2016 Activity Summary                                Historical link click....HERE

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Sunday 3rd April: Llangorse Circular

Start/Distance: Llangorse Lake car park 9.30 am, 50 miles, 7 hrs approx

Route/GPX download: Llangorse - Bwlch - Crickhowell - Cwmyoy - Llantony (coffee)Hay via Gospel Pass (lunch)Talgarth - Llangorse

Terrain/Ride Category: Strenuous

Ride Leaders/Contact: Graham Davies

Thanks Graham for a cracking ride up the Gospel Pass and down into Hay today, you organised the weather perfectly as well. Richard.

 

Alternative Cardiff ride this Sunday 3rd April...

Start/Distance: The Lewis Arms, Tongwynlais, 09.30am, 45 miles.

Route/GPX download: Route 8 north towards Merthyr Tydfil branching off to Trevithick trail(477) on route. Lunch stop at Cyfartha Castle, where there's an opportunity to have a look around the castles museum.

Return via route 8 to Tongwynlais 

Terrain/Ride Category: Moderate

Ride Leaders/Contact: Julie Williams

 

 

Sunday 10th April: Cardiff - Ewenny Return

Start/Distance: Pedal Power, Pontcanna at 9.30am, just over 50 miles

Route/GPX download: Through the Vale out and back

Terrain/Ride Category: Moderate, suitable for all bikes

Ride Leaders/Contact: Glen Dermody

 

 

April 13th - 20th, Week long trip to Mallorca...

Now closed for group bookings, but you can still make your own arrangements.

Useful links for flights, bikes and accomodation:

https://www.easyjet.com/en/

http://www.velosportmallorca.com/Kontakt/Rental_Bikes/rental_bikes.html

http://www.flora-pollensa.com/?i=ing

If making your own arrangements you should let Graham know you are going - he may still be able to get you a discount on the bike hire.

Ride Leader: Graham Davies

 

Sunday 17th April: Tongwynlais to Nelson - Return

Start/Distance: The Lewis Arms, Tongwynlais at 10.00, 26 miles

Route/GPX download: Route takes in Taff Trail - Nantgarw lanes past Hendredenny - Abertridwr/Sengennydd - Nelson Common-Nelson. Café stop. Return cycle trails to Maesymmer-lanes to Bedwas-cycle trails through Caerphilly back to Nantgarw - Taffs well - Tongwynlais.Some hillsbut , overall moderate.

Terrain/Ride Category: Some hills, Moderate.

Ride Leaders/Contact: Ray Robins

 

 

 

Sunday 24th April: Abergavenny - Crickhowell - Return

Start/Distance: Abergavenny Railway Station(£3 per day) 9.30am, 34 miles, approx 5-6hrs

Route/GPX download: Abergavenny - Blaenavon - Brynmawr - Crickhowell - Stanton - Return

Terrain/Ride Category: short but one Strenuous hill, suitable for all bikes

Ride Leaders/Contact: Rachel Jones

 

 

 

Sunday 1st May: No official Spokes rides on Bank Holidays, but keep an eye on the Noticeboard as some members may go out for a ride.

 

 

 

Sunday 8th May: Tongwynlais to Llanwonno

Start/Distance: The Lewis Arms, Tongwynlais at 10.00, 35 Miles

Route/GPX download: Pentyrch - Efail Isaf - Beddau - Tonyrefail -Tonypandy - Ystrad - Llanwonno (lunch). Return via lanes to Pontypridd. Taff Trail to Tongwynlais

Terrain/Ride Category:  Climbs at Pentyrch - Capel Hill(Tonyrefail) - Penrhys - Llanwonno, Strenuous

Ride Leaders/Contact: Ray Robins

 

 

Sunday 15th May: Chepstow Slimbridge Return - Jim Moon memorial ride

Start/Distance: Cycle route adjacent to lay by on A466, 200 yards from M48 junction 2 ( Chepstow turn off) at 9.30am, 55 miles, approx 6-7hours, including stops.

Route/GPX download: Click HERE

Terrain/Ride Category: Moderate, flat & undulating.

Ride Leaders/Contact: Chris Metcalfe

 

 

May 20th - 23rd, Cambrian Mountains Weekend...

