STAR LETTER SNOW-DONE!

After reading your April issue with the three big-mountain routes, a friend and I got to discussing them over a couple of beers. With Snowdon’s restricted hours for mountain biking fast looming (no access from 10am5pm, 1 May-30 September), we agreed to keep the last weekend of April free for tackling the Welsh peak.

The original plan was to do it early on Saturday, but we later decided to tackle it on the Friday afternoon. Unfortunately, traffic delayed us, and we didn’t manage to get our tyres down until 6.15pm. The weather was good (no breeze, clear skies) and the foot traffic on the Llanberis path was minimal. We probably saw no more than 10 people on the whole loop.

It was certainly a challenging climb, with plenty of hike-a-bike sections, but the sense of achievement and stunning views made every bead of sweat, pedal stroke and foot stomp with our bikes on our shoulders worth it. I got some cracking shots on the way up, but with the Ranger path descent being so glorious, no pics were taken on the way down! We managed to complete our ride in a little under 2hrs 30mins, so were happy with our effort.

That’s one of the three big UK MTB climbs ticked off, and I thoroughly recommend anyone who’s thinking about tackling one to not give it a second thought and get it done. My only recommendation would be to do as we did and go for the later afternoon/early evening mission. Quiet tracks, stunning uninterrupted views and a sunset descent – does mountain biking really get any better? Maybe Torridon or Helvellyn will surpass Snowdon – the only question is, which one next?!

Matt Fenlon, via email

Great work conquering the big-S, Matt! Taking on Snowdon is no mean feat and we’re glad to hear that our route map inspired you guys to undertake the challenge. While the voluntary daytime MTB ban can make planning a summer ride on Snowdon a little tricky, it does mean you’re more likely to get an epic sunrise or sunset thrown into the bargain. This selection of Lezyne kit should set you up for the next big-mountain mission.

2. An atmospheric early-morning pic from Woolsbarrow Hillfort above Wareham Forest, Dorset, by Dan Probut

3. Twelve-year-old Ernest Gardiner absolutely slaying it at Phoenix Cycleworks in Suffolk, captured by his dad Rob

4. Rob Chaplin was out riding near Aldershot, Hampshire, and almost disturbed a hungry adder that had caught itself a frog for lunch!