Day 2 Morning Catchup

Day 2 Evening - It's All Happening in Machynlleth

Day 3, Thunder and Lightning Very Very Frightening

Paddy Brings it Home for Second and John in Third

And That's (Almost) A Wrap

Nathan Woodhouse

Patrick Cope

John Barnes

Ben Turner

Michelle Lindley

Colin Cartwright

Joe Tresadern

William Bishop

Colin Deady

Lydia Gould

Kathleen Williams

Helen Oldridge

Machiel Appel

Kit Menzies

Lulu Sheard

Kyle De Leener

Jelle Van Poucke

Crew 3

Crew 1

Crew 2

[https://ridewithgps.com/embeds?type=route&id=48829139&metricUnits=true&sampleGraph=true](https://ridewithgps.com/embeds?type=route&id=48829139&metricUnits=true&sampleGraph=true)

With over 730km of riding and 14000m of climbing, the Mountains of the Merfynion is a bite of true Welsh off-road just before the muddy wet season is upon us. This year, the TPA team has successfully bagged a new start location in Llwyn Celyn, near Abergavenny. This means that the whole route is now in Wales with no return to the Cotswolds.

The route starts by heading into the Brecon Beacons, *Bannau Brycheiniog*, where the riders will be shown the first National Park on the route. Here riders will be treated with beautiful views and tough climbs in equal measure, descending out of the park via Devil's Elbow.

Next up is The Western Cambrians and the Welsh Desert, rivers, fords, forests and the most remote part of the route will welcome the riders. A challenging stretch with some of the most sustained off-road sections of the race.

![IMG 0286 (2)](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6ZVCtUHtETz9uuL1zaZkNG/2e2d8d0ce2d913037cbdd6882635fb99/IMG_0286__2_.JPG)

Now, the riders will tackle Snowdonia, *Eryri*, the Welsh mountains. Five significant climbs will greet the riders as they let the mountains take wheel. This riding will mostly be paved as the National Park is connected via a series of road passes or Bwlchs. 

![IMG 4420](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6ZZR0nK49Ccjvk6y2p1Ltt/c877ae45807aea0213253cec0d22529b/IMG_4420.JPG)

After descending into the beautiful surrounds of Llyn Vyrnwy, the riders will be on the home straight through the Black Mountains. Coming within metres of Hay Bluff, this is a final special treat for the riders as they head back towards Abergavenny.

The riders need to make sure they don't forget their 30p in coins for the Penmaenpool Toll Bridge.

![IMG 0383](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/7e6hOqufvGi3YAVVgInvAI/7afecaef6fddc423491e82a0830fdbe1/IMG_0383.JPG)

Mountains of the Merfynion 2025 Preview

With the most Welsh cover image possible, the ride is off to an epic start. With over 2000m of climbing before CP1, the riders are definitely getting a taste of what Welsh Hills really are but they're loving it.

![DSCF6575](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/Z7ZnSu7EYbceromBXIjXj/486831c59345491b9f1e88c7ade030c6/DSCF6575.jpg)

Helen Oldridge (pictured) didn't have quite so much luck with the sheep after almost being taken out by one on the gravel after Tumble. The sheep may not seem threatening, but sometimes their unpredictable movements can lead to either a last minute OTB or a direct collision! Well avoided Helen.

![DSCF6311](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2dKCj6L2FxCE1m0vwx1Fa6/d8676a61793c4ed61df76b273b18b137/DSCF6311.jpg)

Nathan Woodhouse (pictured), who came third in the hotly contested Wild West Country, race number one of the TPA2025, is flying at 221.50 km already. He's just flown through Llyn Brianne at CP2 and doesn't look to be letting off. 

![P1056375](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5jPkP7aGYHreBFeN5djt32/099c02cbbb097638a78764f9e943c6e0/P1056375.jpg)

John Barnes had an early bit of trouble when his hydration bladder hose got caught in his wheel. In the ensuing kerfuffle, he lost the end cap to his axle which led to a frantic search for the crucial article. However, John quickly found it and has razzed back all the way up into fourth place where he is snapping at Ben Turner's heels.

Michelle Lindley is in 5th place overall, first woman on the course. With her eyes on at least 200km before bed she's well set to reach that despite some more challenging riding ahead.

Patrick Cope is pressing in on Nathan in second. Currently about to hit that 200km mark he's on the road section through Llandovery into CP2 which could be relatively smooth over the night riding.

