PARKS CREATES HIGHEST CYCLE PATH IN WALES
ACTION man Richard Parks has created the highest cycle path in Wales with the help of three top cyclists. The former rugby international created the route, from The Gap, in the Brecon Beacons, to the top of Snowdon for his new three-part BBC1 Wales show, Extreme Wales.
The star, who this year attempted to climb Everest without extra oxygen, spent four days riding 165 miles across the nation.
“Even the smallest adventure can be life-changing,” Richard said. “I’m passionate about sharing Wales and sharing the spirit of adventure.
“I’ve represented Wales on the rugby field and carried my Welsh flag all around the globe, and coming home to perform is a privilege. We’re blessed to have this on our doorstep.”
Along the route he was helped by London 2012 Paralympic gold medallist Mark Colbourne, mountain bike veteran Sian Roberts and downhill pro Tracy Moseley.
Mark broke his back in a 2009 paragliding accident.
“They say life begins at 40 and it certainly did for me,” he told Richard as they rode through the Brecon Valley.
After his accident he was “thinking my life had ended”.
“I was a dark place,” the 46-year-old said. “Howe v e r , thankfully, half my legs worked and it was only that half I needed.
“The opportunity then came along for London 2012 and then I just gave it 100%.
“The love for me is that exhilaration that you’re in control of the speed, how fast you want to go or how slow you want to go, and just in being out in the fresh air.”
Mark fell 35ft in his accident and was left with lower-leg paralysis. It was feared he would never walk again.
“The great thing with cycling is it gives you that mind/no-mind feeling.
“You’re emptying your thoughts but subconsciously you’re taking everything in.”
Leaving Mark, Pontypridd-born Richard headed to the Cambrian Mountains and Powys’ Elan Valley.
“This road I’m cycling on now was voted not just one of the most beautiful roads in Wales, but it’s ranked as one of the top 10 most beautiful roads in the whole world,” Richard said.
“The Elan Valley sits in the Cambrian Mountains and I have 59 miles to cover to Dolgellau and the southern reaches of Snowdonia.
“The views are just breathtaking in this place that was shaped by Victorian ingenuity.”
After Nant Yr Arian Richard headed off road after spotting red kites. He came to a river and he stripped down to his shorts and crossed the water barefoot. “It’s not for everyone,” he said. “Being soaking wet, working hard to stay warm and in th e middle of absolutely nowhere, but for me – I absolutely love it.” By Coed Y Brenin, near Dolgellau, Richard was halfway into his route. The forest is home to Britain’s first purposebuilt mountain bike trail centre, founded by Sian Roberts.
“It’s certainly not for the hearted,” Richard said.
At Blaenau Ffestiniog – 36 miles s from Snowdon and home to a slate e boom in the 1800s – he headed d down its man-made slate slopes.
He was joined by downhill pro Tracy Moseley. The 2010 world downhill mountain bike championn started riding at 13.
By the end of the third day the for- mer Newport Gwent Dragon concluded “the mind’s an amazing thing”.
“I’m like a bottle of pop having g spent the day with two mountain n bike legends,” he said. Day four meant Snowdon. “I know this terrain well and it can be pretty brutal,” Richard said.
Five miles from the mountain he hit the Llanberis Path – the only bike route up the 1,038-metre rock.
“This is my chance to reach the summit,” Richard said.
With less than two miles to go he was exhausted.
“My legs screaming,” said.
“If I did not have the best part of 170 miles in my legs and I was not shat- are he faint- - tered this actually would be pretty cool.
“I don’t know which is harder, cycling up here or climbing it with my legs.”
Extreme Wales with Richard Parks starts tomorrow, September 12, on BBC One Wales at 7.30pm