The Headstock Challenge is a single day event or multi-day mountain bikepacking event starting and finishing at Tiny Rebel Brewery Bar in Rogerstone, South East Wales. The 2027 route is approximately 129 miles, or 208 km, with around 13,000 feet of climbing, combining mountain trails, open moorland, forestry, quieter roads and traffic-free cycleways across South Wales. Taking place in April, the Headstock Challenge opens the 2027 bikepacking season and can be approached in two very different ways. Ride the full route as a single-day endurance challenge, or carry your overnight kit and split the journey across the weekend at roughly 65 miles per day. It sits between a big day on the bike and a full multi-day bikepacking adventure: substantial enough to test experienced riders, but compact enough to complete within a single weekend. From Rogerstone, the route heads towards Cwmcarn before climbing to Twmbarlwm and crossing the open common towards Hafodyrynys. It continues across the high ground of Coity Mountain before dropping towards Blaenavon and Brynmawr. From Brynmawr, riders pick up around 10 miles of well-surfaced cycleway, providing a long gradual descent into Abergavenny and an opportunity to cover some faster miles before heading back into the mountains. Leaving Abergavenny, the route passes Forest Coalpit and begins the climb into the Black Mountains towards Grwyne Fawr Reservoir. From the high ground, riders descend the Y Das bridleway before continuing towards Mynydd Llangorse, with sweeping views across Llangorse Lake and the surrounding Brecon Beacons. The route then heads towards Llangynidr and climbs the historic Brinore Tramroad before joining part of the classic Brecon Gap mountain bike route. From here, riders descend to the official checkpoint at Parkwood Outdoors, Dolygaer, at approximately mile 68, or 109 km. For those riding over two days, Dolygaer provides a natural overnight point, with camping available at the checkpoint and further camping options around Talybont. After Dolygaer, the route climbs towards the Brecon Gap before a substantial off-road descent. It then crosses the A470 and joins part of the Sarn Helen as the journey begins turning back towards South East Wales. The return passes Penderyn and Pontbren before reaching Hirwaun, where the terrain begins to change again. Riders pick up a network of cycleways through the South Wales valleys, passing Mountain Ash, Parc Penallta, Bryn Meadows and Sirhowy Valley Country Park before joining the canal path for the final run back to Tiny Rebel in Rogerstone. The Headstock Challenge is defined by variety. Across the route you can expect open moorland, double track, singletrack, rocky trails, punchy climbs, technical and flowing descents, forest tracks, fast gravel, quiet roads and surfaced cycleways. Some sections allow you to settle into a rhythm and cover ground quickly; others demand concentration, good bike handling and patience. This is first and foremost a mountain bike route. A hardtail or full-suspension mountain bike is the ideal setup and will provide the best balance of efficiency, comfort and control across the varied terrain. The route has been completed on gravel bikes, and there are sections where one will feel perfectly suited. However, the course as a whole includes technical and rougher terrain, so we do not recommend a traditional gravel bike for the Headstock Challenge. Most riders completing the route in a single push take approximately 13 to 17 hours. Riding it over two days reduces the endurance demand and creates a more traditional bikepacking experience, but the terrain remains the same whichever approach you choose. For kit, we recommend keeping your setup light, balanced and as simple as possible. Every rider must carry an emergency bivvy, and those riding over two days should carry suitable sleeping equipment including a sleeping bag and either a tent or bivvy bag appropriate for the conditions. A warm insulated layer, first aid kit and suitable bike lights are also recommended. There are plenty of opportunities to resupply along the route, so most riders should not need to carry a water filter. You remain responsible for managing your own food, water and resupply throughout the event. Every rider is issued with a GPS tracker, whether completing the Headstock Challenge in one day or over two. Tracking is included within the entry fee and allows the event team to follow rider progress throughout the event while retaining the self-supported nature of the challenge. This is not a race. The Headstock Challenge is about adventure, self-reliance and taking on a proper South Wales mountain bikepacking route in the way that suits you. One day or two. Approximately 208 km. Around 13,000 feet of climbing. Mountains, trails, valleys and everything in between. The Headstock Challenge is a big Welsh adventure packed into a single weekend.