MTB Events

Event Report: MTB Meetup in Llandegla

It was bigger than ever at the annual MTB Meet-Up in North Wales this year

Back for its third year running, what started off with 40 friendly riders meeting up to shred some trails has grown into a 1200 rider strong family.

Simon Bradley and his team has spent the best part of a year organising the MTB Meetup event to ensure a big turn out, and many happy trail blazing riders.

Hosted at the North Wales hotspot, One Planet Adventure in Coed Llandegla, the MTB Meetup collaborated with a number of big brand names to provide an extensive range of demo bikes for the weekend. Bikes from Orange, Santa Cruz, Juliana and Ghost all rolled up with their impressive fleet of steeds.

No one was left out of this event. Women enjoyed the women’s only trail take-over ride on the Saturday, and for the children Ride North Wales brought along their shore-trax and Early Riders bikes.

MTB Meetup

Early birds arrived on Friday to set up camp and ride some of the natural trails that Llandegla has to offer, a great way to kick off a weekend of riding.

Much to my relief, the sun came out on Saturday to warm up the already excitable crowd at One Planet Adventure. Mountain bikers of all ages, skills and ability rolled up to take part in this great event, and the atmosphere was bubbling.

Free skills courses were on offer from Alliance MTB and Chasing Trails to coach riders with jumps, drops and cornering. Trail Takeover hosted a 20km women’s ride, whilst guided rides were organised for the children.

Even if you weren’t riding, there was plenty to see and do at the trail centre with free beer supplied by Kirkby Lonsdale Brewery, a full BBQ of delicious foods, stalls from bike brands and more.

An annual tradition for the MTB Meetup is the huge MTB raffle which helped to raise over £2000 for this year’s charity, St Gemma’s Hospice. The hospice was chosen for their help and care of Jenn Hill and avid rider and passionate member of the MTB community, who sadly passed away from Cancer last year.

Finishing off the weekend with Sunday’s 40km route that was created especially for the MTB Meetup by Ride North Wales. The trail took in the sights of the stunning Dee Valley from high up on Llantysilio mountain.

Overview

The MTB Meetup was a fab event for all mountain bike enthusiasts. It was such a chilled atmosphere that it was lovely to see everyone in high spirits, making friends and catching up with old faces.

Simon Bradley: Event Organiser Photo: Chris Davies

“I’m so grateful for all the support we get to make this happen, the MTBMeetup has turned into a mini-festival this year” – Simon Bradley, Head Organizer

The riding up in North Wales is something else as well, fun trails and stunning scenery with a somewhat unpredictable weather system.

Already looking forward to next year’s event where I’m sure it’ll continue to grow into a “Must-Do Event” on the annual biking calendar.

Cycling has begun to see the social demand for events such as these. Rather than turning up at a race, giving it your all and going home, event organisers are beginning to realise the importance of community.

Events, like the MTB Meetup, is a fantastic way to meet new people, share experiences and ride together in beautiful gnarly places.