2015 Mudslingers!
The date is confirmed as 1-3 July 2016, the entire Afan Lodge is booked for us for the weekend, and we are ready to start the booking process for our second annual Mudslingers adventure in the stunning Afan Valley in South Wales. We are planning another action packed weekend of ability-specific Slipstreamers MTB Coach/ Leader led rides for Saturday and Sunday, including round two of the “Chubby Bunny” marshmallow challenge (not for the faint hearted!).
Our inaugral trip was a first for the club, and turned out to be a huge success – new friends were made, fears overcome, challenges beaten, midges battled, marshmallows consumed, and exhilirating trails experienced. Be inspired by our 2015 recap here where our Mudslingers tell you all about their epic, funtastic, incredibly awesome weekend in their own words.
Who May Attend? Is this Just for Mountain Bikers?
As long as you are a Slipstreamer Member – whether you are a mountain biker, roadie, trackie, or cyclo-crosser – as long as you can ride a mountain bike and enjoy having fun in nature, you are most certainly invited! We’d love to see more of you this time! It is worth noting, however, that the trails and terrain in the Afan Valley can be technical in some areas so a fair amount of skill (and fitness) is required. However, groups will be split by ability as we did last year so there will be something for everyone! If in doubt, talk to the MTB Coaches and they’ll be happy to advise. Do also bear in mind that the weekend is a few months away so there is plenty of time to practice those skills – join a MTB session on a Saturday, come and ride with us at the Lookout in Swinley every month, or try out a few XC races to get some practice in. You won’t regret it!
Is this Kids Only? Or are Parents/ Guardians Required To Attend?
Slipstreamers Volunteers will be in attendance, including our highly skilled MTB Coaches/ Leaders, CWO and helper teams, and we will do the organising, planning, and all the co-ordination to ensure you have a memorable weekend. But this is strictly a parent/guardian-accompanied weekend as the Club cannot take responsibility for Members outside of the led rides/ sessions, so parents/ guardians are required to attend.
Afan Lodge, complete with pump track!
Where Will We Be Based?
We have booked out the entire Afan Lodge, run by Richard and Louise Davies, which is set in the stunning surrounds of the Afan Valley and is the ideal starting point for exploring the valley’s trail network. Do read what our Mudslingers had to say about the Lodge setting, rooms and food in their 2015 reports. Of course, you are welcome to sort out your own accomodation if you’d like to join us, but we found having everyone together makes for fantastic camaraderie and a great bonding experience. Not to mention that at the special rate of £65 per person night (less for children), based on a minimum 2-night booking for the Friday and Saturday, and including 2 dinners and 2 breakfasts – this is an absolute bargain you won’t find elsewhere.
Ok You’ve Convinced Me – How Do I Book?
As a starting point, check your diary and make sure you are free. Then, please get in touch with Asti via email or come and see her in person at the Club to get your name on the booking sheet. Places will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis to the Afan Lodge, but if there is an overwhelming response we’ll start a waiting list and look at supplementary accommodation as well. As we get closer to the weekend, you’ll receive instructions on how to pay a deposit and finalise your booking.
What’s Next/ I Have Questions About the Weekend?
We are a few months away, and there is a lot of planning and organising to get done to ensure our second weekend surpasses that of our first in terms of fun factor! Nothing is set in stone yet, and suggestions/ feedback is always welcome. If you have any questions, just ask. In the interim, practice those mountain bike skills as often as you can!