If you are looking for a more unusual and challenging sporting experience this weekend, why not check out the real ale wobble. This post will tell you all you need to know about this event, as well as where to go and how to take part.
What does it involve?
Arguably the muddiest pub crawl in Britain and certainly one of the most challenging, the real ale wobble involves competitors cycling through the Cambrian Mountains in Wales. Cycling on courses especially designed by mountain bikers, offering hills, narrow paths, arduous challenging climbs, forests and even a small stream to navigate, this is not for the faint hearted. The twist, if you had not guessed already, was that instead of water at 2 checkpoints (3 for those braving the longer course) you get a choice of locally brewed real ale. There are three different routes for bikers of different levels, with a reasonable length and challenging 15 mile course, and also a 25 and 35 mile route for those who want to test their biking and drinking skills to the limit.
Overall it makes for a great day out, particularly if you are a fan of real ale, and there is the chance to enjoy live music and stronger ale in the evening after the cycling itself.
The wobble, was the brainchild of Gordon Green (the same man behind the bog snorkelling championships, which is also held in Llanwrtyd) and forms part of the Mid Wales Beer Festivals, one of the longest beer festivals in Britain. If mountain biking is not for you, there is also a Real Ale Ramble, which takes place next week.
How do I get involved?
To join the Real Ale Wobble you will first need register. Registration points are open from 7-9pm tonight, and 7-9am on both Saturday and Sunday morning. Alternatively you can download a registration form online. (details provided below) The cost for entrants is £16 for 1 day, or £22 for both Saturday and Sunday. There is also a surcharge for of £4 for registering on the day.
The actual event itself begins at 10 a.m on both Saturday and Sunday, with a briefing provided beforehand. It's not a race and you can go entirely at your own pace.
It goes without saying that it helps to have some mountain biking ability, as well a bike which can handle off-road and varied conditions. (although you can hire a bike) Similarly it makes sense to wear sensible clothing for cycling, which you also don't mind getting muddy and many competitors do in fact bring a change of clothing with them on the wobble, having said that competitors in the past have sometimes turned up in costume, although this is not advised, this is after all a 15 / 25 / 35 mile cycle across mountains. Helmets are of course compulsory.
To find out more and to register online visit http://www.green-events.co.uk/eventinfo.php?eventdetails=97
If you do go along, we would love to hear of your experience, so email us at sfdoteam@superfundaysout.com to submit your article and to win 2 tickets to the U.K's longest zip wire.
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