Summary
Where
Bulwark Community Centre
Laburnam Way
Bulwark, Chepstow, NP16 5RF
Who
Organiser: Will Pomeroy
What
Series: Audax Club Bristol
Brief
Enjoy the route of the Bryan Chapman Memorial – the Classic End 2 End; but with more time for sleep and riding. The Anglesey & Back is two 300km routes on the same roads with a sleep stop at Menai Bridge.
Event Info
£0.00
Audax Awards
300
624 km
15-30 kph
45h52
Platinum Grimpeur
4445+4408m
Facilities
Hover for brief, click for full overview.
Overview
New for 2024. Enjoy the delights of the classic Bryan Chapman Memorial 600km (formerly known as the Anglesey & Back) but split halfway with more time allowance and sleep! You will receive 2x 300 validations.
Need even more sleep? Also new for 2024 is the 3 day Pauline Porter Populaire 2-2-2; a bit hillier, a tad longer, quieter roads where possible.
Description
This long distance cycling event is a journey the length of Wales from Chepstow to Menai Bridge and back. The route is very similar to the Bryan Chapman Memorial but does differ slightly for AUK compliance.
Day 1:
Heading north into the Usk Valley you'll make quick progress as the adrenaline rushes you up and over the Black Mountains to Honey Cafe for the first control. Then follow the Wye Valley, on the old Mid-Wales Railway track bed in places, to Llandidloes.
Shortly the fun begins as you ride up to Llyn Clywedog reservoir and over the Machynlleth Mountain Road with views of Cadair Idris on the horizon; perhaps one of the best roads in the UK. Cross the Dyfi into Snowdonia, here the Anglesey & Back route differs; you will stick to the stunning estuary & coast going through Aberdyfi & Tywyn to get to...
Kings YHA - the third control; don't forget to engage the granny gear as you turn off the main road!
From here you head across Barmouth Bridge on the shared path then up the coast to Harlech Castle and on to Beddgelert. Climb Pen y Pass nestled under Snowdon's peak before descending to Menai Bridge Heritage Centre for the Arrivée; this is the old church hall used by the original event back in the 80s. Sleeping & breakfast will be at Menai Bridge Scout and Guide Hut a short distance away.
- Distance: 310km
- Time allowed: 20h40
- Finish by: 01:40
Day 2:
06:00 START: Now back you go; this time to the west of Snowdon through Rhyd-ddu and retrace the route back to Barmouth and around the stunning coast again and back towards Machynlleth.
Leaving the Dyfi valley it is a gradual climb up the Twymyn valley into the Carno for a elevenses(ish) at Cafe JoJo in Llanbrymair. Pass through Newtown then up and over into the quiet Teme Valley to Knighton.
Heading south keeping in Wales as much as possible to Ross on Wye and Gospel Pass, Wales' highest paved road with its stunning views across the Wye Valley!
Descend into Llanthony Valley, opposite the Priory is Treats the final control where you can get some stunning grub.
The final leg awaits to Monmouth and the Wye Valley once more; finishing off by passing Tintern Abbey then back to the Arrivée.
- Distance: 313km
- Time allowed: 20h52
- Finish by: 02:52
Reviews
What others think.
Great Event, Great Organisation
My first 600, fantastic route out over mostly good roads. The route back was a little more challenging but the organisation, volunteers, camping etc were faultless.
What a cracker! PPP 2026
The 2026 Pauline Porter Populaire 600 km was an absolutely fantastic event from start to finish. Three days of gorgeous scenery, challenging undulations, and a decent blast of Welsh weather made for a proper adventure.
The organisation was excellent throughout, the value for money was outstanding, and the team of volunteers were super helpful, welcoming and encouraging at every stage. Their support really added to the whole experience.
Genuinely one of the most enjoyable weekends I’ve ever had on a bike. A brilliant event, superbly run, and one I’d highly recommend. Thankyou Will and the rest of the team.
Tough and enjoyable way to spend a weekend
I’ve done hilly 600’s and enjoyed them, however, whilst the 3 day PPP format might not be quite as challenging. It’s way more enjoyable!
The route takes a number of very scenic back roads that the BCM doesn’t and these were some of the highlights of the weekend.
The accommodation and showers, whilst basic, were perfect for recovery after a long day in the saddle. There was a great camaraderie across the people riding and sharing rooms.
Well organised ride
It was my first 600 and absolutely loved it. Beautiful route and very friendly volunteers. The control points were well organised and nicely spaced.
My second meeting with Bryan
This was my second attempt at the infamous BCM having made it back just in time last year after two disasters. In many ways it was a repeat of 2024 and why I came back, excellent organisation and route mapping. Great support from Will and the ACB, most of whom seem to know my name! Weather was forecasted with an Amber warning from the met office and one of the controls had to be reloacted to stop it being blown down the mountain, fortunately Saturday was at worst just miserable and Sunday warm by the afternoon. Same great route and challenging climbs which I conquered. So in 2026 if you want a great challenge – it is on the bucket list for a host of good reasons
More Events
Loading events…
Booked through Pedalution before?
You know the drill, log in!
First time here? An account will be created for you as you check out.
First time here? No need to log in, just enter an event and an account will be created for you!
Contact the organiser
A quick check to keep spam away, then your email app opens with this event filled in.
