That's a wrap.... The second edition of the Headstock 500 draws to a close...

Afternoon / Early Evening Update

🚴 Afternoon Update – Rolling In Strong

🌧️ Day 4 Morning Update – The Final Push Begins

🌅 Day 3 Evening Update – Sunshine, Stories & the Final Stretch

Podiums, Perseverance & a Whole Lot of Grit

⚠️ Scratch Update & Trail Mishaps – Day 3

🌄 Day 3 — Morning from HQ 🌄

🌅 7:30PM UPDATE — The Golden Hour Grind 🌅

🏁 We Have a Winner! 🏁

All the dots are safely home with the final two riders Sandi Stott and Paul Pearson rolled into Tiny Rebel making it back just before 8pm and in time for a beer and some food and well inside the 10pm cut off. They were greeted at the finish by Emma. 

![Dots are home](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/bH1ApBxBErlh40230KU7n/aab8e8037f36fa0de9dbac846b5f2e32/Screenshot_2025-05-26_at_19.50.49.png)

51 riders. 7 women. 44 men, 33 finishers. One route — 311 miles (501km) long, with 33,000ft (10,100m) of climbing and all with a common goal, to finish. But numbers only tell part of the story.

This second edition of the Headstock 500 wasn’t just a test of endurance — it was a celebration of spirit, connection, and the strange joy of as quoted by James Oldroyd "Doing Hard Things" with others who get it. Each rider who lined up at the start rolled out into the unknown, and every single one deserves recognition — not just for the miles they covered, but for what they overcame along the way.

We don’t hand out medals. We hand out recognition and respect. Respect for showing up. Respect for pushing through. Respect for the grit, humour, tears, and teamwork that define this kind of event. And respect for the community you’ve all helped build.

__Every Rider, Every Story__
There were returning faces and brand new ones. Some of them rode last year’s inaugural event and came back for more. Some have tackled our other events like the Black Mountain Challenge, some have tackled them all and others knew exactly what to expect and they still turned up on questionable bikes (Graham and Rob)😉. For others, this was their first time doing anything like this, And yet, they were all bound by the same thread — a willingness to take on something big, to meet challenge face on and with character.

![Registration](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3TXX7CIMrJReZZFGDjqBQd/a04ddc6a9798a2b987989390e08cb85e/Screenshot_2025-05-26_at_20.22.46.png)

__Let’s shout out a few of the many standout stories…__

__James Hanscombe and Kate Vergette__, returning for year two, completed the route with good humour, kindness, and that unmistakable spark that lifts others along the way. We’re pretty sure Kate cursed Nath at least once (we love it) — but she also loved the omissions which included sections like the Sunken Road and the Doithie Valley. 

__Those who began in pairs but finished solo:__ this is never how it’s planned. When your riding partner has to scratch, it’s tough on both — emotionally and mentally. But continuing on alone is no small feat. That takes guts. They dug deep, and we respect that.

__Jess Notzing__, who wasn’t even sure she’d start due to a knee injury, defied the odds. When her riding partner scratched early on, she pressed forward solo — strong, focused, and flying toward the finish with a blown knee.

__Alicia__, too, found herself riding solo after her partner withdrew. And yet she pushed through and finished with style — greeted warmly by Alexander at the line.

__Rob Laverick__, unsure he’d even make the start, completed the route on a retro rig with classic vibes — a steel frame, vintage welds, skinny tyres, and style for days. Originally paired with Graham Stewart, who had to scratch, Rob carried on alone with real class but Graham stayed to provide support, a few choice words no doubt and a lift home.

__Lydia Gould__, when Sandi Stott snapped her chain, Lydia was on hand to fix it and allowed Sandi to continue all the way to the finish.

__Kamil Szul__, who rolled through Pontypridd on a mission, determined to reach Tiny Rebel before last orders — greeted by cheers, clinks, and a hero’s welcome from Billy and Rob.