Staying in the Dolgellau/Machynllyth area. Involves half a day’s cycling Friday, a full day on Saturday and Sunday and the return home on Monday. Members to book their own accommodation.

Ride Leader: Martin Pingel

 

 

 

May 27th-29th, Mike Hutchinson's Birthday Bash...

Based in Shobden in Herefordshire, the weekend will celebrate Mike’s 86th birthday.

There will be a ride of around 86 kilometres on the Saturday with a shorter half-day ride planned for the Sunday. Members to book own accommodation.

Ride Leader: Glen Dermody

 

 

Sunday 5th June: Bwlch ride

Start/Distance: St Fagans Crossroads, 09.00 am, 68 miles /108 km

Route/GPX download: St Fagans heading for City - Pencoed - Coity - Bryncethin - Llangeinor - Maesteg - Bwlch - Blackmill - Llanharan - Llanharri - Castell Mynach - home.

Very similar to last year but with a few more off road cycle tracks discovered since.

Leave St Fagans crossroads at 9am, hoping to get to my sister’s for coffee and cake in Coity by about 1020.

Lots of parking outside my house if you need it.

Next food stop is top of Bwlch burger van, but bring something as backup just in case!

With a bit of luck we get back to the Old Smithy in Blackmill for more coffee before it closes at 2.30 to 3 pm. – we managed it last year. (If they know we’re coming they’ll wait till 3 normally!).

Option to start and finish in Coity (Saves about 40k).– contact me for details.

Terrain/Ride Category: Strenuous, suitable for road bikes, keeping to small roads and bike trails where possible - all tarmacked

Ride Leaders/Contact: John Griffith

Many thanks to the 4 brave heros from the club who came round today in glorious sunshine.  My sister had enough cake for twelve so we all had extra helpings.
JohnG

Most certainly! Thanks for the cakes! But it was a great ride John G on a perfect day.  Chris M

 

June 13th - 18th, 3 days in Kilkenny, Ireland...

Sailing on the 14:30 Fishguard to Rosslare ferry. Docking around 6pm and then cycling about 15k for an overnight stop in Wexford. Tuesday we cycle 50+ miles to Kilkenny for a 3 night stay. Two circular rides planned for Wednesday and Thursday before cycling back to Rosslare on Friday for an overnight stop and a 9am ferry back to Wales. Ferry should dock around 12:30. Ride will be unsupported. Costs - £44 each way for bike on ferry; estimate around 250 euros for accommodation (working on 50 euros a night).

Does not include travel to and from Fishguard. Parking available at dock. Direct train line from Cardiff to Fishguard Harbour. Trip planned from Monday to Friday to leave weekends free for anyone who wants to cycle back and forth to Fishguard.

Ride Leader: Glen Dermody

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Sunday 19st June: Monmouth - Wye Valley ride

Start/Distance: Monmouth Riverside carpark NP25 3EG @ 9.30am, 1 hour from Cardiff & Talgarth turn left after tunnel going north right over bridge & left, 55 miles, 6 hours.

Route/GPX download: Monmouth Wye Valley ride, Monmouth, Symmonds Yat, Ross on Wye, How Capel ,Fawley Fownhope(limited tea stop) Hoarwithey, Langarron, Goodrich Castle (2nd café stop) Monmouth. new return route!

Terrain/Ride Category: Moderate, flat sections with occasional hills, generally undulating no big hills. Generally follows Wye valley. Suitable for all bikes.

Ride Leaders/Contact: Chris Metcalfe

 

 

Sunday 26st June:  Tongwynlais - Bovilston Circular 

Start/Distance: The Lewis Arms, Tongwynlais 9.30 am, 40 miles

Route/GPX download: Tongwynlais, Pentyrch, Creigau, Bonvilston, Rhoose, Porthkerry, Barry, Home.

Terrain/Ride Category: Moderate, suitable for all bikes on roads and cycle paths

Ride Leaders/Contact: Dave Miles

Great ride today and good turnout,  thanks to Dave for leading the ride. 

 

 

June 30th - 4th July, West Country Ride & Barbecue... 

