The Headstock is a long-distance mountain bikepacking event starting and finishing at Tiny Rebel Brewery Bar in Rogerstone, South East Wales. This year’s route is approximately 480 km, or 300 miles, taking riders through South and Mid Wales and deep into the Cambrian Mountains before looping back towards the start. The route is designed to be a proper mountain bikepacking journey rather than simply the easiest way to cover the distance. It combines remote bridleways, rocky trails, open moorland, forestry, gravel, historic Roman roads, cycleways and quieter connecting roads, with the terrain and character constantly changing throughout the ride. From Rogerstone, the route heads north through South East Wales towards Knighton before turning west towards Rhayader and joining terrain familiar to riders of the Trans Cambrian Way. This carries riders into the Cambrian Mountains and through the area often referred to as the Desert of Wales. Remote, exposed and sparsely populated, this is one of the standout sections of the route and provides a real sense of travelling through the wild heart of Wales. The first official checkpoint is at Bwlch-y-Sarnau before the route continues through Mid Wales and eventually turns south towards the second checkpoint at Llandovery Community Centre. From Llandovery, riders head towards Usk Reservoir before taking on sections of historic Roman road and crossing the high ground around Fan Fraith. Here, a fantastic stretch of gravel opens up across the landscape before the route descends towards the Sarn Helen. After the more remote and technical mountain sections, the route begins to offer some easier miles along the Neath Canal Path before heading towards Afan Forest. The final stages pick up sections of National Cycle Network Route 47 as riders make their way back towards Rogerstone and the finish at Tiny Rebel. Expect a genuine mix of mountain biking terrain throughout the 480 km journey: rocky tracks, technical singletrack, open moorland, forestry, double track, fast gravel, long climbs, big descents, traffic-free cycleways and quieter roads. At times you will be able to settle into a rhythm and cover ground quickly; at others, the terrain will demand patience, concentration and good bike handling. The Headstock is first and foremost a mountain bike route. A hardtail or full-suspension mountain bike is the ideal setup and is what the route has been designed around. Although some sections would suit a gravel bike perfectly, the route as a whole includes technical, rocky and demanding terrain. We therefore do not recommend traditional gravel bikes with narrow tyres. For kit, a lightweight and minimalist setup is strongly recommended. Keep equipment balanced across the bike and avoid carrying unnecessary weight. Over 480 km and significant climbing, a lighter bike will make a noticeable difference both uphill and when handling technical terrain. Riders must still carry enough equipment to remain safe and self-sufficient. An emergency bivvy should form part of every rider’s setup, regardless of the intended completion time. If you are planning to sleep during the event, you should carry suitable overnight equipment, including a sleeping bag and either a lightweight tent or bivvy bag appropriate for the conditions. We also recommend a warm insulated or down jacket, first aid kit, suitable bike lights and sufficient battery or power capacity for navigation and lighting. Riders travelling during darkness should also carry reflective or high-visibility clothing. You are responsible for managing your own food, water and resupply throughout the event. Some sections, particularly through Mid Wales, are remote, so understanding where your resupply opportunities are and planning ahead is an important part of preparing for the ride. There are two official checkpoints at Bwlch-y-Sarnau and Llandovery Community Centre. These provide key points along the route while maintaining the self-supported nature of the event. Every rider is issued with a GPS tracker for the duration of The Headstock. Tracking is included within the entry fee and allows the event team to follow rider progress throughout the course. This is not a race. The Headstock is about endurance, self-reliance and experiencing a substantial journey across Wales on your own terms. Approximately 480 km. Two checkpoints. Remote mountains, technical trails, fast gravel and some of the wildest riding landscapes Wales has to offer. The Headstock is a proper Welsh mountain bikepacking adventure.