The Grade Challenge
31st Aug/1st Sept 2024
A weekend of challenging climbing, led by Ed Laverack, British champion and cycling coach, spans 2 days. Come ride in a new area, supported rides through Ed's training hills, offering climbing advice for cyclists of all levels, from novice to advanced, whether riding for leisure or competition.
More details below!
£80.00 GBP
The cost goes towards hiring the venue for the weekend, covering fuel for the support vehicle as well as the support crew's time.
CLICK HERE to email and
secure your place
By completing my booking I agree to the terms and conditions of the Climbing Clinic entry, and I accept I am riding entirely at my own risk throughout any organised event.
For or any questions about the trip, please email us at ride@backpedal.cc
The Weekend
We want you to meet riders from all over, build new friendships, and experience the welsh mountains in a social setting that will enhance your riding. Keeping the group small will allow us to do this whilst also providing on-road support from local riders.
Final timings, routes and plans will be emailed out prior to the weekend. (CHANGE)
Day 1 :
Meet around mid-morning to attend a pre-ride brief including the plan for the day, the route and climbs.
After the briefing we will set off on the ride and tackle some climbs! The group will be supported by satellite riders and a sweeper, so don't worry if you are unfamiliar with the area or don't have access to maps.
Ride at your own pace on the climbs, or ride with the group. It's a journey, not a race...but for a bit of fun we will have a segment challenge on both days!
Finish the ride at the local cafe around mid- afternoon, followed by free time for yourselves.
In the evening there will be a Question-and-Answer session/presentation hosted by Ed. Topics will include cycling performance and fitness advice, a deep dive into climbing hills, a de-brief on the day's ride and some tips for the next day. If you have any questions about any upcoming events you have inc 2025 plans then ask away!
Day 2 :
We will have an earlier ride start today so that we can explore climbs a little further afield, and give people a chance to make it home if travelling later that day.
The route will be set to include terrain to suit the different abilities of riders (based on yesterday's efforts). You will also have a better idea of others that are at a similar climbing ability to you, providing the perfect opportunity to work together or battle it out for that Strava time!
Finish the ride with a debrief and a big group photo!
What's Included
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Daily supported rides by Ed and the local Backpedal riders
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Van support out on the road for pre-planned stops
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Basic mechanical support
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Energy gels and drink mixes provided by Styrkr
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Guidance on hotels and local bike shops
What's Not Included
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Insurance
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Spare parts or equipment
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Medical Cover
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Coffee or cafe-bought snacks/lunch before/during/after rides
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Accommodation (and breakfast, lunch, evening meals)
FAQ
How physically fit do I need to be for the trip?
Well, that doesn't really matter. As long as you can ride 30-40miles with a couple of 10min hills/efforts included then you'll be fine.
The clinics aren't races. They are to help people find their confidence, excel their climbing and be able to take something away from it that they can apply to their event or training.
Of course, some riders will be faster than others, but we try to keep any waiting times between the first and last riders reaching the top of the hills to a minimum. You are free to ride at your own speed up the climbs. This is not a race. There will be chances to test your own legs at your own pace along the way, on a given climb segment.
That being said, we can always split the groups if we need to.
At no point will any rider be left behind on their own, as our guides will be on the road with you at all times.
We aim to ride as a group, although on the climbs we will almost certainly split up, before regrouping at the summits.
What kind of bikes are suitable for the trip?
A road bike will be the best choice, but a gravel bike will be fine too. Climbs will be in the 5-18% range, so a bike with some good light gears will be a good idea too.
What support is available?
You will have 2 or 3 Backpedal ride guides (with basic first aid) on the road with you at all times. We'll ride with you, and ensure no rider is left behind.
We also have a support van that will meet us at a pre-planned point which carries tools, spares, and your bad weather kit, plus energy gels and food. So you don't need to carry too much.
What accommodations are provided during the trip?
Get in touch with us and we can send you some recommendations.
What is the cancellation policy?
See the Terms and Conditions here
