North Wales - newcomers and road riders - PLEASE READ

[Wirralman]

For newcomers to the forum and those who haven't been to the North Wales event, here are some comments -largely in full and unedited, that I got from previous first-timers, some of whom were a bit apprehensive about the weekend before they came.

The week-end is open to all. The format is similar to the previous years, but following a forum discussion after last year the accomodation and catering will be based on a single site, namely the Bunkhouse and its grounds. This will hopefully achieve the original ideal of having a good social week-end, whilst actually using our bikes to their and our full potential.

If you are thinking about coming, this may give you a flavour what first-timers thought.
Rider 1

....I wasn't totally sure where I was going but common sense prevailed and I found it okay....

.....Because there were a lot of people there, all new to me, maybe some kind of notice board with pictures & names of people on it. I found meeting so many new people a little overwhelming and something like that to refer to would have been great....(I'm rubbish at remembering names on a first meet)...

....Would have liked a bonfire & beers so next year maybe.....

....Would have liked someone to have been more of a camp commandant and got everyone together for a group photograph....

..I've found it tricky to find things I didn't enjoy about it....it was a great event and long may it continue.....I've made some new friends though the weekend......Also I'm a newbie to MT's so the information I have gleamed has been brilliant.....I've committed myself to riding to Mongolia on my MT in the next 2 years.....Before the weekend, I was unaware I could buy a CCM with a 604 engine and transplant it onto my bike so that's something I'll be doing....

Rider 2

I have only positive feedback about the weekend. I would have liked to have spent more time off road but hey you’ve got to travel from lane to lane and it was all good fun. As for the food debate I'd be quite happy with a ham sandwich. (Easy lanes rider)

Rider 3
I thought the North Wales weekend was amazing. The whole set up was great. The fact the food was at the pub and not on-site did split the people a bit. I was in the Easy(Welsh) group but was surprised at the difficulty of some of the stuff we went up, down or through, but it did mean I pushed the boundaries of what I thought Me or the MT could do, so it was a great sense of satisfaction and achievement. The guys were all very friendly and made me feel most welcome.

Rider 4

Thought the weekend was great, I thoroughly enjoyed all aspects much the same as every MT weekend ive attended so far. Great bunch of blokes and good to see 'old' Army bikes being used for exactly what they were intended.

Big thanks once again , I know how much effort goes into organising things like this/Stafford/forum etc etc thats why I think the club is second to none, with some outstanding hard working characters!

Rider 5

To start with I would like to say how much I enjoyed the weekend and I’m looking forward to next year!
I picked the medium lanes and found them to be very fun and a good challenge at some points! will be in the same group next year.
As for food, I enjoyed the food at the Bull but it does make it an expensive weekend for me I would be happy to go with the food at bunkhouse idea. The weekend felt like it was very well organised which makes a big difference!

Rider 6

I had a great weekend and it was nice to meet more members.
I went to South Wales last year and I think it was more of a social event as we all camped together and mostly ate and drank together
so I feel the North Wales was a bit lacking on the social front.
I think it would be a great idea if we all ate at the bunkhouse.
As for the lanes, I chose medium and they were just as I expected .

So, please note, this event is as appropriate to newcomers on road tyres as it is to MX champions, we cater for all.
There is navigation exercises this year IF YOU WANT IT, but welcome to just come along and ride, or just come and have a beer. Open to all, as long as we know you're coming.

See you there!

[deadgrass]

thanks for posting the info eric, i guess we all have to do the first time.
dave.

[Roey]

thanks for posting the info eric, i guess we all have to do the first time.
dave.

Dave, after South Wales this year....N Wales will be a doddle!

[deadgrass]

hope so mick, as i've signed up to be falling of behind you lot again.
dave.

[ellrider]

thanks for posting the info eric, i guess we all have to do the first time.
dave.

Dave, after South Wales this year....N Wales will be a doddle!

Are you refering to the social side or the riding.....Port anyone?

[hounddog]

Thanks Eric, useful info.
Just to reiterate really , the aim is we all have a good enjoyable social gathering and enjoy riding our bikes, whether that is on hard, medium or easy lanes or staying on tarmac roads , whatever you are comfortable and happy with.
Always good to welcome new members to these events and those who haven't been to a club event before.
I remember being made very welcome by everyone on my first club meetings as a slightly aprehensive new member who didnt know anyone , we really do have a lot of very genuine friendly people in this club.
I am looking forward to it - just got a few jobs to do to get the bike into shape now

Ian

[ZIP TIE]

Seriously folks if you are umming and arring on wether to go or notSTOP ITand book it, it's a fecking brilliant weekend and you won't be made to do anything you don't feel happy with and there is riding suitable for all tastes/abilities with a great bunch ................just wish I could go

[chippy1]

North Wales week-end 30 Aug-1 Sept 2013- The Low-down
The Basics
This is an MT-only week-end, intended not only to use our bikes, but also to be a social week-end. It is aimed to give the maximum FUN and riding opportunity within the limits of safety, for the least cost. It is not an exercise in proving how brave/foolhardy or skilful you are.

