The organisers of cross mountain (acycling) are probably better known for events like Gritfest and Battle on the Beach. This smaller and lesser known event which runs in late October is a corker though.
Its pitched as a cross (cx)/ mountain (mtb) event and caters nicely for the two off-road disciplines by way of splits in the route which allow the skinnier tired or the non technical riders to take an easier line.
The other thing that I really enjoyed was the mass start out of Llandovery, which is a neutralised zone of around 4K following the organisers vehicle with a police escort at the rear of the group. The escort vehicles peel off at the turn from the main road and the carnage begins as 200 riders fight for position and traction up the first climb which is over a mile long and hits 20% in places.
The first descent then gives you a taster of whats to come later on. The rider briefing advises to use this as a gauge for your line choices later on.
After that first descent, if you take the easier line, it really is very well suited for gravel bikes with some superb fast gravel descents and climbs that are long but not overly steep.
I think I will be back for this one next year as its so local. Its a very friendly, small event with plenty of good riding and cake. Well done Acycling on another corker, and see you in June for Gritfest take 2.