For the first time in 17 editions we are going South in '22.
Some really quiet lanes and easy rises will take the 100milers way down into Herefordshire with a first food stop coming at mile27.5 - this one is a little off route so easy to miss...
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| Norton Cannon village hall |
After this things get a little more undulating right down to Hay-on-Wye and then in Clyro there's the first significant challenge - 2 related climbs up and past Paincastle:
Climb 1 - Clyro to Paincastle - 700ft gain over 2.4miles
https://www.strava.com/segments/2075525Climb 2 - Up to Painscastle Hill - 500ft gained over 2miles
https://www.strava.com/segments/24088719
After this you're up on the remote, scenic moors of mid-Wales for 18miles of virtually car-free riding. There'll be an outdoor food stop around the 50mile mark up on the moors - we have to do an outdoor one because its so remote.
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| Outdoor food stop |
A brief drop to the A44 and then back into the wilderness heading towards Abbey-cwn-Hir (which should be familiar to regular Epicers) - food stop 3 at the Phillips Hall.
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| Food 3 at the Phillips Hall |
After the food stop the 100ers will ride the reverse of the original Epic route - up to Bwlch-y-Sarnau and then a long descent through David's Well - yet more remote, scenic landscapes typical of the Epic (another 15miles of wilderness riding).
Short ride up the A483 and then an easy climb back onto the moors:
Dolfor to B4355 Cattle Grid - 560ft gained over 2.6miles
https://www.strava.com/segments/3785505
Again, regular Epicers may start to recognize the roads up here - they are from the start of the original Epic. You'll descend the climb on the old course and return to Knighton along the Teme valley.
Stats:
Distance: 101.7miles (163.7km)
Total height gain: 7,520ft (2,292m)
Ride with GPS: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37776251
Event website: www.autumnepic.com