The is a great event for those escaping the drudgery of the work place or those living the life of riley. The route is revised this year and goes anti-clockwise to improve variety and for a better view of the Brecons. The event start and finish has moved to Bewdley instead of Stourport. E Brevet is available for those wanting to register controls on their phone.
In audax lingo, Ferlix is an x-rated event. In other words, no gold plated facilities. Just turn up at the start, collect your brevet card, ride the route, collect your proofs of passage at the controls and send them to the organiser afterwards. It may be basic but the event provides a great day out with fantastic views, great cafe stop potential and great audax camaraderie.
Ferlix is a little known cantref or principality from medieval times, located in Mid-Wales. It is little known in terms of cycling either but it packs a punch in terms of gorgeous scenery, quiet lanes and hills. This section is topped and tailed by some typical Herefordshire and Worcestershire countryside, providing diversity and interest. A roads are avoided wherever possible. The audax sets off from Stourport Upon Severn.
Stage 1. Bewdley to Knighton via Cleobury North. You circumnavigate the side of Brown Clee in South Shropshire before reaching Ludlow, and then onto Knighton. Take advantage of the many cafes in Knighton before the long ‘dry’ stage to Hay. The route for the section is new this year.
Stage 2. Knighton to Hay-on-Wye via Llanbister Road. This is arguably the jewel-in-the-crown on this route. This tranquil, hilly and very remote part of Wales is a joy. As you top Painscastle Moor, you will see the grandeur of the Black Mountains ahead of you .
Stage 3. Hay-on-Wye to Cleobury Mortimer via Leominster and Tenbury Wells. Superficially this looks like a very long stage, but there are plenty of cafe opportunities in between at Weobley, Leominster or Tenbury. The Granary Cafe in Hay is recommended but can be busy. Again, this is a route change, using Leysters and bumpy yet lovely road between Tenbury and Cleobury Mortimer.
Stage 4. Cleobury North to Bewdley. You are nearly there!
Distance: 205km.
Ascent: 3,300m
Audax Altitude Award Points: 3.25
Start: Dog Lane Car Park , Bewdley (toilets and Sainsbury near by).
Controls: Knighton; Hay-on-Wye; Cleobury Mortimer
Info Controls: Cleobury North; Llanbister Road Station; Bredwardine
Popular feed stops: Knighton (highly recommended before the next dry stage); Hay-on-Wye; Tenbury Shop
Big Climbs: Out of Knighton; Ascending Llanbedr Hill and Painscastle Moor; Out of Painscastle over The Begwyns.