Sponsoring Mountain Biker Amy O'Loughlin

Back in 2007 Hotbox sponsored Amy O'Loughlin as part of a four woman mountain bike team which competed in the Nightrider12 event at Plymouth's Newnham Park; to raise money for the Force Cancer Charity.

Following a podium finish in the Nightrider12, Amy got back in touch in early 2009, this time training for TransWales 2009...

Lasting 7 days, with 300 riders, covering a gruelling 344 miles and a staggering 53,700 feet of climbing, the Gore Bike Wear™ TransWales 2009 is a challenge by anyone's standards!

As the UK's only stage mountain bike race, the TransWales event attracts endurance athletes from many disciplines. Competing involves not only extreme endurance, but tactics, nutritional savvy, and technical knowledge to keep both the rider and their bike in good running order for the duration of the race.

The determination to ride, run and wade through Wales' rugged countryside whilst being pushed to the limit, both physically and mentally, is a common virtue in every competitor.

Due to laws in the UK that prohibit bike racing on bridleways, the TransWales is a rally-style stage race composed of long un-timed linking stages and short timed special stages on some of the best trails Wales has to offer.

Hotbox is proud to support solo rider Amy O'Loughlin as she steps up to the challenge and battles with nature to defeat all the TransWales can throw at her...

Day 1 (Sunday 16th August), Builth Wells - Llanidloes

Distance: approx. 79km
Ascent: approx. 2250m
Descent: approx. 2200m

As an “easy” introduction to the race, there are no special stages on Day 1

Day 2 (Monday 17th August), Llanidloes - Machynlleth

Distance: approx. 79km
Ascent: approx. 2590m
Descent: approx. 2700m

Day 2 incorporates the first of the special timed stages at the Climax trail at Machynlleth.

Day 3 (Tuesday 18th August), Machynlleth - Cwmystwyth

Distance: approx. 76km
Ascent: approx. 2300m
Descent: approx. 2100m

Day 3 hosts the second special stage timed section at Nant y Arian.

Day 4 (Wednesday 19th August), Cwmystwyth - Cilycwm

Distance: approx. 69km
Ascent: approx. 2100m
Descent: approx. 2200m

A special night stage is on the cards on Day 4 at Cwm Rhaiadr.

Day 5 (Thursday 20th August), Cilycwm - Llansawel

Distance: approx. 77km
Ascent: 2700m
Descent: 2700m

About 50 km in on Day 5 will be a special stage in Brechfa forest.

Day 6 (Friday 21st August), Llansawel - Llanwrtyd Wells

Distance: approx. 85km
Ascent: approx. 2300m
Descent: approx. 2300m

Day 6 and the riders are back at Cwm Rhaiadr for a special stage, this time in daylight.

Day 7 (Saturday 22nd August), Llanwrtyd Wells - Builth Wells

Distance: approx. 68km
Ascent: approx. 2000m
Descent: approx. 2050m

The special stage all the riders will be looking forward to on Day 7 will be descent to the finish line at Builth Wells.

Careful and committed preparation is essential for an undertaking of such epic proportions. Amy has been training hard for the event. A sense of humour will also be essential in those laugh or cry moments, of which there will be many!