Pic: Tom Rushby

It’s terrifyingly short notice, but allow us to draw your attention to the extremely imminent Real Ale Wobble (Llanwrtyd Wells, Wales, 18/19 November 2006). The Wobble’s unique bikes-and-beer, rolling real ale festival format (it’s run in conjunction with the Mid-Wales Beer Festival) has been running successfully for many years – it’s one of those events that we’ve always meant to do but have never quite got around to.

Your £20 entry fee (although at this stage you’re going to be entering on the day, so that’s £25) gets you two days of riding on a choice of 15, 25 or 40 mile waymarked routes. Tokens issues at registration will get you free half-pints of real ale at the checkpoints. Naturally enough, that dictates that all the routes are entirely off road.

Other non-alcoholic refreshments will also be provided and there’ll be full first aid cover plus varied evening entertainments. Obviously it’s Wales in November, so the weather is likely to be at best unpredictable – take plenty of clothing. The recommended kit list also includes a compass, helmet, whistle, survival bag, tools and emergency food, most of which we like to think that people go riding with anyway.

Obviously as a two-day event you’ll need somewhere to stay. Despite claiming the title of Britain’s smallest town, Llanwrtyd Wells is blessed with a wide range of bike-friendly accommodation – email Llanwrtyd Tourist Information or call them on 01591 610666. Event registration is at the Neuadd Arms Hotel in the Square – there’s a rider briefing at 9.45 on Saturday morning.

More details at http://llanwrtyd-wells.powys.org.uk/event8thalewobble.htm.