Sunday, March 8th, 2009 - full details to follow soon!

This newly formed Rotary club based in the Mawddach area of Southern Snowdonia has set itself the task of raising money for Rotary charities whilst raising the profile of our local area. With a world renowned mountain biking venue on our doorstep the choice was simple – lay on a unique event at Coed y Brenin.

With the help of experts in the field, Forestry Commission Wales, VLA events ( course organisation, marshalling etc ) UK results ( online registration and results compilation ) and Tricoaching UK ( PA System, chip timing ) the event will give mountain bikers the chance to experience riding over trails used and competed on by some of Europe’s most elite riders, ( see links page for comments on recent events).

Solo riders taking part in the challenge will need to complete three laps of a course based on the famous TARW trail; about 50k in total. The Mawddach Goldrush will be chip timed and open to both solo riders and relay teams.

The rigorous ride, with rocky sections and fast flowing descents, weaves through breathtaking Welsh gold mine country and will present serious bikers with a physically and psychologically demanding challenge as a warm up to the new biking season.

In keeping with the historic setting of the challenge, every rider registering for the event will also have the opportunity to ‘stake their claim’ to a mystery bounty hidden on the Mawddach Gold Rush map. Entrants must simply pick the lucky plot of land in the Mawddach gold belt, to bag themselves the star prize.

We feel that in “ The Mawddach Goldrush” we have created a challenge unlike any other event in the biking calendar and one which, in addition to providing mountain biking enthusiasts with an adrenalin-fuelled experience, will help a lot of people. Simply by taking part in the event, riders will be helping to raise money for charities and local good causes, including the Institute for Cancer Research and the Air Ambulance. The event therefore provides the unique opportunity for people to experience the ride of their life while possibly helping to save the lives of others.”