Click for pictures Here

5 days cycling averaging around 50 miles a day. Overnight stops at Okehampton, Ilfracombe, Porlock and Weston-Super-Mare. Cycling back to Cardiff on day 5. Riders to take train to Plymouth with bikes being delivered by hired van. 3 nights B&B accommodation and 1 night in youth hostel. Saturday night stop in Porlock to coincide with Roger’s barbecue. Roger to support part of trip although some cycling with panniers will be required. Estimated costs around £250 per person. See Jul-Sept 2016 page for separate barbecue weekend details.

Ride Leader: Ray Robins

Day 1:  Plymouth to Okehampton GPX link Here

Once clear of the City R27 follows a mix mainly tarmacced cycle trails and lanes to Tiverton and then on to Lydford. From Lydford , a good run-in to the finish at Okehamton on the Granite way- a fine quarry dust trail.

Some climbing, especially out of Tiverton. But no serious hills.

OS maps 201 191

Day 2: Okehampton to Ilfracombe GPX link Here

Steep , but short climb out of Okehampton followed by good cycling on a mix of quarry dust/tarmacced trails and lanes to Bideford. After Bideford a very good cycle trail-all tarmacced on anvold railway line to Barnstaple and then on to Braunton. From Braunton, some climbing. But, from Willingcott a great downhill swoop for 5 miles down to Ilfracombe

OS maps 191 180

Day 3: Ilfracombe to Minehead GPX link Here

This day has more climbing than any other day on the route.

After a steady climb out of Ilfracombe to Blackmoor Gate cycling on lanes, mainly undulating to Blackmoor Gate and then beyond to Exford. From Exford flat and downhill cycling to Dunster. From Dunster to outskirts of Minehead on lanes and short climb through woods to the Youth Hostel.

All hills manageable.

OS maps 180 181

Day 4: Minehead to Cheddar GPX link Here

Start has, by neccessity, cycling on A roads. Then, through lanes, with one big climb, on way to Bishops Lydeard and on to Bridgwater. From Bridgwater on a mix of canal bank , trail and lane cycling. A very good finish on lanes from Watchfield to Cheddar. Some climbing with all hills manageable.

OS maps 181 182

Day 5: Cheddar to Cardiff GPX link Here

Good start from Cheddar on cycle trail -Straberry line-to Yatton. ( Talk to Ivor and Dave G).

After that a mix of cycle trails and lanes to take you over the Avonmouth bridge and on to Aust. From Aust cross ols Severn bridge and follow mainly lanes to Newport and then on to Cardiff.

Manageable hills on mainly flat route. Patience needed on run-in to Avonmouth and towards Severn bridge.

OS maps 182 172 171

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July 1st - 3rd, Porlock Barbecue/Cycle Weekend...

A social weekend on the lines of the event held in Porlock last year. The main activity being the BBQ at Roger Hall’s place. The itinerary for the weekend includes a cycle ride on the Saturday, followed by a BBQ at Roger and Di’s in the evening. Sunday, there will be a walk led by Roger.

 

 

Sunday 10th July: Vale Ramble

Start/Distance: Pedal Power, Pontcanna at 10.00 am, about 53 miles

Route/GPX download: Cardiff to Llantwit Major, Coffee stop at Llantwit Major beach. On roads & little used lanes, 

Terrain/Ride Category: Moderate, suitable for all bikes, some short climbs.

Ride Leaders/Contact: Richard Cook

Belated thanks to Richard for his very scenic ramble round Gwent in near perfect weather. Amazes me that there are still new cycle routes out there. Some would say it was MODERATELY hard! Well done Barbara. Shame the bikers tea stop owner was so grumpy! Chris M

 

Sunday 17th July: 3 Mountain Challenge, Reverse Route.

Start/Distance: Cilfynydd Albion Café. 9.30 am, 61 miles, approx 6 hrs

Route/GPX download: 3 mountain challenge, reverse route to last year, Merthyr - Penderyn -Omore Vale - Llantrisant -Cilfynydd

Terrain/Ride Category: Strenuous - 4800 ft of climbing

Ride Leaders/Contact: Dave Jenkins

 

 

Sunday 24th July: Cardiff - Caerleon return

Start/Distance: Car park outside Penylan Library and Community Centre,at bottom of Penylan hill, Cardiff, 9.15 am for 9.30 depart, 40 miles, 5-6 hrs

Route/GPX download: Strava Link

Terrain/Ride Category: Trail and road - suitable for all bikes, Easy

Ride Leaders/Contact: Mel Pruchnie

Rachel's new bike gets its first club outing. Many thanks to Mel for leading and we found some new routes home. Dave M.

