The Final Few Hours

The End is in Sight

Evening Roundup

Good Morning from CP2: Headstock 500 Riders Press On

Headstock 500 and 200: Wet Night, Early Finishes, and Record-Setting Rides

Headstock 500 and 200 Night Roundup

And They’re Off: Headstock 200 Riders Begin Their Journey

Headstock 500/200 Race Preview

Only a few hours left on the Headstock 2024. I am writing this at 8:30pm, the sun has been out all day and the wind has been light; perfect riding conditions for the last few weary souls left out on the course. 

We have had a smattering of finishers today all from the 500 route, a big chapeau to them all! We will publish a full finishers list on here when its officially announced, so keep a eye out. 

![WhatsApp Image 2024-05-27 at 20.47.02](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2n6howVfAoxzHUG3n0JK4J/ad48043e92e8e96d4f948ce0a48d504a/WhatsApp_Image_2024-05-27_at_20.47.02.jpeg)

![WhatsApp Image 2024-05-27 at 20.47.02 (1)](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3Nt9emImqkvzLhls7VybS0/fe435a08899537020c5a1c71e97ea14a/WhatsApp_Image_2024-05-27_at_20.47.02__1_.jpeg)

Nathan Manning, the organiser of the event, is at Tiny Rebel finishing line as I speak waiting for the last riders. It looks like we should have a few more finishers on the 500 route this evening before the 11 pm time cut off, Nic Pow and Chris Anderson look so close, keep riding strong guys! Nic has captured the imagination of all the Headstock participants, riding the event plastic free, and also picking up litter on the way, truly showing us all the leave not trace way. 

![WhatsApp Image 2024-05-27 at 21.34.18](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6tSHvsEgtFOHTSq4Y6Jee6/f8055e76a082bd59062f5d569d9dec5a/WhatsApp_Image_2024-05-27_at_21.34.18.jpeg)

Today the riders whatsapp group has been full of chat about how at some point everyone riding this course hated Nathan, how did he come up with such a savage but brutal course. There have been recollections of many a gate that had to be traversed or how they evaded a cow to cross a field. In the coming days we will put together a full summary of the Headstock event including the stories the riders have told us, tales of the mischief the party pack got up to, and try to break down how the winner put in such a rapid time. We will also announce the winners of the incredibly important heaviest bike and the best photo competiton!

For now, lets just keep avidly watching those Dots and will on the remaining riders on! Dwech Ymlaed!!

Day 4 of the Headstock dawns. The weather overnight was kind and this morning is a glorious Welsh sunshine. The riders continue to flock to the finishing line, which in a stroke of genius by the organisers is a brewery that also serves food. What greater reward for the riders can there be than a cold crisp drink and much needed calories at the end of this route.

Yesterday evening saw more finishers on both routes, the 200 saw some gravel bikes cross the line with Duncan and Richard Stroud chirpily making to the end. We also welcomed home Andy Robbins, who described his ride as going from Party to pace to mid stag do pace through the end of the ride!

![WhatsApp Image 2024-05-26 at 23.25.54](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5VrUEVdLWJgrxwDZ2twZzj/f0eb0f5a31d5e6854554b4415b4035e3/WhatsApp_Image_2024-05-26_at_23.25.54.jpeg)

On the 500 we had Tobia Zantedeschi roll on in at 6am finishing in 6th place after fixing a puncture he suffered at midnight of all times.

![WhatsApp Image 2024-05-26 at 23.39.04](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/19DYZkunTe6v2DeuUAaaA8/12a39b8972b9f6d2fa2a714bf31143bb/WhatsApp_Image_2024-05-26_at_23.39.04.jpeg)

John Regan and Dwayne Dixon following shortly after - these are our 7th and 8th placed finishers of the Headstock 500.

![WhatsApp Image 2024-05-27 at 07.22.00](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4Rn8EOBfy6WCW7SXdubTpH/bed20045d86e2ef4d841d61a6d921ef5/WhatsApp_Image_2024-05-27_at_07.22.00.jpeg)

We eagerly await more finishers from the Headstock 500 with plenty of riders still out on the course. One of those riders is Kate the only woman at the start of the 500, at the time of writing she is coming up to Llandovery, where hopefully she can get some food, and continue riding on strong to the finish! At this point in time, it does look like some of these riders still out on the course will not finsh in time for a official result. The cut off time has been extended today until 11pm by the organisers, with the aim of getting as many finishers as possible. Official time posted or not, being able completing this course is an outstanding achievement. In the words of the second place finisher Gary Davies, the Headstock 500 route can drawn comparisons to the classic that is the HT550, in terms of riding difficulty, need for technical ability and the shear amount of hike-a-bike. Having ridden both he should know!

