Caldicot Choir Social Cycling

18th – 20th July 2019

Day 1 – Caldicot to Bronllys – 53 miles (Ride No. 299)

Five riders made the start of the 2019 Charity Ride, that will see the riders explore the Brecon Beacons and the Black Mountains, raising money for the Choir’s chosen charity, Sepsis Trust UK (Wales). The route started off with the first of many climbs, up the Shirenewton drag. Dropping down to Usk for coffee at the Museum Cafe, before heading through the picturesque lanes through the Llanover Estate. Following the path of the canal, from Llanfoist to Gilwern, stopping off for lunch at the Bridge Inn at Crickhowell, and a brief stop for coffee at the Coach and Horses in Llangynidr. Onwards towards Brecon, crossing over the A40 to Gwenffordd and Llanfilo, over some brutal climbs before arriving at the Riverside International campsite at Bronllys, our home for the next two nights.

Photos from Day 1

Day 2 – Bronllys to Builth Wells to Bronllys – 32 miles (Ride No. 300)

The intrepid cyclists woke to heavy rain and wind, and a decision to delay the start of the cycling, whilst breakfast was had at the Honey Cafe. The planned route to the Elan Valley was shortened due to the weather conditions. However, nothing was going to stop them venturing out, and riding through Llyswen along the path of the old railway through Boughrood and Abertridwr, arriving in Builth Wells to be greeted by the support team of Roger, Dave and Ron, along with visitors for the day, Jayne and Gaynor. Refreshment was had at a cafe in the town, before the return journey along the main road to Erwood Station was done in heavy rain showers, made worse by the spray off the heavy traffic. The weather did clear at Erwood, and we managed to roll home to Bronllys in the dry.

Photos from Day 2

Day 3 – Hay-on-Wye to Caldicot – 58 miles (Ride No. 301)

For the last stage of the journey back home, we were joined by another five riders, who had been taxied up from Caldicot, with their bikes being kindly ferried by Paul and Lyn Thomas. Also arriving was Dave Gould, who would follow the riders all the way back to Caldicot. The route took us along the ‘Golden Valley’, under the shadow of the Black Mountains, with a stop at Peterchurch, to view the grave of Private Robert Jones, a hero and VC winner at the Battle of Rorkes Drift in 1879. Through Abbey Dore and Ewyas Harold, heading along the main road to Abergavenny before stopping for refreshments, again at the Museum Cafe in Usk. The final leg saw the riders pass through Llantrisant and Langstone before reaching home at Caldicot, totally shattered.

Photos from Day 3

Riders:

1. Tony Griffiths
2. Grahame Morton
3. Brian Phillips
4. Robert Stallard
5. Lesley Russell
6. Carolyn Griffiths
7. Sharon Ward
8. Tracey Eastabrook
9. Sue Earnshaw
10. Russell Woodward

Support Team:

1. Roger Matthews
2. David Currie
3. Ron Ashton
4. David Gould

Sunday, July 14th 2019

Distance: 33 miles – Difficulty: 2/5 – Weather: Sunny

Nine riders made the start for this trip to the Seawall Tearooms and Goldcliff. Welcome to Mike Powell for his first ride out with us, and nice to see Wayne Mumford at the tearooms. The route took us via Rogiet, Undy and Redwick to Goldcliff via the scenic Chapel Lane, with its abundance of wildlife, herons, swans and ducks. Refreshments at the tearooms before photos on Goldcliff with its magical views of the Severn Estuary. Return journey was via Whitson, Wilcrick, Magor, St Brides, Carrow Hill, Caerwent and Crick. That’s 33 miles in the bag in preparation for the charity ride to the Elan Valley at the end of the week.