![DSCF6626](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/13cUe8EqhaukDOyJUo8SZD/3911265beca1f2cc0ffa27e5c99445fe/DSCF6626.jpg)

Lulu Sheard and Kit Menzies couldn't stay away - the last minute sign ups to the race came back after an enjoyable 2024 Wild West Country where they were part of the excitingly close pairs race. This edition they are the only pair so either way; a win is a win! After ambushing Lulu and Kit for some photos at the WWC2024, they may be looking over their shoulders as soon as they see a Crew tracker on the map!

William Bishop sadly had a DNF last year so this year the MOTM has been top of his list. His screensaver has been the Talybont CP for the past year so he was overjoyed up reaching in. Chapeau to William.

Finally, Colin Deady has been struggling immensely with leg cramps and had to walk for 8km on the route. He's been downing the electrolytes and is hoping for more luck tomorrow.

![P1056354](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2WJPLdifFOr7F0SbirRu7n/a3582f74c6168ef9f44b5405d9e6d523/P1056354.jpg)

As we go into night one the riders will be finding somewhere to bed down before either tackling Snowdonia for the front runners or finishing the Brecon Beacons for those in the pack. Either way, the weather looks slightly less promising tomorrow so we may see some more walking on those pesky grass sections that Rob loves to sneak into his gravel race.


And They're Off! Day 1 Into Night 1 of MOTM 2025

Today brings the anticipated but unwelcome Welsh rain. With most riders now clear of the Brecon Beacons and between CP2 and CP3, the heavens have opened and all of the waterproofs within reach have been donned, including my own. I've been out IRL DotWatching this morning in the hopes of glimpsing Nathan as he reached Cregennan Lakes.

![IMG 8233](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1ajd3Y2tTL4O5im0e2hymS/6e858dbbbd294f8e7c22354bb2e5fe2e/IMG_8233.jpg)

Nathan continues to lead the race, almost 100km ahead of the next rider, Paddy Cope. Paddy suffered multiple punctures throughout the last few Kms, to the extent that he was all out! Having finally been saved by Neil's Cycles, he had previously sent an ominious "red sky in the morning" message prior to the puncture-gate. 

![ee79e7da-1fbc-4fcc-9ec0-feef19a1f622](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2STTxxXoMRGNy6osYtENQn/8584466ae91119715cfd9ce4ac5d948d/ee79e7da-1fbc-4fcc-9ec0-feef19a1f622.jpg)

Next up is John Barnes who has moved up the ranks from last, after he lost his end cap, to chasing Paddy in third! He's put in a big move today and will hopefully surpass 400km before tomorrow.

![IMG 8600](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1ps1p2hHLMSB067cyDoh8s/4d841bdef2a055e737ceb5c88c7180fd/IMG_8600.jpg)

Joe Tresadern is no stranger to the Perfidious Albion franchise. Much like the Marvel Universe it has its arcing storylines and Joe's is definitely one of them! Having been one of the riders on the 2022 TPA, he's also done the 2023 WWC meaning this is the final piece of the puzzle. Not only that, but he often heads out to help with the TPA photography! Joe recreated a photo memory from TPA22 on this edition of MOTM.

![b8f42ed6-32b2-48c5-ab6d-7136f57daae4](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/SAonWBqrt5e18teMsSHZX/c7568f3d62d99276006c6bb56f198af5/b8f42ed6-32b2-48c5-ab6d-7136f57daae4.jpg)

Rob Gardiner, race organiser and once described as a 'retired children's climbing frame', was out in the Brecon Beacons capturing photos of the riders. Most likely mistaken for the firing range flag pole, Rob was startled to find a few camoflauged eyeballs in defense patterned material staring back at him after doing some slight off-piste walking to find the ideal camera spot. Rob escaped with his hearing (no blanks or flash bangs were deployed) and he took some wonderful shots of riders as they descended before the rain.

![IMG 8593](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6eLJCJaPeeVuwTOr5Deja6/30cffbbbb0f854d8592b9363894d393e/IMG_8593.jpg)

## Scratches

Helen Oldridge has fallen ill and been unable to continue. A fabulous ride from her after completing the Wild West Country already this year, chapeau. Machiel Appel has also scratched as his pace wouldn't allow him to return on his ferry to the Netherlands. However, Machiel is going to continue on a tour of the lovely North Wales for the rest of his time until tracker return on Wednesday.

Whilst we waited out the rain, the riders pressed on. With it going from a humid, warm morning to torrential rain in a matter of seconds, all the riders have been caught out. This meant many headed for shelter, limiting opportunity for photos. So, I provide you with this lovely shot of race director Rob. I'm sure him and Nadia were setting up their cameras but it is well worth it just to see how tall he is compared to his bike.

