Trail Rides Wales

06/02/2024

I just found this picture from 1996 - the only year I did the Welsh 2 Day Enduro on a solo. It must be the second day as the bikes are dirty, and Liz Millett is next to me.

24/01/2024

Some of you know that my daughter and I race a grass track sidecar. You can have a go on it in South Wales at the end of March - see https://www.facebook.com/events/313985561564750

22/01/2024

I've been neglectful of this page! Will try to do better from now on.

22/01/2024

🏍️Calling all trail bike enthusiasts!

If you're a lover of exploring the breathtaking trails, green lanes, and Byways of Mid Wales, then we have the perfect accommodation for you!

For the past 6 years, we have been welcoming responsible trail riders to our cosy accommodation. And let us tell you, it's an experience you won't want to miss! 😍

From the moment you arrive, you'll be greeted with a warm welcome and a smile. Our goal is to make your stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. So, get ready for hot showers, comfy beds, and delicious food that will satisfy even the hungriest adventurer! 🚿

After an exhilarating day on the trails, our comfortable lounge is the perfect place to unwind and share stories with fellow riders. We know how important it is to have a space where you can relax and recharge for your next adventure.

And let's not forget about our boot room! No need to worry about your wet and muddy clothing. We've got you covered. Hang up your gear and let it dry, so you're ready for your next thrilling ride!

So, if you're ready to explore the wonders of Mid Wales on your trail bike, look no further than Our Hideaway. We guarantee you'll leave with unforgettable memories, and a longing to return. 🌟🤝

Book your stay with us today and let the adventure begin! 📅🗺️

14/11/2023

Here's a nice sunny picture to remind you of days when it didn't rain.

18/07/2023

Had a nice couple of days recently with a couple of Himalayan riders plus a few more on CRF250Ls. This is a bit further north than we usually go.

22/04/2023

No pictures from recent rides, as one was too wet, and the others it just didn’t happen. But over the years I have taken many great (and a great many) photos, most of which are on the gallery page of our website:
https:www.trailrides-wales.com/gallery.html

Visit scenic Wales on a trail motorcycle!

11/04/2023

We have a couple of spaces tomorrow, Wednesday 12th April, to join an experienced rider on a Freeride (I think) and a novice on a CRF250L. We will do a scenic north route from Machynlleth. A hire bike for a rider who has some trail or offroad experience could be available, or come on your own. Please message, Whatsapp 07849 760722, phone 01686 430522 or email [email protected] for further details and cost.

03/04/2023

Sun! Spring may be here! Looking forward to riding soon and seeing this view. We passed this way there and back last Friday but all we could see was cloud and rain.

07/03/2023

Not sure yet whether we will ride on Saturday 11th March. We had two riders booked but now only one can come. The forecast here is 10cm snow tomorrow and 15cm on Thursday! But warming up on Friday with no overnight frost to Saturday, so if that is correct, riding on Saturday should be OK. Even milder on Sunday, but more chance of rain. Two hire bikes available at a special price. It will not be a beginner’s ride. Email [email protected] for more info.

22/02/2023

I have just updated our website, and discovered this: https://www.thecambrianmountains.co.uk We are in a Dark Skies area so anyone staying over who is interested in stargazing can combine our day with a starry night as long as the famous Welsh rain doesn’t spoil the party!

19/02/2023

A beautiful day on the big bikes in March 2017.

18/02/2023

The picture is from a rainy day ride for adventure bikes in July 2016. Despite seeing no views, we managed to have a good time.

16/02/2023

Another weekend cancellation! But as the forecast is rainy, I must admit I don’t mind! Although it can be a lot of fun riding on a really wet day when all the lanes turn to streams, but better in summer when the rain is warm.

15/02/2023

Calling all owners of Honda CRF 250, 300Ls and Rallyes, and Royal Enfield Himalayans! Before the pandemic, we ran a “Red Ride” for you, but although we have tried since, there was little interest. But I have been asked if we will run it this year. We offer three routes: experienced trail riders, intermediate trail riders, and novice and those who prefer easy trail riding. We are already busy most of the summer, so are looking at either Friday and Saturday 25th and 26th August (Bank Holiday weekend) or Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd September.

13/02/2023

Had a great day on Saturday with a multi cultural group! We were all on Honda CRF250 Ls except for one KTM, adding colour to the grey winter day!

We visited the Classic Dirt Bike Show on Sunday but it was a bit too motocross orientated for us. Good stand by the Green Lane Section of the Moto Morini owners club, though.