![WhatsApp Image 2024-05-26 at 22.15.01](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/7va9XrFhc569D2pygtvrCj/f44cd2d80e198a42358f3e7f63746b38/WhatsApp_Image_2024-05-26_at_22.15.01.jpeg)

There have also been a number of scratches on the Headtsock. Whether its through injury, bike or equipment failures, the riders who did stop should know that in getting to the start line you have done more than most. It is a remarkable thing to even attempt, pitting your body and your machine against the hardest terrain. All those that did make the brave and powerful decision to stop, we know it wasn't easy, we know you feel disappointed and that is ok, because the wilds of Wales will eagerly await your second attempt!


Good evening from our host venue, Tiny Rebel! The sun finally came out again, and for now, the rain is at bay. This afternoon and evening have seen a steady stream of riders rolling into the finish, all with big smiles on their faces and dryish kit. In our 200 event, we’ve had a lively parade of finishers, including Ali Fraser, Stephen Jackson, Oliver Webb, Adam Sawyer, Richard Burkard and several others have made it back since writing this.

Earlier today, Gary Davies finally stopped for food. You know what they say: put an ultra cyclist anywhere in the world, and they'll find a McDonald's. And that's exactly what Gary did! 
![McDonalds for the win](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3pkD3vOOBnv5BWT1vsZYG9/15e850f0506f4a72a4601a71b07649bc/Screenshot_2024-05-26_at_20.18.03.png)

This morale-boosting pit stop seems to have given him a new lease on life, as he upped his pace considerably for the final few miles and rolled in to take 2nd place. Well done, Gary, on a tremendous ride and check out the level of planning.

![Gary Davies](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/PyAi9C365F56b8rNdn8Wa/060745a5fe8da5e12159536003c28a45/Screenshot_2024-05-26_at_20.11.12.png)

Of course, what would an ultra-cycling event be without a few mishaps? Richard Burkard found himself unable to shift his SRAM AXS, but following some words of wisdom from Richard Hibbert, who suggested warming the battery in the sun, it seems to have done the trick, and Richard made it back safely. Jeremy James somehow managed to lose his phone while descending Coity Mountain, but in a twist of ultra-riding camaraderie, Jess Notzing swooped in to return it to him. This event has certainly seen the 200 riders picking up any stray items that have inadvertently fallen off bikes or out of kits of both the 500 and 200 riders and returning them all. Becky Jay could probably set up a second-hand electronics store with all the rear lights she’s triumphantly collected and returned to their rightful owners.

![Electronics](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5k9n66178faPjHn4hN5l0R/429ab39123a81c9bc96bc6d6e7e44f5d/WhatsApp_Image_2024-05-26_at_15.46.33.jpeg)

Out on the trails, Niel Copeland has been questioning his bike choices, musing that an enduro bike might be more suited to sections of the Sarn Helen. Richard Wilson, who travelled all the way from Penzance, has just ridden into 3rd place.

![Sarn Helen](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6tsKvtBeXBpnjuurCvezgL/c776c33754de60e8eb71471a392147e3/WhatsApp_Image_2024-05-26_at_13.11.06.jpeg)

Nathan Woodhouse is also going strong and looked to be matching the pace of Richard Hibbert, but unless his tracker is playing tricks, it’s unlikely he’ll nab the FKT. Nevertheless, he’s had a phenomenal ride and was in great spirits when we caught up with him at CP2 earlier today.

Stay tuned for more updates from the back of the pack once their trackers pick up signal after they pass through the Doethie Valley. Until then, enjoy the evening and keep those wheels turning!

Good morning from CP2! As the sun burned through the grey cloud on the third day of the Headstock 500, we have 31 determined riders steadily making their way towards the next checkpoint. The riders at the back of the pack face particularly challenging terrain, with the seemingly endless Tywi Forest to navigate, followed by the eroded Soar-y-Mynydd and the Doethie Valley singletrack, which has seen a fair bit of rain. According to Niel Copeland, "It's a little sketchy in places." With this in mind, the big question is whether they will arrive back by 8 pm on Monday for an official finish time, or if the weather will slow their progress.

The forecast for the next couple of hours is looking ominous, with thundery showers and grey skies expected to persist into the evening. However, Monday looks like it will offer some respite, providing a much-needed break from the harsh conditions.