![dji fly 20250906 104250 0018 1757163286809 photo](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4qfsaWETVureyB53Zu0tvr/6fc926e26a526e84296a259401fbd580/dji_fly_20250906_104250_0018_1757163286809_photo.jpg)

## All Happening in Mac and Rhayader

After a long day in the rain, rider two and three - Paddy and John, have bedded down in Mac where we reckon they'll be joined by Ben and maybe Michelle tonight. Further back in the pack they're all stopping in Rhayader before making their way to CP3. Joe seems to be the only rider in between the two so we may see him either stopping somewhere more wild or pressing on for Machynlleth.

![DSCF6711](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1qPSxFxFgaUMFqtNgAtpns/1cd5737d1cc56cd0c6768dec2d3f7021/DSCF6711.jpg)

Lydia found a warm fire at a campsite to keep herself warm in the worst of it but seems to have lost or not packed a charger for her lights! Hopefully she'll be able to source something in the morning.

![2a994b28-082c-4ac5-afde-0a148842c5dc](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2vHPN5V60rAIVW2XaiDmnY/abdc5a064150a7868100c2b8bd153c03/2a994b28-082c-4ac5-afde-0a148842c5dc.jpg)

Kathleen is the last rider out on the course, putting in a strong effort on this particularly challenging route. Hopefully, she'll hit CP2 tonight or early doors tomorrow morning. Tomorrow the front runners should be around the Penmaenpool toll bridge in the morning with those behind hitting it later in the day.


After only 2 days 06 hours and 37 minutes, Nathan has finished the Mountains of the Merfynion. With an idol time of only 6 hours, he stopped for the first time last night after riding 540km. This means he has ridden the 713km route in almost bang on two days riding time, an astonishing feat for anyone who knows these areas!

Congratulations to Nathan and we'll be posting an overall update later this evening.

![DSCF6311 (1)](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/taGicCqNkw5NdKPMZMJuX/1c1d4631f8e35c922654902d929a7960/DSCF6311__1_.jpg)

Nathan Woodhouse is the First Finisher at MOTM2025

Wow, what a day. Rob and Nadia have been covering the Southern part of the route, glorious sunshine here with Colin Deady over the beautiful Welsh Gravel. Colin too stayed in a hotel last night in the group near Rhayader. 

![P1056746](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6FxZF5AJ6CBPk2mUB0mQNn/911916aed0b8bc8e233d9643164ac4a0/P1056746.jpg)

Whilst Rob and Nadia have been sunning themselves in the South, team North Wales has been intermittently hit by rain and is now hiding out in a full thunderstorm. 

![DSC 0118](//downloads.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6MK4pgSmo2a18SVMVJx7zs/79d7d7f9768d68b1e5ad247b9519219b/DSC_0118.jpg)

This morning Paddy rolled through the forests after Dolgellau in good spirits. Paddy's tyre troubles extend a little further than running out of tubes. His brand new tyres had a twisted bead meaning little over 15km in the tyre started slipping off meaning a ginger approach was required. After adding a tubolito tube, it promptly popped and Paddy was left with one choice - a new tyre. This added a significant amount of time for him, still he pressed on. Then, as is always the way, he was the only rider to intercept the yearly rally car race and thus had to take the gruelling reroute around CP3 which added a lot of time and effort. To reward himself, there was a warm bed and early night in Machynlleth.

![IMG 8277](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1Mei9Ry9jQ5U5c9EeqN1iY/c271d7bc41a7ffc50f056d241e085be1/IMG_8277.JPG)

Next came John Barnes who was also in crew Mac after stopping a couple of hours after Paddy in the same hotel. John managed to dry his clothes with the hotel hairdryer and have a cosy night, setting off in the early hours. He'd been carrying his 30p for the Penmaenpool bridge since day 1, but lost it somewhere! So, in the true spirit of adventure gave £5 to the toll bridge operator as a bikepacking angel fund. 

Speaking of the toll bridge, after explaining what was going on, we discovered the operator was a keen ultra-athlete completing many Artic ultras on foot and about to enter the new Inuvik 300 Fat Bike race. After John went through, he was keenly watching the race unfold and cheering on the athletes, even offering Michelle a warm drink as she was so cold.

![DSC 0200](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6IRUzUmzTpIJMb1LAmujnO/503e31f7457a675ce0cabe33a2887c14/DSC_0200.jpg)

Ben Turner, an experienced hill climber, is finding the difference between short burst efforts and then sustained efforts quite a change. He's feeling like the route is slow, which we can attest to - these hills are relentless (Rob's idea of fun). His first foray into ultra-distance is going well, having kept with the chasing bunch from day 1.

