber?”, “Who is the better descender?”, “What bike is the right one for the event?”, “Can I go flat out for the whole distance or do I still have to pace myself?” Others are run as ‘team’ time trails where both riders ride together where the slower of the two riders gets timed or both times get added up. One of the special stages will be held at night so decent night lights are a must if you are going to take part in that stage (you don’t need lights for any other stage including all the linking stages).

Where as the linking stages will give you the chance to enjoy some of the best riding the British Isles have to offer without the ongoing pressure that you have to press on (so you get the chance to chat to other riders or stop for a great view or a photo) the special stages will be gripping fights for split seconds and will be packed full of drama. Concentration and speed will be the order of the day as even the smallest mistake can make the difference between being on the podium or in front of it. The right choice of reliable equipment will also have a vital role as there will be no time for fixing problems this is just speed, speed, speed.

Same as the 2006 Merida TransWales and the 2007 Chain Reaction Cycles TransScotland the 2008 Merida Bikes TransWales is not just about riding your bike fast and long. It is also about making new friends whilst discussing the day’s events over dinner, riding through amazing countryside in one of the most picturesque parts of Wales, pushing your own limits, following an active and healthy lifestyle and simply about being part of something. If you have had the chance to be part of the TransUK events in 2006 or 2007 you will know what we are talking about and if not, come along in to the 2008 Merida Bikes TransWales and find out for yourself.