Huw Wiliams, Cycling Weekly says "A course of stunning imagination, the organisers have simply picked the best roads, whether uphill or down its up to you as an experienced rider to get round it safely. Throw in a handful of soul-destroying long climbs a 60mph downhill and a typically British 20 mile section of rolling hills into a nagging headwind and you’ve got a course which provided one of the hardest Sportive challenges the UK has yet witnessed". Not only is this an area of outstanding natural beauty with rivers, lakes and mountains in abundance, but it has fantastic climbs on which to challenge yourself, and all on virtually traffic free lanes........it is truly awesome..........Only an hour from Bristol or Birmingham and 2hrs 30 from London The longest route is  182 km (114 miles) in length and features 3,793 meters (12,393 ft) of climbing making this one the hardest sportives in the UK. It  will test not only your mental and physical strength, but also your ability to judge effort expended in both the peloton and as solo rider on a break or while climbing.......I could go on but you probably get the picture already..... We also though it might be nice to hold the event on a Saturday for a change so those of you that don't have to rush off can stay and enjoy a few beers with us and the other riders at The Skirrid Mountain Inn, the oldest pub in Wales......it's a chance to trade stories, old and new and tell us what you really think about us, the routes or anything else you want to get off your chest...... We have chosen a fantastic location at Pen-y-dre Farm owned by Idris & Gwenllian Jones where you can camp or stay in their Cottages. There are loads of other B&B's in the area, just have a look on the Where to Stay Page. Single day 114 mile & 85 mile routes 26th July 2008 Fully signed and marshalled routes. National Escort Group safety riders 3 Feeding zones. Post-race refreshments. Transponder timing. Medical assistance. Official Photographs taken at the start and along the route. Restricted entry to 400 entrants. Gold, Silver or Bronze medal awarded according to time & classification  Certificate of completion for 50 mile course participants.