We loaded up on the Friday and headed down to a cottage in Port Talbot south Wales. The cottage is approximately 10 minutes drive from the mountain bike trail centres of Afan. There were 9 us staying in this cottage which can sleep up to 10 people. The cottage is ideally located with ample parking and a pub right next door. (www.afancottage.co.uk).

On the Saturday we all decided to do the 'Whites Level Trail' at Afan forest park. (www.mbwales.com). The terrain on the white's level is mostly technical single track and an overall distance of 15km. I was riding the new (specialized epic marathon carbon 2010). This bike is mainly designed for fast cross country terrain but it can handle most things put in front of it. The specialized epic marathon carbon comes with brain suspension front and rear. I found this to be really useful on the climbs as it acted just as a rigid bike and all my effort went into the bike rather then suspension. The descents on the other hand were slightly more difficult with the brain turned on, as the little bumps didn't get absorbed as much as I would have liked. In the end I turned the brain on for the climbs and off for the descents. I found this to be the best option for me and really enjoyed the ride.

Paul Scanes and the Crub Catchers

AJ Bikes