Shobdon 8 - 9 Feb 19

[Mike Wain]

8 of us did the Shobdon figure 8 double loop that Chris B recorded when we rode it with Hereford TRF in 2017. The weather seemed perfect as we drove up but deteriorated rapidly on arrival in the Shobdon area to overcast with occasional blustery showers and patches of sunshine. It was extremely wet underfoot and the first 35m was muddy rut training of the highest order and very slow. Fortunately the fords were all cunningly supplied with footbridges or we would surely have had to detour as the rivers and streams were all on the verge of bursting their banks. After lunch at Tuffins in Knighton the riding got far easier (but not drier!) and we did the remaining 65m in about the same time and, somewhat to everyone's surprise, arrived back at Shobdon in full daylight!
An excellent and well led day, Thanks Chris!

For info, the lane up from Maesmellan on the A44 to the picture has been massively improved, both on the 'farm bypass' and the bit after that where it was impassable and you had to ride to the left through the bogs. It's now fast and easy along there, apart from the short bit coming out of the gate at the top of the steep rise.

[Chris Barrable]

Thanks Mike for the report. The lane mentioned is known as Water-break-its-neck.