The Outward Bound Trust has launched a five-day residential adventure course in Snowdonia National Park for mountain bikers aged 14-18.

Four courses will run in 2011, in the Easter holidays, starting April 11 and April 18, and in the summer, beginning May 30 and July 23 (an eight-day course).

The week kicks off at the trust’s Aberdovey Centre with basic mountain biking skills and techniques before the group heads out to tackle local trails and tracks in Snowdonia. Halfway through the course the group will head into the trails of Dyfi Forest en-route to a log cabin for a two-day one-night expedition.  The group will also tackle tougher routes in the Machynlleth area, such as Mach 1, 2 and 3 and Cli-machx.  Here they can power up rocky assents and blast down into the remote valleys of the Welsh hills.

Group sizes will be 12 or less, with two instructors.  No previous mountain biking experience is required to take part in, however, as the week is action-packed, an average level of fitness is expected from each participant. Mileage will vary between 15km to 40km a day, with vertical ascent of between 200m to 1000m depending on the route and the group. More technical rides will cover less distance but take more time.

The Serious Adventure Bike weeks run from Monday to Friday and costs between £349-£399 for the five-day adventure and £499 for the eight-day adventure, which includes all food, accommodation, insurance, use of the latest mountain bikes and helmets, expert instruction and no hidden extra costs.  Bursary funding is available and the course counts towards the residential section of the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award.

Head to www.outwardbound.org.uk for more information.