For the first time it’s bikes not books to take over Hay-on-Wye this weekend for their debut Bike Festival! There are rides for everyone whatever your biking ability and plenty of other things to get involved with as the town will be buzzing with stalls, demonstrations and interactive workshops promising a great day out for the whole family!
Here’s our guide on the best the festival has to offer
Friday and they’re off to a great start… 
09.00-17.30 Trail Centre Day Trip to Bwlch Nant-yr-Arian Forest Centre kicks off the festival as the first guided ride which offers many single track trails to choose from criss-crossing along the mountains
10.00-14.00 Black Mountains Roundabout takes place on the Black Mountains to Talgarth then Llangorse promising fantastic views of the Brecon Beacons and optional climbs if you’re feeling up to it!
19.00-21.30 Merbach Night Ride riders will amble along the lanes at sunset with the opportunity to chat and get a feel for the area
Saturday picks up the pace…
10.00-17.30 Talgarth Black Mountains Challenge this 32 mile guided ride takes you across the Black Mountains starting with a challenging climb but followed by a relaxing descent
10.00-14.00 Two Nations kicking off from Hay Castle a good fitness level will be required for this on and off-road trail as you cross from Wales to England through climbs, descents and the famous Offa’s Dyke path
10.00-12.00 Hay to Timbuktu to raise money for Hay2Timbuktu health projects, the festival is putting on this family-friendly 8 mile ride to support its partnering country
Sunday celebrates a spectacular finish…
8.00 Hay on Wye Sportive the biggest event of the festival ranges from 65-100 miles of a mainly flat, peaceful countryside route which descends through the iconic Gospel Pass
08.00 Self-Guided Sportive Taster if you want to get a feel for the sportive, this 35 mile loop offers an easier alternative, following mainly country lanes and side roads
10.00-13.00 Cylco-Cross perfect for beginners this short, grassy course requires skill and attention as you must avoid muddy ditches and navigate around the banks and barriers
As well as many other daily activities on offer…
Bikeability open to beginners or those who need a little push, these sessions are dedicated to helping riders gain enough confidence to head out on the roads
Basic Bike Maintenance these sessions will be running each day to teach you how to look after your bike, from brakes to wheels to gears
Trail Skills these two-hour courses offer the chance to practice your skills and improve your balance, control and precision
Demos Commencal and Merida will have a selection of their award-winning bikes on their stalls to try out
Bamboo Bicycle Club will have a stall demonstrating how they make their unique bamboo bikes from scratch
Funky Junk this children’s workshop is a chance to get creative as old bike parts are transformed into quirky gifts
Accommodation
Brecon Cottages offers a range of accommodation in the Hay area to put you and your bike up for a few nights
Porthamel Mill Cottage sleeps two with a lovely garden and wonderful views over the Brecon Beacons
Berth Fedw Farm Cottage sleeps four in a this secluded cottage surrounded by beautiful wildlife
Westview Guesthouse has modern surroundings and wonderful hospitality; situated in a quiet village it is an ideal location to explore the Hay area
Brecon Beacons Tourism 