The Sauna Run
04 13 23The Sauna Run started as a way to wear-test kit. Two big days back to back, in winter, riding from London to our friend Jackson's place, fforest, in West Wales. The reward for making this 470km traverse across England and Wales? A wood fired sauna, and all the rest of the famous fforest hospitality. This year we were joined by our friends from the Cent Cols Challenge for an early spring crossing and, on a cold but sunny early March day we set off for Bristol with the sun shining and the wind at our backs.
Day 1 is a deceptively hard ride. Only a couple of what you would call 'proper' climbs, but nearly 2000 metres of elevation. Lots of rolling roads, lots of time on the pedals.
Day 2 on paper should be tougher. More climbing, with the small matter of the Brecon Beacons to cross. Get bad weather, especially up high in the Brecons, and it can be a remote, inhospitable place. The weather was kind this year. Below are some photos from the trip. (We'll be back at fforest at the end of April for the third edition of their Gran ffondo - there are a few camping spots left, come and join us for a long weekend of riding in beautiful west Wales.) 
