There have been numerous cycle rides that have navigated their way down through Wales over the years, but none more challenging than the new 222 mile Coast 2 Coast 24 hour Extreme Challenge taking place this July. 

Visitors to the first ever Welsh Cycle Show (April 5th-6th) at the National Velodrome in Newport can find out more from the team behind it and register to ride, all in aid of the Welsh Air Ambulance. 

The ride starts at Caernarfon on Saturday 12th July and finishes at Laugharne 24 hours later. The route takes riders across Wales to its borders with England and back to within a few miles of the Ceredigion Coast. 

This is a rare opportunity to cycle some of the most challenging and beautiful roads in Wales. Climb through Llanberis to Pen y Pas with the Snowdonia mountains all around you. Then it’s on to Lake Fyrnwy, positioned on top of a mountain above the pretty town of Bala. The climb to the lake is fitting for an extreme challenge, and is certainly not for the feint hearted. 

From there, the route will takes riders over the Radnorshire hills before navigating the Elan Valley - the area dubbed as the ‘Welsh Lake District’. Away from the mountains, there are some flatter and more rolling stretches such as the one adjoining the Tregaron bog to Lampeter. However, after this brief rest the route takes riders up and over the Preseli hills - where the stones of Stonehenge were quarried - before gliding down to the coast of Carmarthen Bay and the beautiful seaside town of Laugharne. 

Cycle-Tec of Builth Wells will be managing the logistical support for the event with two breakdown vehicles out on course should you need them. The ride will also have designated feed stops providing riders with all the nutrition needed to enjoy and succeed in this demanding challenge. 

A recovery service will also be available, and a return coach transfer to Caernarfon is included to get you and your bike back to the start. 

Registration for the event costs £250, but the organisers will waive this cost if entrants raise £400 for the Wales Air Ambulance. The only additional costs are for repairs and bike parts if needed. 

More information can be found at merlinsportive.co.uk or you can visit the team behind the event at the Welsh Cycle Show on April 5th-6th at the National Velodrome in Newport.