A business owner and cyclist from Devauden has set down an ambitious challenge to fellow road cycling enthusiasts: scale a legendary Welsh mountain three times in one day.
Andy Williams, co-MD of Chepstow-based PR agency, Cohesive Communications, is encouraging cyclists to join him as he tackles the Bwlch x3 Challenge. Inspired by the ‘Club des Cingles’ of Mont Ventoux, the challenge is to summit the Bwlch mountain three times, via three unique, paved routes, in one day. Famously, the Bwlch mountain towers above the meeting point of the Rhondda, Afan and Ogwr valleys.
Bwlch x3 involves over 1500 metres of climbing, through 85km of rugged Welsh countryside. While the route is tough and the hills unforgiving, the spectacular views and thrilling assent make the challenge a bucket-list ride for keen cyclists. But Williams hopes that the chance to raise funds for two worthy charities will help motivate riders to sign-up as money raised will go to Welsh homeless charity Llamau and brain injury charity Headway (Cardiff and SE Wales).
Williams explains: “Llamau’s mission is to end homelessness and change futures for the young and vulnerable. We’ve seen first hand the brilliant work they do. And Headway is working to rebuild lives after serious brain injury. They can both do more – with our help.”
Cohesive Communications will hold the Bwlch x3 Challenge on Sunday 15th September, starting at Bryngarw Country Park near Bridgend. The event is open to both individual riders and teams of three to five riders. Because it is a charitable event, individual participants are requested to aim to raise £250 in private or company sponsorship, and teams are asked to target £1000. All proceeds go to Llamau and Headway.
“We’re supplying the motive, means and opportunity to beat the Bwlch x3. Riders can go as hard as they like, but – like the causes we support – we promise that no one will get left behind,” says Williams.
The Bwlch summit offers riders a unique challenge in tackling three ascents by three separate paved climbs to its summit. Bwlch x3 is one of the only summits in Southern Britain above 500 metres that you can scale from three sides on paved roads. There will be guidance for participants, a feed station at the summit, and opportunities for coffee stops. Riders will also get a Bwlch x 3 membership card that can be stamped at each summit and base points.
Williams adds: “It should be an unforgettable day out on the bike.”
You can find out more about the challenge at www.bwlchx3.com