 

Sunday 31st July: Cardiff - Cowbridge - Return

Start/Distance: Lewis Arms, Tongwynlais. 10am start, 43miles

Route/GPX download: Tongwynlais - Cowbridge via Pontypridd/Miskin. Return route via Duffryn/St. Fagans

Terrain/Ride Category: Suitable for all bikes, one or two medium hills Moderate

Ride Leaders/Contact: Claus Sogaard

 

 

Sunday 7th August: Monmouthshire 8 Castles

Start/Distance: Byefield Lane Car Park, Tudor street, Abergavenny

(free car park next to Linda Vista gardens) 9.30 am, 57 miles

Route/GPX download: GPX download Here The circular route consists of a very pleasant 57 miles around the countryside of Monmouthshire taking in local historic interest following quiet roads using National - Regional cycle routes. No hills to speak of (that I can recall) with lunch stop at Monmouth.

Terrain/Ride Category: Suitable for road bikes, Strenuous

Ride Leaders/Contact: Adrian Orringe

Great day out good to see those that came out special mention to Sarah who was visiting from USA. Stunning scenery mostly traffic free roads mixed with local history.  Photo by Mr Pixel (Chris M). The 8th 'castle' by the way was the Red Castle Cafe which we cycled passed en route to Grosmont.

 

August 12th - 14th, Bath University Weekend...

Making use of summer availability of student accommodation again, this time in Bath. Plan to cycle from Cardiff to Bath on the Friday. Circular ride on Saturday, with return to Cardiff on Sunday. Members free to arrange own accommodation if preferred. Bath YHA is very close to the university campus and numerous hotels and B&Bs available in the town, as well as a campsite. Weekend also available for anyone who does not want to cycle from Cardiff. Members can travel independently, cycle on Saturday and travel part way with the group on Sunday before returning to Bath.

Ride Leader: Glen Dermody

 

Sunday 21st August: Usk Valley Ramble from "Lost Lanes of Wales" by Jack Thurston.

Start/Distance: Caerleon Amphitheatre car park at 10.00, 37 miles.

Route/GPX download: Caerleon, Usk, Clytha, coffee stop at Llanvinhangel Gobion and return.

Terrain/Ride Category: Moderate, one climb, suitable for all bikes

Ride Leaders/Contact: Richard Cook

 

 

Sunday 28th August: No official Spokes rides on Bank Holidays, but keep an eye on the Noticeboard as some members may go out for a ride. 

 

 

August 30th - 13th September, Bavaria Venture Ride...

This would be an unsupported tour of southern Bavaria, a diverse and spectacularly beautiful part of Germany, with a wide variety of officially designated cycle routes. The tour would start from Munich, and proceed southwards in a clock-wise loop via three bases, to the Lake District and the Alps, returning via the lakes. Munich and its southern periphery are flat, but the terrain becomes increasingly undulating around the lakes, and positively mountainous in the Alps, where there is a combination of col and valley roads. The transfer days between bases vary from 20 to 40 miles, cycling along valley floors; there are also rail connections between bases.

 

Bikes would be hired from Radius Tours, based at Munich Central Station. The company is well-established, and has a large stock of 24/27 speed trekking bikes. If the tour is approved, it would be necessary to confirm with them at the outset that they can meet our requirements. Their website indicates that bikes can be fitted with panniers, presumably only the racks, and this would have to be confirmed. The bike hire details would be co-ordinated by Spokes. Cyclists would obviously have to minimise their personal luggage. Basic route guidance would be circulated to participants for the transfer days and Alpine routes, with ’free day’ rides organised by the group, who would be advised of suitable maps to purchase.

 

Those participating would make their own flight arrangements. Spokes would identify and book suitable accommodation, although for Munich, it is likely that a combined flight & hotel package with BA would prove more economical. The tour would be formally led by the Spokes Committee, with a small sub-committee appointed to undertake its organisation.

