Frequently Asked Questions

All Mountain Adventures runs demanding cycling events including bikepacking, ultra-distance and adventure riding experiences across Wales and beyond. These are not casual leisure rides. Riders should expect challenging terrain, long distances, changing weather, self-management and a strong degree of personal responsibility.

That depends on the event and your background. Some riders may be new to ultra-distance or bikepacking, but all participants should be realistic about the demands of the route, terrain, weather, time in the saddle and self-sufficiency required. Riders are responsible for choosing events that match their ability, preparation and equipment.

Some riders will naturally ride competitively, but the exact format depends on the event. You should always check the specific event page for the nature of that event, including whether it is timed, self-supported, route-based or experience-led.

Typical challenges include distance, climbing, mixed terrain, rough surfaces, remote stretches, limited services in some areas, navigation demands, fatigue, weather exposure and the need to solve problems independently while on the route.

Your place is only fully confirmed once your booking details have been completed where required and payment has been successfully received.

Yes. Creating an account helps you save your details, manage bookings and return to complete payment or review your event information later.

You can save and manage reusable profile details in your account area. Event-specific details may also be editable depending on the stage of your booking and event administration requirements.

Unpaid bookings may remain visible in your account for a period of time. You can either complete payment or cancel the unpaid booking if you no longer want it. Unpaid bookings do not guarantee a confirmed event place.

If it is unpaid, you should cancel the unpaid booking from your account area. If you have already paid or are unsure, contact us at events@allmountainadventures.wales.

Entries are generally personal to the named rider unless a specific transfer policy applies to that event. Check the relevant event page or contact us before assuming a transfer is allowed.

Deferrals are not automatic and depend on the policy for the specific event. If deferrals are allowed, they may be subject to timing rules, admin limits or additional conditions.

Refunds depend on the event policy and the timing of your cancellation. You should refer to the event terms and conditions and any event-specific policy shown at the time of booking.

Bookings are paid through our online checkout process. Once payment is successfully completed, your booking status will update in your account.

Not necessarily. If payment has not completed, your booking may remain in your account as unpaid or pending. You should return to your account and complete payment if the place is still available.

There can occasionally be a short delay while payment confirmation updates. If the status does not change after a reasonable time, contact events@allmountainadventures.wales.

That depends on the booking state and whether your unpaid booking remains active. A place is not fully confirmed until payment is complete.

Terrain varies by event but may include tarmac, gravel, forestry tracks, bridleways, broken surfaces, rocky descents, slate, drainage gullies, steep climbs and rough linking sections. Conditions can also change significantly with weather.

That depends on the event route and your priorities. For rougher Welsh routes, many riders prefer a hardtail mountain bike or a full-suspension bike for extra comfort, grip and protection. A gravel bike may be possible on some events, but it may be significantly less comfortable on rougher sections.

Not necessarily. On rougher, longer or more technical routes, full suspension can improve comfort, control and fatigue management. It may not be the fastest choice everywhere, but it can be a sensible choice for rider durability over a long event.

Sometimes, yes, but suitability depends heavily on the event, tyre clearance, route conditions and your experience. Where terrain includes repeated rough descents, rocky surfaces or drainage features, a gravel bike may be a harder and less comfortable option.

Use the widest practical tyres your bike can comfortably take for the route you are riding. Tyre choice should reflect terrain, comfort, puncture resistance, control and likely weather conditions.

For rougher mixed-terrain events, riders using gravel bikes may benefit from wider tyres, a dropper post and some front-end compliance or suspension, but these do not turn a gravel bike into a mountain bike. You still need to be realistic about route demands.

You should assume that you are responsible for navigation unless the event information clearly says otherwise. Always check the specific event guidance.

For most bikepacking and ultra-style events, yes, you should expect to navigate using a GPS device or another reliable navigation method. Bring backup power and avoid relying only on a single unprotected phone battery.

Many events involve a high level of self-sufficiency. You should read the event page carefully to understand what is included and what remains your responsibility.

Yes. Riders should carry the tools, spares, clothing, nutrition, water capacity and emergency items appropriate to the event, route remoteness and forecast conditions.

If there is any chance you will ride in darkness, poor visibility or changing conditions, proper front and rear lights are essential. For long-distance events, assume that strong lighting and charging plans are part of basic preparation.

Conditions can change quickly and dramatically. Riders may experience wind, heavy rain, cold exposure, heat, long damp periods, reduced visibility and highly variable ground conditions even within the same day.

Yes. Weather can transform a route. Surfaces may become slower, rougher, more slippery or more fatiguing. Wind and rain can also significantly affect timing, morale and rider safety.

That depends on the event and the conditions. Some events may proceed in poor weather if it remains safe to do so, while others may need route changes, delays, shortening or cancellation for safety reasons.

Bring clothing appropriate for exposed, wet and changeable conditions. Avoid assuming that a favourable forecast means minimal kit is safe. Riders should plan for deterioration in weather, especially in upland, remote or overnight sections.

We do not advocate wild camping. In Wales and England, wild camping is generally not lawful without landowner permission, aside from limited exceptions such as parts of Dartmoor subject to the legal position at the time. If a rider chooses to camp, that is entirely their responsibility. Riders should be respectful, understand the law, seek permission where required and leave no trace.

Where possible, routes are designed around towns, villages or access points with amenities such as food, accommodation, campsites, transport links or other support options. However, riders must still plan carefully and not assume that every service will be open or available when needed.

If you are planning to use accommodation rather than riding continuously, booking ahead may be sensible depending on the event, season and location.

For longer or more remote events, carrying a small stove may be a sensible choice, especially where access to food services may be limited or unpredictable. This can be particularly helpful on more remote sections of longer Welsh routes.

You should check the requirements for the event and decide what insurance is appropriate for your circumstances. Depending on the event, riders may wish to consider personal accident, medical, travel, third-party liability, bike and equipment cover.

You will usually need to provide an emergency contact name and number. You may also be asked for relevant medical or dietary information where appropriate for event administration and rider welfare.

You should provide relevant information where requested and where it may affect your safety, welfare or event participation. Only provide information that is accurate and genuinely relevant.

You should follow the event instructions for withdrawals, safety contacts or check-out procedure. Riders remain responsible for making sensible decisions and for acting early if continuing becomes unsafe.

Some events may have cut-offs, timing windows or other operational limits. Always check the event page and pre-event guidance.

Riders are expected to behave responsibly, respectfully and lawfully. That includes respecting local communities, other road and trail users, landowners, staff, volunteers and the environment.

No. Riders should leave no trace, dispose of waste properly and avoid behaviour that damages access, land, local goodwill or the reputation of the event.

Yes. Riders are responsible for complying with applicable road traffic law, local restrictions and land access rules at all times.