Based in the Fforest (which gets its extra f on account of its Welsh-language name), Fforest Gran Ffondo promises a mix of rugged riding and all-inclusive catering. Located outside Cardigan, and beside the Teifi marshes and Cilgerran Gorge, the event is based around a 200-acre central hub that includes cottages, onsen domes and a range of posh tents-like structures.
Running over the May Bank Holiday, Thursday 7th to Sunday 10th May, tickets for the event are £195 - with accommodation on top. Starting at £90 for a pitch for the three nights or £350 for a five-beth cabin, this cost is offset by the fact all meals, including coffee and snack stops and a post-ride beer, are included in your entry.
Run by the owners of the matchingly-named boutique Fforest camping site, this inaugural cycling event will see four days of riding that will take in the best of the local valleys, woods and coastline. With an emphasis on relaxing, as much effort has gone into the après-ride programme as the routes.
Boasting an onsite pub, a river for swimming, plus a sauna and a pizza oven, this all sounds far above the level of experience on the average bike-packing expedition.
With riders left to ride at their own pace and select their distance from the routes available, each day will feature a mid-ride hill climb competition for those wanting to push themselves. Also available to all riders will be some degree of on-road mechanical assistance, along with secure bike storage back at base.
For those unable to adequately amuse themselves between the pub, sauna, firepits and swimming spot, each evening will see a programme of talks by cycling luminaries, along with a bike-themed version of Desert Island Discs.
With discount tickets available for any non-cyclists you might want to drag along, there will be spin and yoga classes along with a pump track building session to distract anyone who fancies a break from riding.
You can find more info here: coldatnight.co.uk/gran-ffondo