The Four Seasons Rider Tour
Wales When the Weather Turns
Most riders love perfect conditions.
Blue skies.
Dry roads.
Warm temperatures.
But those days are only a small part of real-world motorcycling.
The riders who enjoy their motorcycles all year round are not the ones who avoid challenging conditions.
They are the ones who understand them.
The Four Seasons Rider Tour is designed to help riders develop the confidence, skills and mindset needed to enjoy their motorcycles when conditions are less than perfect.
Autumn colours.
Winter landscapes.
Dramatic skies.
Empty roads.
This is Wales at its most atmospheric.
The Philosophy
Bad weather does not make riding dangerous.
Poor preparation, poor observation and poor technique do.
During this two-day mentored adventure, SmoothRider will help riders develop the skills needed to ride confidently through:
Cold temperatures
Wet roads
Reduced visibility
Changing road surfaces
Damp leaves
Mud and debris
Unpredictable conditions
The goal is not to ride regardless of conditions.
The goal is to understand conditions and make good decisions.
The Experience
Starting from Shrewsbury, we head into Wales for two days of carefully selected roads that remain enjoyable and rewarding even when the weather changes.
The route avoids the busiest tourist areas and focuses on:
Mountain roads
Reservoir valleys
Forest sections
Scenic passes
Roads that reward smooth technique
The landscape becomes part of the experience.
Mist in the valleys.
Cloud rolling over mountains.
Autumn colours.
Winter skies.
This is Wales in its most dramatic form.
Day One
Into the Cambrian Mountains
Approx. 180–200 miles
Shrewsbury to Mid Wales
Leaving Shrewsbury, we quickly move away from busy roads and into the quiet border country.
Route highlights:
Montgomeryshire lanes
Kerry Forest
Llanidloes
Cambrian Mountains
Llyn Clywedog
A perfect autumn/winter destination.
The reservoir roads offer:
Open views
Flowing bends
Dramatic scenery
In mist or low cloud, this landscape becomes even more spectacular.
Machynlleth Mountain Roads
Heading west through the quieter side of Mid Wales.
Roads chosen for their quality and character rather than fame.
Devil's Bridge
A dramatic stop in the Cambrian Mountains.
The waterfalls, forests and surrounding roads create a true sense of adventure.
Abergwesyn Mountain Road
One of Wales' most rewarding roads.
In summer it is beautiful.
In autumn and winter it becomes something else entirely.
This is where smooth riding matters:
Reading the surface
Managing changing grip
Looking further ahead
Maintaining momentum
Overnight Stop
Mid Wales. Llanidloes
Day Two
The Wild Side of Wales
Approx. 180–200 miles
Elan Valley
A different experience in colder months.
The empty roads, dramatic reservoirs and changing weather create one of the most memorable motorcycle environments in Britain.
Claerwen Reservoir
A hidden gem within the Elan Valley.
Remote, atmospheric and perfect for a SmoothRider experience.
Devil's Staircase
A challenging but rewarding section.
A road that encourages:
Careful planning
Smooth braking
Good positioning
Confidence at lower speeds
Brecon Beacons / Bannau Brycheiniog
The route continues through some of Wales' most dramatic landscapes.
Potential highlights:
Gospel Pass
Black Mountain roads
Usk Valley
Return to Shrewsbury
A final opportunity to reflect on two days of riding that prove the season does not end when summer does.
What Riders Will Learn
Throughout the tour, coaching focuses on:
Riding in Reduced Grip
Understanding how to adjust:
Speed
Following distance
Braking
Corner entry
Throttle control
Reading the Road
Developing the ability to identify:
Damp patches
Mud
Leaves
Surface changes
Hidden hazards
SmoothRider Principle
"The weather does not decide whether you can ride. Your preparation does."
Included in Your Experience
✔ Two full days of guided motorcycle touring
✔ Professional SmoothRider mentoring throughout
✔ Rider briefing and preparation assessment
✔ Weather and route planning discussion
✔ Coaching on riding in changing conditions
✔ Individual riding feedback
✔ Daily rider debriefs
✔ Carefully planned Four Seasons route
✔ Expert knowledge of Welsh roads
✔ GPX route files
✔ Scenic refreshment stops
✔ Digital photographs
✔ SmoothRider Adventure completion certificate
Not Included
Accommodation
Breakfast, lunch and evening meals
Fuel
Personal expenses
Motorcycle insurance
Riding Level
Intermediate Riders and Above
You should be comfortable with:
✔ Full days in the saddle
✔ Country and mountain roads
✔ Variable weather conditions
✔ Riding unfamiliar routes
The emphasis is on developing confidence and enjoying the experience.
Group Size
Maximum 6 riders
The small group format ensures:
✔ Individual rider attention
✔ Personal coaching throughout the tour
✔ Better group flow
✔ More opportunities for feedback
✔ Flexibility to adapt to conditions