__Matt Fisher__, who carried Will Arnolds bivvy and tarp for most the route after he lost it somewhere on the route.

__Julien and Clémence__, travelling from France, tackled the course with calm determination and impeccable teamwork — a joy to host.

and so many others — each with their own story, their own reasons, their own resilience. 

From __Scotland, Wales, Ireland, England, France and the Czech Republic__ — you came with open minds. You encouraged one another, you laughed in the face of hardship, and you made the event what it is.

The biggest shout out goes to Co-Host Emma Manning who is the glue that holds everything together, the social media, the checkpoints, registration and greeting riders as they return. We couldn't do it without you. Thank You.

![Emma - Co Host](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/u1wSafnjw2TADf40AhefQ/f189def9e49a91b069acd07088bfb717/WhatsApp_Image_2025-05-26_at_20.23.00.jpeg)

__Community is Everything__
Some of the most inspiring moments happened off the bike:

- Riders (Graham Stewart and Sophie Higgett) turned dotwatchers turned rescue teams.
- Sophie, who scratched early, but stayed in the game by supporting and ultimately returning Lydia safely to the finish.
- Countless cheers, hugs, beers, pizza slices and shared stories at Tiny Rebel HQ.

__Our Sponsors__
Thank you to our sponsors Tailfin, Exposure Lights, We Are OGT, High Five Energy, Muscle Mechanics, Bike Shredz and lastly our host venue Tiny Rebel. 

__Final Thoughts__
Whether you finished, scratched, rode solo, or leaned on others — you are part of the Headstock. You brought your best. You gave more than you thought you could. And you left a mark on everyone else out there.

Thank You and see you at the next one.

Nath, Em and the Team

The finish line at Tiny Rebel has welcomed back the majority of our remaining riders — and what a homecoming it's been.

Dave Ferris, Rob Laverick, James Hanscombe and Kate Vergette all rolled in with tired legs but big smiles. James and Kate returned for a second year and once again brought their trademark positivity and good energy to every mile. 

Colin Willgress ticked off the Headstock 500 with calm focus, while Josh and Jess Notzing also crossed the line to warm applause. Jess, having started the event unsure whether she’d even make it to the start line, finished strong and solo after her riding partner had to withdraw early on. That’s the kind of strength and resolve we celebrate here.

Unfortunately, Lydia Gould had to scratch near Rhigos Mountain. But in true Headstock style, she wasn’t left behind. Sophie, who’d scratched earlier in the event, jumped into action — returning Lydia safely back to Tiny Rebel and once again proving that community is the backbone of everything we do.

Just two riders remain on the course — Sandi Stott and Paul Pearson — both steadily making their way towards the finish. They’re on track to complete the route well before the official cut-off time, and we’ll be here to welcome them home.

We’ll be back with one final update once our last riders are in.

More soon.

Matt Fisher and Greig Higham were the first to arrive at Tiny Rebel this afternoon, wrapping up their ride in great spirits. A special shoutout to Matt, who carried Will Arnold’s bivvy bag and tarp for much of the route — a class act all round. We’ll make sure the kit finds its way back to Will safely.

Not long after, Alicia rolled in to complete her ride. She started the event as a pair but finished solo, greeted at the line by her partner Alexander — a brilliant effort and a well-deserved reunion.

![Alicia - 2nd Female Back](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3zb9jMyW7YpqgmKsQU8YoJ/28b9881eddd3734ec4f0277086041bb3/IMG_7293.jpeg)

Next to cross the finish will be Perry Taylor, who will officially be completing his second edition of the Headstock 500 in his trademark low-key style. Smooth, steady, and strong throughout.

We’re now seeing a steady stream of riders making their way along the NCN47 toward the finish, and expect a few more to arrive before 5pm.

Through the night and into the early hours, more riders trickled across the finish line under the cover of darkness, their lights cutting through the mist and their faces full of quiet satisfaction. Richard Haynes, Kamil Szul, and Will Arnold all made it back safely, joined shortly after midnight by Clemence and Julien — bringing the number of finishers to 17. Our first pair, Ian Grail and Jon Opie, also completed their journey, riding in side-by-side with smiles that said it all.

