Summary
Where
Nellie's Coffee Shop
Wye Valley Country Stores, Unit 6, 9 Beaufort Pk Wy
Bulwark, Chepstow, NP16 5UH
Who
Organiser: Will Pomeroy
What
Series: Audax Club Bristol
Brief
Ever fancied doing The Classic Bryan Chapman Memorial 600 End 2 End but been put off by the sleep deprivation? The 3 day Pauline Porter Populaire variation has you coverd!
Event Info
£0.00
Open
Audax Awards
Pointless
620 km
9.2-10.3 kph
66h12
Apex Grimpeur
10589m
Facilities
Hover for brief, click for full overview.
Overview
The Pauline Porter Populaire long distance cycling event is a journey the length of Wales from Chepstow to Menai Bridge and back.
Enjoy the delights of the classic Bryan Chapman Memorial 600km but as a 3 day Populaire; a bit hillier, a tad longer, quieter roads where possible, more sleep!
Pauline Porter is the creator of the original Anglesey & Back 600 and a friend of Bryan Chapman; riding the original event with him. I'm proud she has let me honour her by naming this Populaire after her. Pauline will be about during the event so you can have a chat with her about its history.
Resolution 17 to maintain longer Brevet Populaires passed at the AGM.
However it will run as an open event as its integration into the regulations needs to be discussed.
Description
This year the event will be run as an open event. It won't count towards any Audax UK awards or points.
Event speeds:
9.3-10.3kph is the overall speed for the Arrivée opening times.
Daily times are based on 12.5-25kph for each days' latest start. The control opening times for Saturday's & Sunday's first controls are adjusted for any early risers that want to set off from 07:00; this will equate to about 20kph moving average and there will be a few hills before the controls.
Day 1:
07:00 START. 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. Follow the Wye Valley, on the old Mid-Wales Railway track bed in places, then utilise parts of the old A470 to Rhayader where you make a beeline to Llandidloes on quieter roads.
The fun begins as you ride up to Llyn Clywedog reservoir on the west side 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 and stick to the stunning estuary & coast going through Aberdyfi & Tywyn to get to...
Kings YHA from the top nestled below Cadair Idris' peak for your first sleep stop.
- Distance: 225km
- Climb: 3686m
- Finish by: 01:00 [based on 12.5kph]
Day 2:
07:00-08:00 START: From here you will do the top loop in reverse compared to the other routes so in the afternoon you'll pass the other riders coming in the opposite direction.
Head to Dolgellau and climb up to Llyn Trawsfynydd on quiet roads for a fast descent on the main. Your first control is at Tan-y-Bwlch Station Tea Rooms on the Ffestiniog Railway.
Through Beddgelert you'll pass west of Snowdon to Rhyd Ddu and on to Menai Bridge for the second control.
Coming back climb Pen y Pass from the north before back to Beddgelert. Then along the coast past Harlech Castle and over Barmouth Bridge to Kings YHA for your second night; don't forget to engage the granny gear as you turn off the main road!
- Distance: 173km
- Climb: 2934m
- Finish by: 22:00 [based on 08:00 start @ 12.5kph]
Day 3:
07:00-08:00 START: Heading back up the hill to once again see Cadair Idris' peak you'll make your way towards Cross Foxes. Follow the NCN over to Dyfi Forest and valley before up and over into the Carno. Pass through Newtown then up and over into the quiet Teme Valley to Knighton.
Head south keeping within Wales to Hay 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 where you can get some stunning cake.
The final leg awaits to Monmouth and the Wye Valley once more; finishing off by passing Tintern Abbey then back to the Arrivée.
- Distance: 221km
- Climb: 3925m
- Finish by: 01:12 [based on 08:00 start @ 12.5kph]
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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