‘Bikers’ and ‘the legendary tales of Wales’ aren’t normally found sharing a sentence, let alone a journey, but this September, they’ll be doing just that, as a small group of ‘Story Bikers’ head off on an intrepid mythic odyssey along the highways and byways of the Nation. At each stopping point, they’ll unearth stories from the landscape by meeting up with one of Wales’ storytellers.

Over one weekend, between 23rd and 25th September, they’ll cover 500 miles and uncover tales and myths originating from over 2000 years of Wales’ story, from the Iron Age to the present day. The good news is that we’re all invited to listen in too.

Beyond the Border International Storytelling Festival is Wales’ storytelling organisation. Geoff Barber, who inspired this journey is an avid biker and the Treasurer of the organisation. Talking about the event, he said: “When I joined Beyond the Border, I knew very little about the stories of Wales, but they’ve got under my skin these past few years. One of the misconceptions is that storytelling is for children. What I, and others who come to Beyond the Border Festival discover is that it’s most definitely for adults as well. With the Year of Legends on our doorstep, we thought this was a great way of introducing more people to the amazing tales hidden beneath every stone and boulder across the Nation and the contemporary art of storytelling.”

Geoff will be accompanied by lifelong friends and fellow bikers Carl Hinder and David Jenkins as well storyteller Francis Maxey on the journey. These ‘Story Bikers’ are inviting everyone and anyone to join them at stop off points along the way to learn about the rich tapestry of myths and legends woven through the landscape of Wales, and come along to three free evening storytelling performances along the route, at:

• The Hand Hotel in Llangollen on Friday 23 September at 7.30pm hosted by storyteller Fiona Collins,
• Felin Uchaf near Pwllheli on Saturday the 24th September, hosted by storyteller Dafydd Hughes at 6.30pm
• Cardiff’s Future Inn on Sunday 25th September hosted by Geoff and storyteller Francis Maxey at 6.30pm

The stories told along the route will be recorded by Audio Trip, an award-winning company who have been inspired by Geoff’s incredible journey. Audio Trip are offering their services free of charge to convert the tour into an audio trail that anyone can follow by downloading the Audio Trip app. The audio tour will create a lasting legacy so that anyone can undertake the tour and listen to the stories of Wales as they travel through the majestic mountains or sit beside our mystical lakes.

The Story Biker’s adventure begins at M&P Bike store in Swansea on 23rd September at 10.00am, from which they’ll have their official send off at the beginning their three day tour.

During their journey, the Bikers will be collecting donations to support and enable more storytelling to happen across the length and breadth of Wales through Beyond the Border’s work. Details of the route, stops and storytelling evenings can be found on the fundraising page that has been set up Story Bikers Tour.

A cycling staycation in Cardiff

As a cycle-friendly hotel, you are more than welcome to bring your bike with you when staying with us. All of our spacious bedrooms can sleep up to four guests, and we allow you to keep your bike in the room overnight. We'll even put cycling matts in your room. If you are in and out, there is also a secure cycle rack for safe storage of cycles outside. The biggest plus we offer is a guest laundry room on the first floor with a washing machine and tumble dryer.

Don't have your own bike? Nextbike operates throughout the city. The closest nextbike station to Future Inn Cardiff is at County Hall across the road from the hotel. There is also a station outside Cardiff Bay train station, a 5-minute walk from the hotel or the Wales Millennium Centre a 9-minute walk from the hotel.

Sustrans maps of the Taff Trail are available in Reception.

With our super flexible rates, you can book with confidence when staying at Future Inn Cardiff. See how we are welcoming you back safely. Book direct for the best rates guaranteed on our website, or by contacting the Reservations Team on 02920 487111 or reservations.cardiff@futureinns.co.uk