![Ian Grail and Jon Opie](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/15s1XIbBZ6wI8pUAWFMYP6/aaaf5334fcc44ec787337ef8c7b32b38/af98a729-22f5-4425-8a83-bfaa820d1a5c.jpeg)

At the back of the field, Sandi Stott and Paul Pearson continue their steady march toward the finish. With around 80 miles to go and 15 hours left on the clock, they’re cutting it fine — but they’re still in it, and we’re rooting for them every pedal stroke of the way.

Just ahead is Lydia Gould, who’s reportedly climbing like a machine and putting time into those behind her. She’s currently tackling Fan Fraith — the second highest pass on the course — and if the wind has finally calmed, she’ll be making solid progress.

Meanwhile, Greig, Matt, and Alicia have formed a small group and are sharing the final miles together, cruising across the high ridges of NCN47 above Aberdare after one final night out under the stars. Greig’s already eyeing up our 7 Cities of Wales route in August, so this is the perfect warm-up — and a good chance to test out his setup under pressure.

Perry Taylor bedded down somewhere near Glyncorrwg, and there’s a chance Jake Webb might leapfrog him in the final push — a quiet duel unfolding in the last few miles. Dave Ferris seems to be paused in Efail Fach, though we suspect he’s just fuelling up for the final showdown — coffee, carbs, and go-time.

Further along the route, we’ve got our second pair, Jake Thomas and Josh Francis, rolling steadily alongside Jess Notzing and Colin Willgress, who both continue to impress us with their grit, good spirits, and consistent pacing. Jess, especially, has been one of the stories of the weekend — starting the event unsure if she could even ride due to injury, and now sharing the final miles with others in equally fine form.

James and Kate, our third and final pair, are currently sharing the path with Rob Laverick, while Mark Rigby rides not far behind. All of them are currently navigating the Neath Canal Paths — flat, scenic, and welcome relief after 250+ miles of mountains and moorland.

Back at HQ, the weather is trying to make up its mind. It’s damp, but the sun is doing its best to break through — offering a little warmth and encouragement to the riders still out on course. The final section is easier on paper, but after 250 miles / 402km, “easy” is relative. At this point, every mile is earned.

The goal is simple now: get to the finish. For a beer. For some food. For a dry change of clothes. And most of all — for sleep.

We’ll bring more updates throughout the day as the final riders make their way home.

By 8pm this evening, all remaining riders had safely passed through Checkpoint 2 in Llandovery — comfortably ahead of the 10pm cut-off. With that hurdle cleared, most are now making their way towards the Usk Reservoir, hoping to bank a few more miles before dark.

![CP2 Crew](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5PGJXv4GxOredTfrdX9yEO/41383796102730e8c2db67132bd230a2/WhatsApp_Image_2025-05-25_at_14.14.01.jpeg)

![CP2 Riders](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1UJgjtrBCK42e7SEhijfm/0b27afaf3fb6ea57e30232ad12269e71/WhatsApp_Image_2025-05-25_at_14.43.46.jpeg)

The weather definitely came good. After a murky start, things brightened up fast — and by mid-afternoon, the course was bathed in glorious sunshine and unseasonably high temperatures. It was a welcome boost for tired legs and weary minds, especially after two tough days in the saddle. But riders know not to get too comfortable: Monday’s forecast is less friendly, with rain on the way, highs of 14°C, and lows around 10°C. For many, that’s motivation enough to get it done before the clouds roll in.

Back at HQ, the finish line saw a steady stream of riders arrive throughout the afternoon and evening. The atmosphere was relaxed and full of camaraderie — a mix of relieved finishers, scratched riders coming to share a story, and dotwatchers dropping by to cheer them in. Most went straight for the holy grail: cold beer and hot pizza at Tiny Rebel. Eleven riders have officially finished, with more well on their way. Some are racing the clock to get it done before midnight. Others have opted for one final campout before wrapping things up Monday morning.

