By now, you're either thinking "that sounds like fun," or "how irresponsible!" But before becoming outraged by the potential dangers of guzzling a few brewskies on two wheels, you may be relieved to know the wobble is an off-road event. The only person you may slightly hurt is yourself (if you don't pad yourself with plenty of extra clothing).
The wobble is just one of many quirky events and attractions in Wales, a country that seems enamoured with anything offbeat. That's actually part of its charm. Along with the stunning scenery, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and a whopping 641 castles, you'll find a lopsided church, a "bleeding" Yew tree (in Nevern), and the smallest house in Britain.
The same outfit that organizes the Real Ale Wobble, Green Events, has a slew of other kooky annual events, including Man vs. Horse, Chariot Racing, and, perhaps the one that gets the most media coverage, the World Bog Snorkelling Championship, which also takes place in Llanwrtyd Wells.
It involves snorkelling two lengths -- totalling 109 metres -- in a cold and murky peat bog. The event, which takes place every August, typically attracts about 200 competitors from around the world. Oh, and if you wear a "fancy dress" you only have to complete one lap!
A few places I discovered or learned about while travelling around this country (sober in a car, not tipsy on a bike):
Small town, big name
Pity the traveller on the island of Anglesey who stops to ask for directions to a curious village with one of the world's longest names -- Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch! Never mind that it's 58 letters long, how exactly would you pronounce it? I would sooner memorize what it means: "Saint Mary's Church in a hollow of white hazel near the swirling whirlpool of the church of Saint Tysilio with a red cave."
A popular thing to do in this community of about 3,000 mostly Welsh-speaking souls, is have your photo taken next to a sign (such as the one at the railway station) of the village's name. Apparently you can also call the village Llanfair PG or Llanfairpwll, for short.
Bog snorkelling is not for the faint of heart. Participants in the championship must snorkel through a cold murky bog in Llanwrtyd Wells, Wales. (Courtesy Visit Wales)
