Dyfi Enduro 2007

The Dyfi Enduro is one of those events that will have you coming back year after year. In much the same way that Glastonbury tickets disappear as soon as they go on sale, the Dyfi has become so popular that bikers flock online to register themselves early to confirm their places. The hype grows each time as new people discover the charm of the event and come back again each year. With its laid back approach the Dyfi Enduro puts no emphasis on doing well, with the important thing being that you have a good time.

I first experienced the Dyfi last year, me and a few of the guys from the Cardiff Uni MTB Club ventured up to Mid-Wales for a long weekend. For non racers like myself that have no interest in the competition side of mountain biking, this event is perfect, it serves as a personal challenge and brings together like minded bikers from all over the country. The campsite itself is a hive of activity with people catching up with old friends, fixing bikes or having a few bevies, it has an almost festival type atmosphere.

The enduro is well organised and thought out, everything from the free mug and stickers, half way feed station to the finish line commentary makes it a great event to be part of. All these things add up to make a brilliant all round event, but what really makes the Dyfi Enduro is the fantastic course. At only 65km you may be fooled into thinking this was an easy enduro, but within this relatively short distance it packs a punch. With around about 1400m of climbing the ride is sure to leave you with stiff legs, if not a hint of cramp. The descents are what make it so great for me, even though most of them are on old double tracks; they prove to be a challenge in themselves. Ruts, berms and jumps have been carved by motor crossers to provide tricky and in some places technical descents that are still plenty wide enough to provide a choice of lines so that you can sneakily pick off any stragglers.

As you can imagine I was looking forward to this years Dyfi, so was really frustrated when a broken seat post bolt, about 2/3rds of the way around, forced me to call it a day. Feedback from friends was all good though and it seems that everyone had a good time. People were friendly and the banter was good, there’s nothing like self inflicted, shared suffering to get people chatting. Respect is given to the three guys on Uni-cycles that were not only riding the course well but overtaking most bikers on the up hills. They really define the spirit of the Dyfi, to just test yourself and have fun, which is how it should stay. Thanks to all the organisers who made it happen and roll on Dyfi Enduro 2008.

Ali Chant (Single-speed/ Ludite) 3hr 40m
Jim Savege 4hr 3m
Sue Savege 4hr 20m
Matt Barnicott DNF