Ben's race tactic is currently full english at around 9/10am to fuel him throughout the day. He reckons the 30-40min stop pays dividends as the race continues. As Andrew Phillips can attest, with Rob's favourite photo of me, I tend to agree with Ben.

[https://www.instagram.com/p/Cynq-6Xsbtk/?img_index=8
](https://www.instagram.com/p/Cynq-6Xsbtk/?img_index=8)

![IMG 8347](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5aFsSoDtAxCz70FSoFHy6D/e445c9a4e1c3021b17ff94e54b099c30/IMG_8347.JPG)

Michelle has been leaving a trail of things through Wales! The 5th place rider is going extremely strong despite losing her phone after Aberdare on the gravel section (please share and keep an eye out as it is in airplane mode - DM TPA if you find it). She also lost her raincoat after a particularly rocky section, dropping off the orange bungees on her saddle pack. She's riding incredibly well, let's just say that the hill she arrived up looked like her first! Despite the cold and an inferior new rainjacket she pushed on into the poor weather. She looks to have found some shelter in Bala to wait out the storm.

As with many ultra-riders, Michelle is struggling to eat and drink as the day progresses. This is pretty common and often effects riders in the second and third day. Hopefully some good rest and a quiet, not too thundery, night will be the best medicine.

![DSCF6876](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/71QtcKeiblnff0UdC8VpnW/4298e900fbbd0591f2f29fba792b7b65/DSCF6876.jpg)

Lydia, a real demon on the downhills, has been struggling with the cold from day 1. The weather is particularly cold given the September date and the constant on and off rain is really adding a chill. She tried to recover via a food stop at the Lost Ark where Rob and Nadia came to say hello, however she's heading back to the finish via the South loop to prevent the cold getting any worse. Well done Lydia - a really strong ride!

![P1056271](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/73ZaJddo8eiSRk9FbdMXK4/26f8a1ece0e69662d18274f3dd1a718a/P1056271.jpg)

Kathleen had an adventure that started way earlier than the MOTM start. Having had the ariline lose her bike, she was able to use the Rob Rule, borrow a bike and head out for this edition. Not an ideal set of circumstances but she perservered through adversity and cracked on with the tough route. However, the ill-fitting bike caught up to her and Kathleen has finished early in Rhayader, hoping to return on her own steed in the future!

Whilst everyone hunkers down and waits for the storm to pass - it looks as if Colin Cartwright may be under a bridge - we will catch up with them tomorrow. Still out on the road are Lulu and Kit, Lulu has lost a cleat bolt, but apart from that, they look to be on their way to Dolgellau. Joe is in Dolgellau waiting out the storm, and William Bishop is safely away in Mac. 

Catch you on the road!


Paddy finished early hours this morning, after so many issues with his tyres it is a well deserved second place after a full night of riding! This means Paddy has finished all three of the Perfidious Albion events, taking a crown for the triple.

![P1056949 (1)](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6FAjvYu3JvQRZog5LE0bQT/d2abceb70a6a4b02a1285c376262df73/P1056949__1_.jpg)

John Barnes rounded off the podium after another calamitous start when he lost his axle end cap. He gritted his teeth and put in the work, commenting that he got everything he wanted out of the ride. He has ridden in Wales for years, yet Rob's devious route planning has definitely filled in some of the gaps.

Ben is currently pushing through a double set of swollen achilles but is currently at Hay Bluff, no doubt about to finish the event in fourth place. A fantastic result for the strong hill climber!

Michelle barely stopped last night, with both Joe and Lulu and Kit commenting that they had seen her lost coat on the trail but assumed it was too nice for an ultra race! She still doesn't have her phone but is closing in swiftly on the finish with only 50km to go.

![DSC 0288](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/7uP251BrP26A9UiwM7TsxW/da77dcb43ea909d3d3a50387b8ae894a/DSC_0288.jpg)

Colin Cartwright has been riding strong, sleeping in a tent throughout the route he found a spot near Lake Vyrnwy last night after pressing on into the small hours of the morning past CP4. He's past CP5 and called CP4 a classic Rob as the road was tantalising close throughout the off-road detour - satisfying and challenging.

![IMG 8406](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6XIgQS9xFzRfzNDSjtnGik/239df829fdef2bb9c42679f8c984173e/IMG_8406.JPG)

Joe Tresadern is another contender for the TPA Triple Crown, having previously finished the WWC and TPA. He was riding strong but conservatively making sure to rest. This time he brought a bivvy bag, where his night in a campsite wendy house left it quite soggy with condensation. He was wondering whether a tent may be better next time. After his Di2 shifter battery died, he did a tour of the hardware stores in Mac, finally finding both the screwdriver and battery he needed!