Riders:

1. Tony Griffiths
2. Carolyn Griffiths
3. Brian Phillips
4. Tracey Eastabrook
5. Chris Orum
6. Janice Orum
7. Sue Earnshaw
8. Sharon Ward
9. Mike Powell

Tuesday, 18th June 2019

RIDE CANCELLED – DUE TO THE WEATHER

Sunday, 2nd June 2019

RIDE IS CANCELLED – HEAVY RAIN

Sunday, 12th May 2019

On a lovely sunny Spring day, despite a poor attendance with only 21 riders (including 2 children), an enjoyable day was had for the Seventh running of the Redwick Challenge. The event was won by Shirley Watson (Queens Park and Ride) with 46 laps of the 2 miles course and in doing so, broke the Women’s record.

Many thanks to all the riders who took part, and the support crew especially those who are not choir members, Sharon Ward, Jayne Stallard and Tracey Eastabrook, and those that came down to support and provided cakes.

The trophy for overall and the Best Lady was presented to Shirley Watson who completed 90 miles.

The Best Man trophy went to Top Tenor Robert Stallard, who completed 43 laps (84 miles).

The trophy for the Best Chorister was awarded to Tony Griffiths as Robert Stallard had taken the Best Man award, with 30 laps (59 miles).

The ‘Theo Roberts Cup’, for the best Choir section is again won by the ‘Baritone’ section, with the following riders contributing; Tony Griffiths (30 laps), Mark Antell (25) and David Gould (16).

Tuesday, 30th April 2019

Distance: 15 miles – Difficulty: 1/5 – Weather: Fine

First Pub Night Ride of the year saw 5 bikers head for the Rose Inn at Redwick, on a nice Spring evening. The route took us along the moors gravel road to Undy and on to the lanes to Redwick and the Rose. Thirsts were quenched with Cider and Hobgoblin, which aided the washing down of fish, cheese and curries along with the mandatory chips. The return journey saw us retracing our tyre marks, arriving back at the Choir Hall while it was just about still light.

Riders:

1. Tony Griffiths
2. Lesley Russell
3. Brian Phillips
4. Tracey Eastabrook
5. Chris Orum
6. Grahame Morton

Sunday, 14th April 2019

Distance: 38 miles – Difficulty: 3/5 – Weather: Fine but cold

Riders:

1. Chris Orum
2. Janice Orum
3. Sue Earnshaw
4. Martyn Peel

Sunday, 7th April 2019

Distance: 32 miles – Difficulty: 2/5 – Weather: Sunny

Lovely ride and great company on this ride that not only took in the Gwent flatlands, but also the foothills of Wentwood Forest. The route from Caldicot saw us ride through Rogiet, Undy and Redwick and onto Goldcliff and Nash before switching direction along the Llanwern Steelworks straight. From there it was onto the Wilcrick road to Magor and St Brides before crossing the A48 to Llanfaches, heading for Llanfair Discoed and the secret Cwm valley with its Castroggi brook. Refreshment was had at the Dewstow Gardens cafe. A special welcome to Martyn Peel, who not only came out on his first ride with us, but came to see us in concert the previous evening.

Riders:

1. Tony Griffiths
2. Chris Orum
3. Robert Stallard
4. Martyn Peel
5. Mike Jones
6. Brian Phillips
7. Nick Powell

Sunday, 24th March 2019

Distance: 14 miles – Difficulty: 1/5 – Weather: Sunny

On a glorious Spring day, ten riders made the start at the Choir Hall for the short ride to Mathern, with a visit to the Millers Arms for refreshment. Nice to see Brian and Mike returning and bringing along Will Russell for his first ride with us.

The route saw us head for Black Rock, lovely to see the channel on a beautiful day, before heading back to Portskewett and onto Crick, Hayes Gate and Mathern. A visit to the old part of Mathern near the church, very historic before a leisurely stay in the garden at the Millers Arms for refreshment.

Photos of the ride:

1. Tony Griffiths
2. Sue Earnshaw
3. Carolyn Griffiths
4. Janice Orum
5. Chris Orum
6. Nick Powell
7. Will Russell
8. Brian Phillips
9. Mike Jones
10. Grahame Morton

Sunday, 10th March 2019

DUE TO HIGH WINDS AND IN THE INTERESTS OF SAFETY, RIDE HAS BEEN CANCELLED