Sunday, 23rd October 2016

Distance: 45 miles (from Caldicot) – 34 miles (from Chepstow) – Climbing: 2,029 feet – Weather: Cold initially, sunny later.

Ten riders made the trip across the bridge to Berkeley, and a visit to the Tearooms in the centre of the little Gloucestershire town. The ride was not without incident, two riders came down on the outward journey, and one on the return journey. Luckily, no-one had any lasting injuries but certainly the first fall was caused by cars speeding through narrow lanes and not slowing down to let the bikes pass safely. I believe the driver realised that she had caused the incident, and sped off sharply although she might have a dent in her rear wing. It did not spoil a good day though, and coffee, cakes and toast fueled the riders for the return journey back to Caldicot.

Riders:

1. Tony Griffiths
2. Robert Stallard
3. Grahame Morton
4. Sue Earnshaw
5. Tracey Eastabrook
6. Janet Vale
7. Lesley Russell
8. Leon Jones
9. David Kirby
10. Nick Powell

Wednesday, 19th October 2017

Distance: 16 miles – Difficulty: 1/5 – Weather: Fine but chilly

Five riders made the start at the Choir Hall for the trip down to Redwick and the Rose Inn via the gravel track to Undy. We were met at the pub by Tracey Eastabrook, who came in the car to save her aching back.

Following the usual feeding of fish and chips, liver, cottage pie etc., it was back on the bikes for the cold ride home to Caldicot.

Riders:

1. Tony Griffiths
2. Carolyn Griffiths
3. Robert Stallard
4. Grahame Morton
5. Sue Earnshaw

Sunday, 16th October 2016

Distance: 6 miles – Difficulty: 1/5

Good turnout on today’s Starter Ride – 13 cyclists made the start at the Choir Hall for the short run to Black Rock, returning to Caldicot via the Portskewett Inn and the castle. Nice to meet Christine Smith, Alison Steed, Natalie Romano and her son Luca. Also, to catch-up with Julie Donoghue, Lorraine Leahy and meet her husband Martin. Thanks to the regulars; Sue Earnshaw, Tracey Eastabrook, Janet Vale, Carolyn Griffiths and Rob Stallard for turning up and making the event a success.

Riders:

1. Tracey Eastabrook
2. Carolyn Griffiths
3. Tony Griffiths
4. Christine Anne Smith
5. Julie Donoghue
6. Lorraine Leahy
7. Martin Leahy
8. Sue Earnshaw
9. Janet Vale
10. Robert Stallard
11. Alison Steed
12. Natalie Romano
13. Luca Romano

Wednesday, 5th October 2016

https://www.facebook.com/events/1731518403767209/

Distance : 16 miles – Weather : Fine evening – Difficulty : 1/5

Six riders made the start of the ride at the Choir Hall, for the trip to Redwick and the first of the Winter’s Night Rides.

The ride there was interrupted by watching three inquisitive Llamas, who in turn were fascinated by the lycra-clad cyclists. We were welcomed at the pub, by Sharon Ward who joined us for food and drink. Beer and chips consumed, the riders made the journey back to Caldicot, through the dark lanes, illuminated by the powerful bike lights.

Riders

1. Tony Griffiths
2. Carolyn Griffiths
3. Sue Earnshaw
4. Francesca Cooper
5. Tracey Eastabrook
6. Lesley Russell

Sunday, 25th September 2016

https://www.facebook.com/events/642311909269967/

https://www.goskyride.com/Search/Details?eventid=85768

Distance : 22 miles – Weather : Raining initially, but then warm – Coffee Stop : Piercefield Inn

For those interested in the history of what is locally called ‘The Mansion’, Piercefield House – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piercefield_House

Only three riders made the start at the Choir Hall for the MTB trip to the Piercefield Mansion. The route included a visit to Black Rock, the estuary at low tide gives a good view of the hazards facing shipping. On through Leechpool for the first climb of the day, not too bad but certainly gets your legs warmed up. Descending St. Pierre hill and on to Hayes Gate and Mounton, pretty little hamlet with a tiny church alongside a babbling brook. Then came the big climb of the day, Mounton Road up to the hospital, maxing out at 17% gradient on some sections. Once at the top, it was down through the Danes to the top of Welsh Street and through the little gap in the wall that takes you through the woods to the Mansion. A cross-country horse event was on, so care had to be taken as we were riding straight through the course. A quick stop for photographs and to take in the magnificent views from the once proud Mansion House, now in a sorry state of repair before we headed back out of the park towards St. Arvans.

