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Best Time of Year: Year Round
Cambrian Carbon Neutral Challenge
Multi Activity Adventure
Go Wild in the awesome Black Mountains - and push yourself to the limit with Bike Stages On and Off road, Open Canoeing on the River Wye, and Trekking along the famous Offa's Dyke path back across the Black Mountains. A challenge in every sense of the word!
A wild and full on two days of challenge adventure in the Cambrian Black Mountains of South Wales - tackle this one if you dare! Bike, Paddle and Trek covering some fifty miles over the weekend, not for the faint of heart or lung! Note this adventure is marshall checkpointed - but not necessarily 'lead' - hence you will need some navigational know-how - although the route has been designed for fairly simple navigation. NOTE - you will not be using any form of powered transport during this weekend - hence the 'Carbon Neutral' moniker - Adventure Café have Carbon balanced journies to reach the event, and bike transfers too. We recommend that you reach the event by train if possible - if not utilising a 'lift-share' - please!
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Pandy (nr Abergavenny) by about 18:00 - in time for a pre-event briefing at 19:00, followed by evening meal and overnight under canvas.
Day 2
Reveille 06:30 - Breakfast 07:00 - Depart Campsite 08:00
Participants must pre-prepare stage bags with their gear - ready for transfer to the transition point
Morning Mountain Bike Ride with a climb across the Black Mountains to height of approx 690m - distance - 50km - expected duration – 4.5 hours
Arrival target time - 12:30 - Lunch Transition and checkpoint
Earliest scheduled departure time - 13:00 - by Open Canoe on River Wye. Paddle distance - approx 14km -Expected Arrival time at campsite - approx 17:30.
Day 3
Expected Departure time 09:00
First Leg - on road bike stage - to reach Black Mountains, with stiff climb towards Hay Bluff - approx distance - 25km + Ascent of approx 400m
Transition Stage - Tea Stop - at approx 12:00
Stage 2 - Offa's Dyke Trek - Approx 20km - expected arrival time - 16:00 - at end of trek (Transition at Pandy). End of Event at Pandy - at good local pub
Accommodation
You will Stay 2 nights under canvas - tents provided by Adventure Café, although you may need to assist in the pitching of your tent!
What is a Level 4.0 Multi Activity Challenge Like?
These challenges are long in duration, high altitude, or span several days. In the case of single day events, you can expect around 12 hours of full on multi activity. In the case of a multi day challenge, you can expect lower daily durations - but of course - the effort is sustained over a longer period. You need to love physical exercise for these events, and to enjoy your training, and to do it regularly. Longer duration challenges are likely to be easier in terms of the physical effort, however, you will need to be more resilient - due to simple living conditions - ie using same clothes for several days, simple food, and maybe camping - this forms an integral part of the challenge.
How Fit Do I need to be to join a Level 4.0 ‘Multi Activity Challenge’?
You are now moving into the realms of serious challenges - where you are likely to encounter carrying equipment, cycling on rougher terrain, sleep deprivation, or high altitude, or intense multi activity events along the lines of adventure triathlons. In any case - be prepared for an event which is going to take you to the limits of your comfort zone. Days will be up to 12 hours, or slightly less if the event stretches over several days. The severity of the challenge may be magnified by various factors - as you will need to be more resilient - due to simple living conditions, simple food, variable weather conditions and maybe camping - these form a part of the challenge. You need to be in good shape to undertake any of these events, and you need to be training regularly. The height gain each day is greater than for level 3 - so expect plenty of hills! For multi activity events please work on your all round fitness.
Medical Issues
Please note, it is extremely important for this physical challenge that you are in good health. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, please consider carefully whether you should be joining the challenge. Please ensure you fill in the booking form accurately and honestly, this is important. In the case of serious conditions (epilepsy, diabetes, heart conditions, recent illness or operations), please discuss the challenge with your GP. Please also ensure you notify us of any allergies or similar. It requires stamina and good aerobic fitness - but good willpower will also come in handy! Failure to disclose medical conditions is a serious omission - that could have serious repercussions on any of our challenges.
Included In Trip
Open Canoe Hire, Bouyancy Aids, Tents for overnighting, Marshalled Course, Breakfasts, Transfer of bikes, Emergency Assistance in case of injury.
Excluded From Trip
Transport to and from event. Lunches & Dinners, Bike Hire.
Equipment Required
Personal Medikit
Suncream, Blister Repair Kit, Plasters, Painkillers, Sunbloc
Walking/Camping Items
Day Sack (25-35 litre)
Rucksack liner(s) / Plastic Liner(s) for Rucksack
Sleeping Bag or Sleeping Bag Liner - please check whether you require a sleeping bag
Bladder System (highly recommended - or other water bottles e.g. exercise bottle/Nalgene bottle)
Walking Poles (highly recommended)
Sun Hat (wide brimmed)
Neck Scarf
Lunches - you may wish to pre-pack lunched but please check with us
Snack Foods - we recommend good slow burning items - nuts, dried fruit, cereal bars etc.
Clothing
T-Shirt
Lightweight Fleece, Lightweight Gloves, Fleece Hat
Long Cotton Trekking Trousers
Comfortable Trekking Shirts (long/short sleeved)
Walking Boots (broken in with ankle protection)
Gaiters (appropriate to moor wilderness / moorland treks - please ask!)
Walking Socks
Outer Fully Waterproof Jacket (Gore-tex, E-vent)
1 Pair Outer Waterproof Bottoms
Other
Small Towel, Pack of Travel Tissues
Camera, Film / Memory Card / Spare Battery
Wallet, Credit Cards, Cash
Sunglasses, Spare Comfortable Shoes
Mobile Phone
Bike Items
Road Bike / Hybrid Bike / Mountain Bike (with Touring Tyres) - please call us for guidance on a trip by trip basis
Water Bottles (bladder system/cycle water bottles)
Under Saddle Pouch (recommended - can be used to carry asterik* items)
Puncture Repair Kit*
2 x Inner Tubes*
Multi-Tool (with allen keys)*
Pump (suitable for your valve type)
Helmet (compulsory)
Safety Information
By nature all activities contain an element of risk.Your leader will be first aid qualified and will carry the appropriate safety kit for the activity, such as mountain safety shelters, walking rope and from time to time mobile radios. Safety equipment carried will be appropriate to trip. The leader's primary role is to ensure your safety, but it is your responsibility to listen to their guidance and instructions.
Weather
This event usually takes place from late Spring through to early autumn - hence you should expect good mild weather. Expect sunshine and warm weather, you should plan for both hot weather (ie requiring plenty of fluids, but also poor conditions (bring waterproofs, warm clothes etc.)
Adventure Cafe Booking Terms and Conditions
By booking an event with Adventure Cafe, you agree to these standard terms of booking. Please ensure that you read the appropriate document for your type of event carefully.
Adventure Cafe Terms & Conditions - For all types of event
To Reserve Your Space on this Challenge
You should fill in the Google Form - linked here below, and then please call us on 01823 444 246 to advise of your payment method. We can accept card payments over the phone, or Bank Transfer.
Please note that your space is not confirmed until you have received your booking receipt.
CLICK HERE:
Adventure Cafe Challenge Booking Form - For Challenge Events