Timings are yet to be confirmed , however there will be some riding available on Friday with riders making their own arrangements with the Bunkhouse to stay on Thursday evening http://www.conwyvalleybarn.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;.
The primary riding day will be Saturday, there will be groups organised for road riding, light lane riding and more taxing off-road riding. There may also riding on Sunday for those not dashing home.

To maximise the social element of the week-end everyone will stay over-night in the same location be it in the Bunkhouse GRID SH768697 or camping/vanping adjacent to it. Pre-booking your place is essential.

For the event to be a success the attendees need to put some work in beforehand to ensure that both they and their bikes are prepared for the event. So if you’re trailering your bike there make sure you’ve had a good shake-down run or two beforehand. Please ensure that your tyres and inner-tubes are in good condition. Delaying a group to change an innertube that was installed 10 years ago by the military will not win you friends. Be aware that you WILL be subjecting your bike to water both upwards from the water splashes and downwards from rain (quite likely).

If you can’t take a joke such as pouring rain all week-end, are prone to whinging and complaining, this week-end is not for you. If you want to have FUN either on-road or off –road, then this is the weekend you can explore Wales with some other MTs.

The Details
Final bookings, with payment, are to be made by Thursday 22nd August. This is to allow the organisers time to plan and arrange guides for the respective Rider groups. HOWEVER, there is a maximum capacity, determined largely by the number of guides, as there is a maximum practicable group size, hence places may be limited. You must also register your details so that we know who is coming and have contact details for you should there be an emergency.

Whilst you may request your preferred riding group, please do not over-estimate your ability. If you are carrying an injury, drop down a group rather than spoiling the ride for others. The organisers will endeavour to maximise the FUN for everyone-please accept their decisions without dispute. All riding is at your own risk. For those who have been in prior years, there are some NEW areas to explore.

Ideally everyone should be at The Bunkhouse on or before 9pm on Friday 30st August. This is to allow the organisers to confirm attendees and make any adjustments to the Groups of riders and their guides.

Bikes should be fully fuelled, with oil levels, tyre pressures, lights, horn, battery levels checked ready for the start of the day on Saturday morning-details to be finalised on Friday evening. It is not advisable to take pannier boxes on the lanes.
Please do not run engines in/around the village between 2200 and 0800. No loud pipes, and be considerate to horse riders, pedestrians, live stock and close gates.

The lanes being used have been checked with the local Definitive Map to ensure that they can be legally ridden. Please do not use lanes that you don’t know are legal to ride.
If you feel that you wish to address the group, please have the courtesy to discuss it with the organisers, or Bunker, before doing so.

FacilitiesNearest fuelling points from Tal y Bont

Texaco station 7km south on Llanrwst to Betws-y-coed road postcode LL 26 0PP road GRID SH806606 Opening hours x-2200?
Shell station in Betws-y-coed town centre 10km south
Shell station on A470/A55 junction 8km north
Tesco Llandudno on road from A55 to Llandudno and Conway 9km north
Shops. Local shop in village and small supermarket Llanrwst.
The bunkhouse has- toilets, showers and cooking facilities available for those in the bunkhouse and campers

What to bring
Wet weather gear, Midge Repellent, KFS, Mug, plate, Drink? Sense of humour.
PLEASE NOTE
The North Wales police have a lot of marked and unmarked cars and bikes. They operate a fairly robust interpretation of the law-obey it and you’ll have no problems.

Costs and Payment
Camping or bunkhouse with food is £50 Food covers cooked Breakfast Saturday, evening meal –Hog Roast Saturday and breakfast Sunday. Beer, lager and some soft drinks will be provided.
For those wishing to eat on Friday evening The Bull serves meals but it would be advisable to pre-book.

Please respond to giving you preferences, Road, Easy Lane, Medium Lane, Hard lane.
Buy your ticket through the club SHOP
NB there are only 20 bunkhouse spaces and will be allocated on a first come first served basis

[TDIPower]

Will someone swap a baby for a ticket? Ruby is a wonderful creation but I want to do the Wales trip!!!

Next year...

Pete

[Mr Shiney]

Will someone swap a baby for a ticket? Ruby is a wonderful creation but I want to do the Wales trip!!!

Next year...

Pete

Even better, Jack Daniels BBQ sauce, smother it on, hand over to drifter and by dinner time everyones a winner!!!