![Ed Daly](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5AtQxD4LDunSEL3w6LqViu/a85624fa64ceb8ad11f565d65bda4c2b/Screenshot_2025-05-25_at_21.57.42.png)

![Billy Breckon](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/k7OrEogcezrWeoTalMDG2/dbe536020fd9cb0b44c9712bca6fdabc/Screenshot_2025-05-25_at_21.57.59.png)

A few riders had to bow out today. Richard Bowen and Jon Moyle scratched at CP2, while Nick Buffery — after battling on despite mounting saddle pain — made the call to stop at Neath. It was a tough one to see. He’d already conquered the hardest miles with the finish almost in reach. We hope to see him back again and wish him a fast recovery.

At the back of the field, Lydia Gould, Sandi Stott, and Paul Pearson continue to push forward. Earlier today, Sandi snapped a chain near Strata Florida, but with Lydia’s help, she was able to repair it and carry on. True grit and teamwork.

In the middle of the pack, Jess Notzing is delivering a standout ride. She was on the brink of pulling out before the event due to knee issues, but lined up anyway. After her riding partner Sophie scratched at Knighton, Jess continued solo — and hasn’t looked back. She’s now well into the final section and riding strong.

Colin Willgress — who also rode our Headstock 200 — has had a cracking ride. Despite an early detour near Talgarth that added 6 bonus miles and 400ft of climbing, he’s kept his momentum going. Rob Laverick, another standout, wasn’t even sure he’d make the start line. Riding a retro rig with skinny tyres, old-school welds, and serious flair, he’s shrugged off the doubts and is crushing it solo after his partner Graham Stewart withdrew early on.

Close behind, James and Kate made it to CP2 and are up and over the second highest and final mountain pass of this route — a big milestone considering they were forced to scratch at Llandovery during the inaugural event. Further up the road is Jake Webb, who we believe is taking on his first ever ultra or bikepacking event. If so, what a debut. Keep those pedals turning, Jake — you’re doing brilliantly.

Just ahead are Dave Ferris and Mark Rigby, now navigating the final stretches of the Sarn Helen route. Mark’s been a picture of consistency all weekend. Also making strong progress is Perry Taylor, back for his second Headstock 500. He’s flown largely under the radar, but we suspect that’s just his style — cool, calm, collected, and quietly getting the job done.

Alicia, now also riding solo after her pair split, continues to impress. With only 50 miles remaining, she’s in a great position to finish early on Monday.

Similarly Greig and Matt have decided to call it a night after a long day that started wet and windy and ended in sunshine — a true mixed bag. They'll be up early tomorrow for the final push.

Julien and Clémence are set to finish tonight, as is Will Arnold — still rolling without bivvy or tarp and clearly not looking to endure another cold night under the stars. He’s putting everything into the final leg.

Kamil Szul is currently passing through Pontypridd. If he keeps pace, he might just make last orders at Tiny Rebel, where Billy Breckon and Rob Lamey are already waiting to welcome him in. And not far behind them, our first finishing pair — Ian Grail and Jon Opie — are due to roll across the line very soon.

It’s been 4 seasons in one day and tomorrow will bring wetter conditions, but for those still out there, the finish line is now well within reach and easier miles await you.

We’re deep into Day 3 of the Headstock 500 and the podium is now complete! Here's the latest from the trail:

🥉 Michael Hayward-Brazier crossed the line to take 3rd place in a time of 45 hours, 42 minutes, and 2 seconds. A huge ride in testing conditions, and one he can be proud of. Behind him, around two hours later, came Lee Roberts — tired but smiling. While he joked that mountain biking bikepacking might not be for him, we think he absolutely smashed it. The Headstock 500 isn’t supposed to be easy — just making the start line is an achievement that demands guts, grit, and belief.

🛠️ Further back on the trail, the tail-end crew are giving it everything. Paul Pearson, Sandi Stott, and Lydia Gould are still rolling strong, with Sandi managing to repair her chain and push on — a brilliant show of resilience out in the middle of nowhere. They're all expected to pass through Checkpoint 2 before the 10pm cutoff, setting themselves up for a likely Monday night finish.

