Route 11 July 2010

The Devil Ride 2010 offers you a choice of three routes. The Little Devil is a very attractive half-day of riding: 60 miles and within the physical and technical capabilities of most riders. The Big Devil is an uncompromising 100 miles with about 10000 feet of climbing over a variety of terrain which is often challenging. We offer a third route, the Demon; a variation on the full route which still takes in the Devil's Staircase and Llyn Brianne, but offers a shorter and less arduous journey home. It's our favourite, but the choice is yours.

Route downloads

The event guide in pdf format is available here

A route map in pdf format is available here

A map of the HQ and start and finish of the routes in pdf format is available here

GPS: right click to download Little Devil gpx

GPS: right click to download Demon gpx

GPS: right click to download Big Devil gpx

Out...

All riders start with a picturesque ride through valley pasture and wooded hillside. The route climbs steadily at first and then more steeply as the valley gives way to burnished moorland and yields fine views of the mountains before plunging into Builth Wells. The suburban tidiness of the golf club soon gives way to a pretty country lane before the route turns South East along a roller-coaster road of short sweeping descents and speed-sapping climbs. Having softened you up the route now heads North into the mountains proper, climbing gently through ancient woods and pine forests along a shining mountain stream and finally opening out to provide a hint of the climbs ahead.

At Abergwesyn riders on the Little Devil bid farewell and turn for home, whilst those who seek a bigger challenge tighten their toestraps for an ascent of the Devil's Staircase.

The Devil's Staircase is a tortuous kilometre of gravel strewn hairpin bends with a maximum gradient of 25%. Those who tackle it will be rewarded with entry to a mountian lair whose place names evoke a world of dwarves, goblins, and perhaps the odd hobbit (our advice is to stay away from odd hobbits, even if they are riding a bike). The treasure of this secret land is the beautiful Llyn Brianne. Guarded at first by thick pine forest she reveals herself to those who dare ride on. Maybe the Devil's staircase is a stairway to heaven, or then again, a jealous demon guarding his deceitful lover....

....Pause to take in the sights, but resist the siren call of the shimmering temptress, there's still a long way to go. Ride on a little, then put your fear aside, your road to redemption starts with the unbridled joy of a fine descent.

Isn't this why you started riding a bike in the first place?

...and back

After Abergwesyn the Little Devil descends gently along the river, through silver woods. You'll hardly need to pedal, nor will you trouble your brakes. And no need to resist the cafe at the bottom, you've got all the time in the world: your worldly task is (nearly) done and after a few foothills you'll begin the last proper climb of the day. Take your time: absorb the views of the Cambrian Mountains and Brecon Beacons; take them with you whilst sparing a thought for your mortal brothers and sisters who are forging a longer route home. Finally, enjoy the last ten miles home: there's more down than up: no devil on your back, rather, a guardian angel to guide you home.

Riders on the full route will be lulled by the long run down to Llandovery (one of our favourite parts of the ride). Don't be fooled. There's 30 miles to go and for much of it you'll be tackling short steep climbs and barrelling down narrow country roads. It's a good physical and technical challenge and you'll feel justly proud (and relieved) at the end of it.

For those seeking the best of both worlds?

For those of you who want to ride the Devil's staircase and enjoy the spectacular scenery of Llyn Brianne, but don't want to subject yourselves to the excesses of the 100 mile route, we provide an alternative route home. You'll divert from the full route through Cynghordy, take the pleasant country road through Tirabad and join the Little Devil at Llangammarch Wells. You'll still clock over 80 miles, but you should arrive at the event centre with enough strength to eat your post race meal.