 

Munich is the capital of Bavaria, an independent country until 1870, and a kingdom until 1919. The area retains a strong, distinctive identity, which is especially traditional in the south. Upper Bavaria is particularly noted for spectacular scenery, and the fantasy castles and palaces of ‘Mad’ King Ludwig. The efficient, comprehensive and cheap rail network, and the steam-ship services operating on the lakes, increase flexibility and provide further options for bike rides and enjoyment. Late summer weather is generally very warm, sunny and mostly dry, although it is more uncertain in the mountains.

Ride Leader Tony Ritson

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Sunday 4th September: See Noticeboard for Details

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Sunday 11th September: A Climbers Paradise

Start/Distance: Cwmbran train Station, 9am start, 52miles, 6+hrs 

Route/GPX download: GPX view/download

Terrain/Ride Category: Very undulating/hilly, approx 5000ft climbing Strenuous

Ride Leaders/Contact: Claus Sogaard

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Sunday 18th September: Redwick round trip

Start/Distance: Caerleon Ampitheatre car park.(free parking), @10am, 38miles

Route: Click GPX download to view the route

Terrain/Ride Category: Suitable for all bikes, Moderate

Ride Leaders/Contact: Jackie Price

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Sunday 25th September: Millennium Coastal Path

Start/Distance: 1030am Car Park adjacent to Blackpill Lido, Mumbles Rd, Swansea, approx 75km. 5 hours including stops

Route/GPX download: Cycle Path though Clyne Valley to Gorseinon and Loughor. Millennium Coast Path to Llanelli, Burry Port and Pembrey.  Return same. Cafes - available close to start at Blackpill, Llanelli, Burry Port and Pembrey.

Terrain/Ride Category: Easy.  Almost all good tarmac path. Suitable for all bikes.

Ride Leaders/Contact: Gareth Thomas

Well worth doing especially on a sunny day,and to appreciate the the coastline.  Thanks Gareth. 

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Sunday 2nd October: NEW RIDE DETAILS Tongwynlais - Cwmcarn - return

Start/Distance: Meet 9.30 Lewis Arms, Tongwynlais, 40 miles

Route/GPX download: Tongwynlais - Bassaleg - Risca - Cwmcarn(cafe stop) return via Wyllie - Pandy Lane to Caerphilly - Home 

Terrain/Ride Category: Suitable for all bikes, Moderate

Ride Leaders/Contact: Claus Sogaard/Graham Davies

Lovely sunny autumn ride today. Thanks again Claus for stepping in. Grae

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SATURDAY 8th October: Martin Steer Memorial Ride

Start/Distance: Pedal Power, Pontcanna, 11am, about 17 miles one way, 35 miles return

Route: The ride will head to the Six Bells in Penmark aiming to arrive around 13:30 to join in with an event being held at the pub by Martin's family to celebrate his life. Riders will have the option of returning by road or if they want to stay longer then trains are available from Rhoose Station. Food will be available at the Six Bells.  

Terrain/Ride Category: EASY, Suitable for all bikes

Ride Leaders/Contact: Glen Dermody

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Sunday 16th October: Tongwnlais - Aberdare - Return

Start/Distance: Lewis Arms, Tongwnlais at 9.30am, 40miles, approx. 4hrs plus lunch stop

Route/GPX download: Click GPX download to view Route map. Lunch is in Aberdare town and then it's all downhill along the Cynon Valley trail back to Cardiff. 

Terrain/Ride Category: Suitable for all bikes, Moderate

Ride Leader/Contact: Julie Williams

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Sunday 23rd October: Sirhowy Valley return

Start/Distance: 10am, Lisvane and Thornhill train station, 5 hrs approx including cafe stop.

Route/GPX download: Cefn Mably, Michaelston, Rhiwderin, Risca, Crosskeys (cafe stop), Sirhowy Valley, Machen, Cefn On, Lisvane

Terrain/Ride Category: Moderate

Ride Leaders/Contact: Mike Cranwell

Thanks Mike - really enjoyed today's tour. Not one Spokes Sunday ride lost to the weather this season. Almost Mediterranean! Grae