🔧 Meanwhile, Kev Tonner appears to have resolved his freehub issue with a field-service level of skill — stripping it, cleaning it down, and rebuilding it trail-side. Hats off to Kev! We’re now seeing signs that Jess Notzing might be facing a similar mechanical — we’re keeping an eye on that dot and hoping it’s nothing major.

The finish line is still a long way off for many, but the determination out there is unmistakable. Whatever happens next, there’s no shortage of stories being written on the trails tonight.

Keep those dots moving 👊

As the Headstock 500 rolls into its final phase, the route continues to test both riders and machines. Here’s a round-up of the latest scratches, mechanical woes, and community spirit in action:

🚨 Scratch – Andy Dawkes has withdrawn from the event at Elan Oaks Campsite after battling persistent wrist discomfort. It’s a huge effort to reach that point on this year’s challenging route, and we send a massive well done his way. We hope to see Andy back at future AMA events — you’ve definitely earned a pint and a lie down.

🔧 Sandi Stott suffered a snapped chain near Strata Florida, a tough, remote stretch to have mechanical issues. Fellow rider Lydia Gould appears to be stepping in to lend a hand — a real credit to the spirit out on the trails. We’re keeping our fingers crossed for a successful trailside repair and will be watching that dot closely.

⚙️ Kev Tonner hit problems with his cassette while at Checkpoint 2, but help was not far away. __Huge thanks to Matt Page, Martin, and Anthony Pease__, local legends who’ve come to the rescue with tools.

🌒 Will Arnold is soldiering on despite his earlier bivvy bag drama. He’s determined to finish in daylight hours and avoid another night under the stars — but if that looks unlikely, we’re prepared to intervene and bring him home safely. He’s shown real resilience all the way through.

From snapped chains to impromptu trailside workshops, it’s been another morning of challenges — and a showcase of the grit, determination, and generosity that defines the Headstock 500.

More to come as we close in on the finish… 🚴‍♂️💨

What a night! We’ve got plenty to reflect on after a dramatic night on the trail. A sub-36-hour finish, a game of cat and mouse for third, unexpected bivvy drama, and strategic overnight stops as the weather rolled in. Let’s get into it.

🥈 Second place goes to Rhys Clarke, finishing in a sensational 35 hours, 33 minutes, and 25 seconds — a time that’s not only well earned but faster than last year’s winning ride. Rhys rode much of the final stretch from Ffair Rhos to Tiny Rebel solo: always out of sight of the leader, never quite close enough to challenge, but relentless to the end. His strong, consistent pacing and sharp riding — no doubt sharpened by his Wild West effort earlier this season — have earned him an incredible result.

🥉 Behind him, the battle for third has kept us on edge. Lee Roberts paused to sleep overnight, giving Michael Hayward-Brazier the perfect window to pass in the early hours. Michael now looks set to secure third — though if Lee finds another gear on the flatter run-in, it could still come down to the wire. Both riders have impressed, especially on the climbs.

🌧️ Conditions changed overnight, as forecast. Fan Gyhirych to Fan Fraith became a proving ground. Zbynek Simcik was caught in the worst of it, messaging us late in the morning to say he was safe but conditions were bad. It’s taken a toll, but he’s still moving. Many others played it safe, (taking the advice of the Organisers who are closely monitoring the weather) taking shelter with Sunday’s improved weather in mind — no rain, light winds, and bursts of sunshine on offer.

🧥 Then there’s Will Arnold, who continues to epitomise resilience. His lost bivvy bag and tarp haven’t made it back to him after all. Last night he bivvied out in Llanwrtyd Wells with just a down jacket and layers. He’s now en route to Checkpoint 2, where we’ll assess the damage. From there, it’s decision time — withdraw with dignity, or dig deep and keep rolling. Either way, a gutsy performance from our Iron Man.