![DSC 0391](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6C8oc50p15ozDeNZ1h9m2L/3c58678b717fd4bc81a4626404bbf730/DSC_0391.jpg)

Lulu and Kit took to the Mountains after completing the 2024 WWC. At this event, they got lost and redid Dunkery Beacon! Luckily, this time there was no hills reps, however, Kit has lost a cleat bolt which they replaced with a filed down M4. The highlight?, lowlight?, light? of their ride was yesterday in the thunderstorm, they were metres away from a lightning strike that hit a metal gatepost just ahead of them! They're riding strong and looking to finish tomorrow with Kit's panniers carrying the sleep kit and the food.

They reported seeing piled up hail in Dolgellau like snow at the side of the road. All seasons in one race at this edition of the MOTM.

![DSC 0438](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6r6DCjigByK0SicXsN3ROo/74ae602abff66aecee6ca6d0da40c9b1/DSC_0438.jpg)

William is holding the fort at the rear of the race and riding strong. He's slept in a campsite kitchen in Tywyn, had some close calls with the weather and enjoyed all that the road (and off-road) has to offer. He's got his mascot, 99% sure he's called Reggie, keeping him company as he heads through Vyrnwy. He tried to get a final pub stop in south of Bala, but the closed pub  meant it was a petrol station dash before the next off-road section.


Lulu and Kit are mere kms away from finishing the race, the pair are now the self-appointed broom wagon and will reach the finish just as the cut-off closes in. An incredible ride from the only pair who will simultaneously take the win and the last placed pair! Chapeau!

![DSC 0200 (1)](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2MXPfgT54psVaUae5HB01R/f55391bd5eeaa748d21b3f03c7630a02/DSC_0200__1_.jpg)

Ben finished just after our update last night, after a turbo session at the petrol station he pushed through, crossed the finish line at 23:25 and promptly showered and went for a nap in his van. He was welcomed in by Colin Deady and Lydia Gould, who after both starting the race decided to join the TPA team at the finish to welcome the riders in - the true spirit of ultra.

Ben had actually bivvied out, every single night, despite the horrendous weather! Chapeau to Ben for a strong ride.

![DSC 0236](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4afr0iiFcYGzTMRlXbLpl3/587a499af3ce12974dfbf02c4e76d42a/DSC_0236.jpg)

Next up, Michelle. One of the strongest efforts we've seen in a while after losing her phone, her coat and therefore her ability to google the closest pit stops, find out when shops close etc. She pushed on, finishing around 5am this morning.

Michelle is an experienced 24 hour time trialist and has attended the Dotbooster academy with coach Jas Muller. She was strong throughout but did mention she wasn't too used to lifting her bike constantly!

![IMG 8370](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2SsFwn4AQOk5R3yeGGy28/a9bcd845313aff475c3c64bbdfd246b0/IMG_8370.jpg)

Colin Cartwright was the next finisher. Colin decided the best and most enjoyable decision was one extra night, setting off after a sleep last night and finishing just after lunch time today. Colin arrived fresh and happy, the same couldn't be said for his second set of brake pads! Adding to his 2025 Wild West Country finish, maybe he just needs to go for all three next year?

![8ea4400a-a2de-4e18-9628-1538c05fce18](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6pZ2iZaFr4g9vfT31J7sSQ/99e27a81ff623508e3aaced996ce0a0c/8ea4400a-a2de-4e18-9628-1538c05fce18.jpg)

Finally Joe finished at 6pm this evening. Having been given the name Idle Joe after having a large idle time, it actually turned out his tracker had got very wet and was struggling to place him! Joe has now completed the trilogy, adding to the TPA and WWC finishes he already has. He was pleased to reach the end after limiting his pub stops and long evening meals. Congratulations Joe.

Sadly, William struggled to make progress last night and felt like the push to reach the cut off would cause him to take too many risks and take a toll on his body. He made the safe and sensible decision to scratch and will be back again, I'm sure.


Kitty Dennis

Linda Farczadi

Philippe Béchet

Mountains of the Merfynion 2025 Tracking + Commentary: sumptuous gravel, smooth road and challenging obstacle by bike. This inaugural Welsh route by the Perfidious Albion has it all.

Mountains of the Merfynion 2025 Tracking

Best thought of as a beautiful obstacle course to be tackled by bike, this  ride is for people looking to take drop bar bikes where they don’t belong.

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