In recent updates, John Regan and Dwane Dixon have made it into CP2 with great progress and smiles on their faces. John is quoted as saying "This route is definitely a type 2 fun kind of experience" but these two, being experienced long-distance cycling and running athletes, have shown remarkable resilience. They have been riding together for the last 10 miles or so. Following closely behind them is Oliver Webb, and it looks like Nathan Woodhouse is gaining on him. It will be interesting to see if Nathan stops at CP2 or if he's been motivated by the WhatsApp chat and the possibility of nabbing the fastest known time (FKT) from Richard 'Dicky' Hibbert. The next 15 hours promise to be very interesting, so don't go anywhere.

Further ahead, Gary Davies, an experienced ultra rider, is making his way along the Sarn Helen and seems on course to be the second rider home. Niel Copeland and Richard Wilson are currently entering the Sarn Helen and making good progress, aiming to be home by Sunday night.

We will bring you more updates later as the riders continue their incredible journey. Stay tuned for the latest developments and stories from the Headstock 500.

As we move into Day 3 and 2 respectively of the Headstock 500 and 200 events, the riders faced a remarkably wet night, transforming the previously dry and dusty trails into boggy, challenging terrain. Despite the conditions, spirits remained high among the competitors, exemplified by Niel Copeland and Richard Wilson, who spent the night at CP2 drying off and warming up. Both were in good spirits, considering the testing nature of Crychan Forest.

![CP2 Camp](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/33pK334CUEBWEEFgia7bZ5/ad1dba790079bd5a551b1826a9e55993/WhatsApp_Image_2024-05-26_at_05.23.28.jpeg)

In the early hours, we witnessed riders rolling into the finish. As expected, Richard Hibbert was the first to complete the Headstock 500, with an astonishing elapsed time of just 38 hours. Hibbert's speed and tenacity were remarkable, managing to evade our media team several times and rolling through both checkpoints before they even opened.

On the Headstock 200 front, Gareth Hayes crossed the finish line at around 2:50 am, completing the course in 14 hours and 53 minutes. Close behind, Cordelia Hughes finished at 4:11 am, with a time of 16 hours and 14 minutes. This makes Hayes and Hughes our first male and female finishers and current fastest known time (FKT) holders for the Headstock 200. Congratulations to both for their outstanding performances.
![200 female Finisher](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/7pjWD2UFJ8ILkwwqA7UJny/590c181e72ea088928c3a8dcee521d5e/WhatsApp_Image_2024-05-26_at_04.11.40.jpeg)

Meanwhile, Nathan Woodhouse, who departed on the 500 route almost a day later than the other riders at 9 am on Saturday, 25/05/2024, is currently pushing on to CP2 - Llandovery. With 138 miles remaining and 17 hours to go, he has the potential to beat the current FKT for the 500 route. It will be a close call, and the challenging conditions might play a crucial role in the outcome. As of now, Woodhouse is around mile 172, making his journey one to watch closely.

Among the morning departures, Simon Miller, who impressively completed a Park Run before setting off, has been forced to withdraw due to a pulled calf muscle. We wish him a speedy recovery.

As I write this, it looks like Freya Espir and Claire Cartwright are about to finish the 200 route. With more female riders completing the 200 than males at this point, we celebrate the strong performance of our female participants. Congratulations to all our finishers!

Stay tuned for more updates this afternoon. Until then, let's all enjoy a well-deserved coffee.

Two very different stories are unfolding on Day 2 of the Headstock 500 and Day 1 of the Headstock 200. The 200 riders have played a crucial role in coming to the aid of some 500 riders, retrieving dropped or loose kit as they navigated the rocky and technical terrain of Day 1. We've seen bar ends, rear lights, and trackers all retrieved by our wonderful 200 riders, showcasing the camaraderie and support within the cycling community.

The afternoon has been eventful, with many riders scratching after a tough day and one very unfortunate injury resulting in a broken clavicle to Paul Connah requiring Mountain Rescue's assistance. We wish Paul a speedy recovery.

For the 500 riders, four have passed through CP2 at Llandovery Community Centre and two are pushing on through the night, hoping to make it back before breakfast on Sunday. Richard Hibbert continues to lead the pack with Gary Davies chasing hard. In joint third place, Niel Copeland and Richard Wilson who made it into CP2 before it shut at 10 pm and reopens at 6 am on Sunday. In the middle of the field, our only female rider, Kate Vergette, looks incredibly strong. Will Kate be the first female to tackle the Headstock 500? We hope so. We have a soft spot for Kate and admire her determination as the sole female taking on this challenging ride. Go Kate!

