South Wales MTB centres - parking, showers etc

[MTY4000]

Quick question please: Do any of the S Wales centres (Afan etc) have:

1) secure car park, e.g. overlooked by a busy cafe or similar
2) bike cleaning, and
3) shower facilities?

• I can research 2) and 3) myself via internet, so would particularily appreciate comments on (1)

Would like to give them a try (I have always ridden natural trails), but the above are critical for me for a day trip to one of the centres.

I've seen the PH bike weekend thread - I can't make this weekend but will hopefully make it to one in the future.

Thanks in advance

[Rico]

Cwm Carn has a narrow entrance by a cafe and then the carpark is reasonably secure. Not locked afaik but there's always loads of riders around.

They're building a trail centre at the moment and once that's done it'll be very professional there.

Can't comment on other trails (yet!)

Cwm Carn also has bike cleaning (jet wash) and I think showers.

Edited by Rico on Friday 20th July 18:10

[Moose.]

Afan's carpark is quite spread out and not over-looked by the cafe which is a little way up the hill. However, it was pretty busy last time I went, so lots of people milling about. There's also a couple of wardens on the gate, so you have to pay to get in which might put the scallies off.

I know there's a bike wash there but not sure about showers.

Brechfa Forrest's car park is pretty small with no facilities. But it's reasonably busy and in quite remote location (nice pub just down the road though). However things might have changed since I was last there in March.

Cwn Carn is as per what Rico's said.

All in, I didn't feel nervous about leaving the car at any of the above

[mk1fan]

There isn't any 'secure' parking available at Afan, Glyngorrwg, CC or Coed. The car parks at all these places are, effectively, pay and display (except CC). Not sure, and I don't need to know, what items you are needing to secure in your car. I've never had an issue with leaving my car with a change of clothes and small toolbox in the boot whilst I ride the trails.

As for changing facilites;
Coed has good facilities (showers and changing room) for both sexes and the disabled in the visitors centre. I understand that the new visitor centre at CC will have facilities. Glyncorrwg has good changing facilities and a utility area to rinse your kit. Afan is currently building a new toilet / changing block.

[MTY4000]

Perfect, thanks.

Its not so much that I'm woried about something being stolen from the car (I don't leave anything of value in it). I'm more concerned about someone smashing the window to take a look (had this happen before), or someone vandalising the car. Just looking for some reasurance, which I now have.

Edited by MTY4000 on Saturday 21st July 10:44