07/02/2023

Very short notice, I know, but I have one or two riders who were planning to ride this Saturday 11th February, but the other two riders they were going to join have now cancelled. So it was four, but now one has said it is not worth coming if just him! Not sure whether he will reinstate if I have more people – this is like herding cats!

Anyway, if anyone wants to hire a bike, we can do a really special short notice deal of £150 for the day, including enduro clothing and winter gloves if required. If you can come on your own bike, it is £30. We will need a group of 3 people to make it viable. Best to email [email protected] or phone 01686 430522. Our mobile signal is very unreliable at the moment.

04/02/2023

For our hire bike people, just a reminder that if you book now for February or early March, you get a discount of £20. Also a reminder that our Honda CRF250L hire bikes are best for riders with trials or trail experience some years ago. We also welcome road riders with little or no trail riding experience. Book by email to [email protected] or landline 01686 430522.

31/01/2023

For our intermediate KTM, WR250F, Husky TE250, etc, enduro bike riders, Colin may be taking a ride on Saturday and Sunday 25th and 26th February. This is provisional until 48 hours beforehand in case the weather goes nasty again. If you need accommodation, try Hafren Forest Hideaway first – it is excellent, and many trail riders stay there. Please message or email [email protected] for meet place and time. If a group of 4 riders or more is assembled, the price is £30 each.

27/01/2023

The “Late Run” is confirmed for 17th June and is starting from the Wynnstay Hotel car park Machynlleth, SY20 8AE, which is next to the public car park, leaving about 10.30am and returning 7.30 to 8pm. Colin, myself and Lucie will all be riding. We will go north and do a few lanes which are normally too far away. I won't ride some of them, which allows us to cater for all levels of experience. Email [email protected] for more details.

24/01/2023

Following on from the weekend’s posts, Colin and I are quite keen to buy up a few classic trail bikes to offer for hire. He is currently working on a 1989 Moto Morini Kanguro and has had the engine running sweetly, and is now sorting out lights and wiring problems. Then it’ll be brakes and suspension. The 1978 Suzuki SP370 needs new twinshocks and fork springs. In storage we have a Yamaha Lanza 230 which needs a full rebuild. It’s the one on the right in this picture from 2007. The TTR250 on the right has been long gone.

22/01/2023

Air – cooled because no radiators to get bashed and leak. Ours have all been strengthened so are more robust than standard, but if you look close they are rather banana shaped!

Carburettors so that you can drain them and flush water out after a bike has fallen in water. If water gets into the fuel injection system, it is the end of your day, and the bike has to be recovered. It can take up to an hour to get water through an injection system. It took so long that Colin thought that the valves must have bent, but eventually the bike did fire and suffered no further ill effects. Valves can bend due to the shock of cold water on a hot engine – that happened to one of our bikes when we used to run DRZ400s.

This is Strata Florida which is rather deep but everyone got through OK!

21/01/2023

People sometimes ask when we are getting newer bikes, but this is a bit of a conundrum for us. Let me explain: as models get updated, extras are added such as ABS. For trail riding this is not what you want – the simpler the better – indeed Colin would prefer air-cooled carburettor bikes if they had the reliability and handling of the CRF250L! *

But ABS and traction control are not good for trail riding! So the answer is that we will continue to buy the older model L rather than the later 250s or the 300L or Rally.

*Will explain tomorrow!

20/01/2023

You may be glad to know that we are not planning to increase our prices in the early part of 2023. Luckily petrol has come down by 25% since the exorbitant prices of mid 2022 so I suppose we can be thankful for small mercies!

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Visit scenic Wales on a trail motorcycle!

18/01/2023

As I gaze out at the latest snow fall, I can’t help looking forward to spring and warm sunshine. It looks like the freezing temperatures should have gone by next weekend, and it is back to rain and cloud until Thursday 26th when we might see sun again!

The next riding day is likely to be Saturday 28th January with a beginner’s day – free to join if you have your own bikes, and special price if you wish to hire – please email [email protected] for details.

11/11/2022

We are out tomorrow with a novice friendly but not complete beginner ride, and the weather forecast looks amazing for the Dolgellau area!

21/10/2022

Sarah and I let the men sort out this one!

20/09/2022

As well as the IT400, the group included a rare Honda MR2540 Elsinore - I had to look it up!

19/09/2022

Can't believe that we are still being lucky with the weather - a few clouds but all days staying dry recently. Let's hope it continues!

20/07/2022

Had a really nice ride recently with riders of Himalayans, Honda CRF250Ls and a classic Cagiva. Thanks to Sarah Savage for the photos.