In the 200, Gareth Hayes passed through the Dolygaer Checkpoint at around 8 pm and is being hunted down by Cordelia Hughes, with a closely spaced front group of riders all aiming to pass through the checkpoint before 10 pm. The question remains: will they tackle the GAP descent at night or wait until daylight? After the GAP descent, riders will be rewarded with easier miles on the return leg and plenty of cycleways to recoup, a reward for pushing hard through the Bannau Brycheiniog.

The 200 has also had its share of withdrawals. Unfortunately, Jo Britton was forced to retire due to an incorrectly fitted Tailfin rack, which forced her to ride on her 10-speed cog. The Bartley boys came to Jo's rescue, and she will now enjoy a luxurious night in a spa in Crickhowell. Well done, guys, and enjoy that spa, Jo!

Other riders having a solid ride include Jess Notzing, who is making good time and appears to be descending the Black Mountains, possibly aiming for a resupply in Taly-y-Bont before rolling into the checkpoint by 6 am. Simon Miller is doing a sterling job despite deciding to do a Park Run before setting off at lunchtime. Clearly, the Park Run has had little impact as he is going well alongside Richard Burkard.

We will bring you more updates in the morning. Nos Da from us. 

The Headstock 200 riders rolled out from the host venue, Tiny Rebel Brewery, today, Saturday 25/05/2024, with smiles on their faces as they basked in the early afternoon sun. This pleasant start, however, may be short-lived, as the weather forecast predicts damp conditions moving in from around 9 pm. In response, some riders have set off at a brisk pace, hoping to outride the impending weather.

Leading the charge is Gareth Hayes, an experienced long-distance rider aiming for a sub-15-hour finish, weather permitting. Close behind him is Ollie Whiting, matching Hayes' fast pace and keeping the competition tight. Whether these two will open up a substantial lead and battle for the fastest known time remains to be seen, but their current speed suggests an exciting contest at the front.

In the women's category, Cordelia Hughes and Becky Jay are leading the female riders, both looking incredibly strong.

The Headstock 200 boasts good female representation, with a total of 20 women initially signed up across both events. Due to various reasons, this number has been reduced to one female rider (Kate) on the 500 and a further six on the 200 course. It’s fantastic to see such strong participation.

As the day progresses, we will provide more updates as the 200 riders get into the thick of their journey. Stay tuned for more exciting developments and stories from the Headstock 200.

As morning turned to afternoon, Richard Hibbert continued to widen the gap at the front of the pack. After rolling into CP1 just after 1:20 am, Richard Hibbert navigated the Elan Valley's gravel tracks, traversing the Claerwen Dam and passing Strata Florida. Now entering the remotest section of the ride, the Doethie Valley, he faced a gruelling hike-a-bike climb, rewarded by fabulous singletrack and stunning views. Remarkably, Richard Hibbert has powered through to CP2 at Llandovery, well over halfway, riding strong despite the lack of sleep. With his relentless pace, he seems poised to wrap up this monumental challenge by the end of the day.

The unforgiving terrain and conditions have taken their toll on several riders. The combination of multiple river crossings, boggy sections from recent rainfall, and an unexpectedly cold night made for uncomfortable and gruelling conditions. As a result, some riders have decided to call it a day, prioritising safety and well-being over continuing in the harsh environment.

Among the notable incidents, Tudor Gillham's attempt at the 500 km on a single-speed bike has been thwarted by unfortunate mechanical issues. Meanwhile, Nic Pow's makeshift shim seems to be holding up, allowing him to make steady progress towards CP1.

![Mechanicals](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3Xew0dw2mfFKVdkzjrByoZ/19ad49da72caaec24eab3b740452067e/WhatsApp_Image_2024-05-25_at_10.53.10.jpeg)

As the ride progresses, the field continues to spread out, each rider facing their own battles and triumphs. The afternoon sun now beats down on the determined cyclists and we eagerly await more updates as they push forward. Stay tuned as the Headstock 500 challenges these incredible athletes, testing their endurance and resilience.

Headstock 500: Afternoon Push and Unyielding Determination

As the final light faded and the stars illuminated the Welsh skies, the Headstock 500 riders embarked on their nocturnal journey, pushing through the darkness with unwavering determination. Leading the pack, Richard Hibbert has been making impressive headway and eluding the media crews at every turn. Around 1:20 am, Hibbert stealthily passed through Checkpoint 1 at Bwlch-y-Sarnau, clocking in 126 miles. We are currently awaiting his timestamped selfie to confirm his passage and he is currently at mile 160 of 311, the burning question remains: will Richard need to pause for rest, or will he continue his relentless pursuit to the finish?