🚴 Riders arriving at CP2 this morning have a real shot at finishing today. The final 108 miles are far more forgiving than the brutal 202 that came before. Once through Pontneddfechan, it’s smoother sailing to the line at Tiny Rebel.

📉 Scratch Report: Overnight we saw two more riders bow out. Nathan Kitcher and Jonathan Capanda have both called time near Rhayader. Both looked strong earlier in the event, but we understand Jon was nursing an Achilles injury, and the relentless climbing certainly didn’t help. A sensible — albeit disappointing — decision from both riders.

We’ll have more updates as the day unfolds — and as more stories emerge from what’s already been an unforgettable second edition of the Headstock 500.

As the sun begins its slow dip behind the Cambrian Mountains, the bulk of the field have now cleared Checkpoint 1, with just one remaining rider — Jonathan Capanda — still to roll through. There’s confidence he’ll make the cut-off with time to spare.

Further ahead, it’s looking increasingly likely that the majority of riders from Clemence Lys onward will pass through Checkpoint 2 during its opening hours tonight. For those who miss it? Well, the geo-fenced tracking allows them to check in 24/7 — but they’ll miss out on hot food, supplies, and the now legendary vibes our CPs are known for across all All Mountain Adventures events. Decisions, decisions: wait until the 6am re-open… or ride into the dark and risk the fuel court lottery?

__Let’s check in on the podium chasers:__

🏁 Rhys Clarke, as expected, is still holding firm in 2nd and is currently ticking off miles on the NCN47 Neath High Level Route en route to Pontypridd. It’s a flatter stretch here, but don’t be fooled — the bridleways into Caerphilly can still throw up a few surprises. After that, it’s fast tarmac all the way from Draethen into Tiny Rebel and the finish line.

🥉 In 3rd place, Lee Roberts is being hunted down by Michael Hayward-Brazier, who appears to have distanced Zbynek Simcik. That savage climb out of Llandovery may have been the difference — a Roman road that demands respect, usually part hike-a-bike, followed by a punchy descent to the Usk Reservoir.

At Checkpoint 2, we find Edward Daly, Rob Lamey, and James Oldroyd enjoying some much-needed recovery time and mulling over whether to press into the night. Climbing through Fan Fraith tonight would be bold, especially with high winds forecast — Sunday’s weather is looking far more rider-friendly.

🚵‍♂️ Kev Tonner and Richard Haynes are almost at CP2 and could well join them for the overnight reset.

📈 Flying further up the field is Billy Breckon, who continues his storming ride. He’s currently paired up with Olly Webb, last year’s Llandovery finisher, who’s now poised to go all the way. They’re approaching Llanwrtyd Wells — a final resupply before heading into the Crychan Forest and onto CP2.

Elsewhere, Ian Grail & Jon Opie are winding through Cefn Fannog Forest, and though currently off the radar due to a notorious signal blackspot, Clemence Lys and our “ghost rider” Julien Hamelin are also inbound to CP2. Most will likely call it a night there — for food, bed, and to wait out the gusty conditions.

The field is strong, the pace is fast, and the energy? Pure Headstock.

We’ll bring you more as the night unfolds. Stay tuned.

Huge congratulations to Harry Walton, the winner of the second edition of the Headstock 500, finishing in an incredible time of 30 hours, 48 minutes, and 54 seconds. 💥

An immense ride across rugged terrain, remote tracks, and moody Welsh weather – Harry kept consistent, composed, and absolutely flying from start to finish.

👏 Congratulations Harry on an outstanding performance and for etching your name into Headstock history!

![Harry Walton](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2w8QkGAOAa1zYEZVMGwVmK/37847a6e58041c95840687588852224c/WhatsApp_Image_2025-05-24_at_17.53.39.jpeg)

Nathan Manning

Taking riders through some of the most breathtaking landscapes of the UK, visiting the Black Mountains, the Cambrian Mountains and the Brecon Beacons National Park.

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Headstock 500 2025

Last Year's WinnerRichard Hibbert

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