Pauline Porter Populaire 600

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]