Meanwhile, the night has not been kind to everyone. Rhys Clarke, who had been making strong progress, arrived at CP1 only to face an unfortunate setback. After battling sickness for the last 25 miles (40 km), Rhys has made the tough decision to call it a day. His tenacity is commendable, and we hope to see him return next year.

Gary Davies, seizing the opportunity, has surged up the standings, likely aiming to reach Rhayader and a well-deserved break at Morgan's Café. Richard Wilson, having set off at first light, is also making significant strides, looking to catch up with the front runners he has arrived at CP1 hoping to get some food before taking on the Elan Valley.
![Gary makes CP1 ahead of schedule](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3EONaodWM1vbe7af4B2kmV/a19b364cc7be239a4fe9913b582483a8/WhatsApp_Image_2024-05-25_at_05.17.03.jpeg)

Not to be overlooked, Niel Copeland, the seasoned ultra-rider, has been a model of consistency. His steady pace and strategic approach highlight his experience. With more technical terrain ahead, His full-suspension bike will likely offer him an edge, making him a formidable contender as the ride unfolds.

The field has begun to spread out, each rider finding their rhythm and carving their path through the night. As the dawn breaks and the day warms, anticipation builds for the next wave of 200 riders, set to depart from Tiny Rebel Brewery at noon.

Stay tuned for more updates as the Headstock 500 continues to test the mettle of these incredible athletes. Until then, we watch and wait, eager to see what happens next.


Headstock 500: Nighttime Adventures and Early Morning Setbacks

The sun has started to settle across the Welsh hills, and there are already stories for us to tell. The adventure seeking cyclist were treated to a glorious afternoon, the gravel doubletrack basking in the uninterrupted glow of that blazing spring sun. They climbed short sharp ‘punchy’ hills, rode some fast descents, and traversed flowy trails. They did however encounter some unexpected Welsh traffic on the country lanes.

![IMG 6998](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/jwAjXMYLZrgBNgN6SpKnt/bb6b8f4c89abe99a68b620e916bdc5ff/IMG_6998.jpeg)

This may have slowed progress a little, let’s hope there is a sheep herder amongst them!

At the time of writing there is a clear leader of the pack, Richard Hibbert, he has been flying along and gathered by the looks of the tracker around a 20KM lead. The tracker doesn’t give exact distances, so we have been using the map scale to roughly estimate how many KMs there are between riders. From a quick look at Richards social media and the photos the race team has been taking, he seems to have been enjoying the descents!

![4f702926-abd4-4d12-88c4-13f5098f71c4](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5KlJoZgRgfRyZ1jtlRv39F/515014047b24c29dd5f1104db02bf410/4f702926-abd4-4d12-88c4-13f5098f71c4.jpeg)

The nearest rider to Richard is Rhys Clarke, who in turn has fair gap on the chasing pack. He has put a photo of his bike on Instagram stories, and it looks like an incredibly light weight gravel set up!

![IMG 7016](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/7hZz10nu1LVlagau58FiDu/9f631f854d13c98c1288b1349e1a23ab/IMG_7016.jpeg)

We are only 8 hours into the Headstock, and night-time approaches. It will be interesting to see how the leading riders’ strategies play out, are they going to aim to camp close to civilisation and crucially near the critical resupply point Knighton, or press on riding through the night towards the first checkpoint and to the town of Rhayader? Looking forward to finding out!

There are a few chippies on the route, which have seen quite a lot of business this evening with several riders posting photos of them enjoying this quintessentially British Friday night dinner. 

![46787a01-1bb5-47b7-b205-1c609e23d924](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5bpajVTMe4eRZir1EkcwnI/927ad52410b29d179c74558b94c140dc/46787a01-1bb5-47b7-b205-1c609e23d924.jpeg)

Nic Pow was mentioned in the Headstock 500 route preview, as he is riding a upcycled 1996 Arrow bike. It seems however that he has unfortunately experienced some mechanical issues.  From some photos we have been sent it looks like his seat post has been slipping so he has fashioned a shim to try to fix it! 

![474eed8c-6ab2-4f4c-b162-0f43d070f916](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/41FhZbek1fvhxtqoebdoIU/54ec58f911940902ace339deea4090ae/474eed8c-6ab2-4f4c-b162-0f43d070f916.jpeg)

A special shout out to our only female rider on the Headstock 500 route, Kate Vergette who is making excellent progress with the pack. We will endeavour to give you more detailed commentary on her adventure at some point!

That’s all for now, let’s see what the night holds for the riders! Stay safe all!


The First Day

Jess Notzing

A race tackling some of the best off-road that South Wales has to offer. With secret spots, shreddy trails and plenty of climbing this event will be thrilling and challenging.

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