Mountain bikers' £1,500 boost for Wales Air Ambulance

Mountain bikers from all over the UK took part in the popular Brechfa Team Enduro to raise money for the Wales Air Ambulance - and there wasn't a chopper bike in sight! The 110 bikers tackled a meandering loop through the Forestry Commission Wales-managed Brechfa forest to raise £1,500 for the charity, which provides a life-saving service to many areas of rural Wales. It was the second year that the event, organised by the Brechfa Bike Club in association with FC Wales, was held and it has already established itself as a firm fixture in the mountain bike calendar. The bikers brought with them a welcome boost to the local economy, occupying all the local B&Bs as well as using a temporary camp site at Llansawel RFC. The event took teams of two or more riders deep into Brechfa forest along the spectacular Gorlech trail and the challenging new Raven Trail before finishing at the Abergorlech Forest Car Park, where a barbecue was provided by the Black Lion pub. For the less energetic, there was a short cut from the full 31-mile loop enabling riders to complete the course in 21.7 miles. The fastest recorded time of the event was under three hours. Ivy Denham of Brechfa Bike Club said, "We are a small group set up to organise this fund-raising endurance event and to help promote the Brechfa Forest trails. Being able to work closely with, and have support from, the local Forestry Commission Wales staff is vital for the club. “We look forward to continuing this relationship in the future." FC Wales Local Area Manager Russell Jones said, "We are pleased to work with the Brechfa Bike Club and are thrilled that the event raised so much for the Wales Air Ambulance." For more information on Brechfa Bike Club events, visit www.bikebrechfa.co.uk