Another fun Activ trip where twenty-something riders had a blast of a weekend.

Much eager anticipation and planning the teaming up of cabins, transport and meal orders (largely thanks to Lost - aka Charlotte) preceded the mass exodus to Wales. Excited forum posters were counting down the number of sleeps to go.........

At last the time arrived. The keener of the contingent left on Thursday in order to make the most of the whole weekend away, including the Friday. They rode Wrexham and Tawr, whilst the envious remainder of the party struggled up through awful Friday traffic after work at various times during Friday. Most arrived in time to sing happy birthday to Lots. Already there had been at least a couple of tumbles resulting in some visible tell-tale grazes. Riding on real Welsh terrain had given those rock virgins a rude awakening!

Saturday started drizzly, but nothing to deter most riders from cracking round The Dragon's Back followed by the MBR - though some opted for a combination of the two and rode The Beast in one. A few minor rock inspection incidents occured, including Charlie scaring everyone with a suspected broken arm. Roraigh rushed the Beast victim to Bangor A&E, but thankfully the x-ray showed bad bruising, which he was able to tough out and carry on with his cycling.

The day's fun caused much celebration in the pub at dinner - and some entertaining toilet trips from the overweight stunt display team, or whatever they call themselves.

Decisions were divided as to the schedule for Sunday. Those who still had enough gogo rode Penmachno for starters. In a spectacular effort from Stuntman to retain his title, he threw himself off his bike (and the trail) to proudly display a bleeding leg. Even our elite rider Plenney was unable to contain his excitement and managed to fly off the trails more than once, but he didn't have as much blood as Stunt, so didn't make it to the injury shots.

From there the camp split into those on a deadline who had to return or places to go to......to the Ashford bunch who opted for the Marin Trail.....and the majority who plumped for Llandegla (Wrexham)as it was in the right direction for home.

The taking of wrong routes and resulting lengthy detours(sorry to split on you, Coll!) wasn't restricted to the green/black/red/blue trails at Wrexham. Oh no. It continued on the way home, causing the plumber to be somewhat vexed.

Anyway, this may be expanded upon in due course, but for now suffice to say Wales did not disappoint and there are already murmourings about when a return can be made.