Summary
Where
Bulwark Community Centre
Laburnam Way
Bulwark, Chepstow, NP16 5RF
Who
Organiser: Will Pomeroy
What
Series: Audax Club Bristol
Brief
The Classic End 2 End. Legend has it Bryan Chapman would cycle the length of Wales and back to go see his mechanic; come follow in his pedal strokes!
Event Info
£0.00
Audax Awards
600
607 km
15-30 kph
40h00
Platinum Grimpeur
8561m
Facilities
Hover for brief, click for full overview.
Overview
The classic Bryan Chapman Memorial is the 600km randonnée to do!
New for 2024 are two variations giving more sleep over similar routes. The Anglesey & Back 300+300 and the 3 day Pauline Porter Populaire 2-2-2.
Start times:
Published start time is 06:00.
Additional start times will be used up to 04:00 so please factor this into your planning for travel/accommodation.
Your start time/group will be based on your selected average moving speed and be provided 2 weeks before the event.
Description
This long distance cycling event is a journey the length of Wales from Chepstow to Menai Bridge and back.
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 then another climb into Snowdonia with more mountain views and perhaps a low flying RAF plane as you join the Mach Loop round to Dolgellau.
A third done and you are at 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 fourth control; this is the old church hall used by the original event back in the 80s.
Half way, hopefully no visit to a mechanic like Bryan Chapman would, now back you go; this time to the west of Snowdon through Rhyd-ddu. This year you will retrace the route back to Barmouth and around the coast to Aberdyfi for the sleep control; easier and flatter into the night along the coast.
From here it is off to Newtown with a gradual climb from the Dyfi & Twymyn valleys into the Carno. Then up and over into the quiet Teme Valley passing through Knighton.
Again the route changes for this year heading south keeping in Wales as much as possible; the flatter night section earlier allows the inclusion of Gospel Pass, Wales' highest paved road with its stunning views across the Wye Valley and little overall effect on total climb.
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.
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
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