The Piercefield Inn was our coffee (or beer) stop on this ride, and because they do not sell cakes we had to make-do with the dessert menu, so it was Eton Mess and Lemon Tart although Sue was more healthy and went for Whitebait and Salad.

The return journey saw us head back through Chepstow and Mathern, and onwards to Crick and home. 

Riders:

1. Tony Griffiths
2. Sue Earnshaw
3. Tracey Eastabrook

Sunday, 18th September 2016

https://www.facebook.com/events/282512235455597/

https://www.goskyride.com/Search/Details?eventid=82856

Distance: 29 miles – Climbing: 1,200 feet – Difficulty: 3/5

Six riders made the fabulous ride around the Newent Loop in rural Gloucestershire, an hours drive from Caldicot.

The route has spectacular scenery across to the Malvern Hills, winding country roads with little traffic, some undulating climbs, and some swift down hill sections. Picturesque little villages with ancient churches, and on one section real Romany travellers, with their wooden framed painted horse-drawn caravans.

The sun shone throughout, on a cloudless blue sky for most of the way. A stop at the interesting Bromberrow Community Shop and cafe, eating toasted teacakes and drinking tea amongst the bric-a-brac that was on-sale, was an interesting cafe stop.

Riders

1. Tony Griffiths
2. Carolyn Griffiths
3. Robert Stallard
4. Tracey Eastabrook
5. Tony Ward
6. Sharon Ward

Wednesday, 14th September 2016

https://www.facebook.com/events/1250053601681016/

https://www.goskyride.com/Search/Details?eventid=82857

Distance: 17 miles – Difficulty: 2/5

On another balmy September evening, four riders made the start at the Choir Hall for the ride to the Groes Wen, for the last Pub Ride of the year. Don’t worry, they will continue on twice monthly Wednesday evenings, but they will be under the disguise of a Night Ride, which for the next six months will be to the Rose Inn, Redwick. You will need an off-road bike and lights for this ride, to keep off the main roads during the darker nights.

It was good to welcome back Francesca Cooper, who had travelled up from Cardiff, and although she was not riding, great to see Sue Earnshaw turn-up at the pub for a pie and a pint.

Riders:

1. Tony Griffiths
2. Tracey Eastabrook
3. Francesca Cooper
4. Carolyn Griffiths

Tuesday, 6th September 2016

https://www.facebook.com/events/1505511116141533/

Distance: 18 miles – Difficulty: 1/5

Nice ride down to our favourite pub, the Rose Inn at Redwick. Nice to see Tracey back on the bike after her illness, and David back out with us. Sharon Ward could not make the ride at the last minute, but drove down and joined us for a meal on a very nice warm evening.

Riders:

1. Tony Griffiths
2. Tracey Eastabrook
3. David Vass

Sunday, 29th August 2016

https://www.facebook.com/events/1757644364470803/

https://www.goskyride.com/Search/Details?eventid=82854

Distance: 37 miles – Climbing: 1,600 feet – Difficulty: 3/5

Eight riders made the start of what was thought to be a dry ride, but by the time we had reached Llanmartin we were soaked and it was dodging rainstorms for the next hour.

Good to meet two newbies to the club, Ian and Lesley Russell who had joined us following Helen Gilmore’s recommendation. Welcome Ian and Lesley, hope you enjoyed the experience.

A couple of tough climbs, starting with Dewstow and further on to the Cats Ash climb before descending to Llantrisant and over the bridge to Tredunnock. Finally making it to Caerleon for coffee at the Ffwrwm Cafe, unfortunately no cakes. Good to catch-up with Diane Potter and Lisa Amos who were out with VC Newport, one of many clubs we came across on the Usk Road.

The return journey saw us go through Bulmore and back-up the Cats Ash climb before a nice downhill section to the A48. Continuing on to Llanmartin with the last climb of the day at Underwood, then downhill to Bishton, Magor and home to Caldicot.

Riders:

1. Tony Griffiths
2. Grahame Morton
3. David Whittle
4. Sue Earnshaw
5. Janet Vale
6. Lesley Russell
7. Ian Russell
8. Nick Powell

Wednesday, 24th August 2016

Distance 20 miles – Difficulty 2/5

The latest Pub Ride, saw use venture to a new hostelry, the Old Barn in Llanmartin. Five riders turned-up for this outing, including newbie, Alex Wong from Caerphilly.

The route saw us leave Caldicot to Llanmartin via Caerwent, St. Brides and Magor to park up in the charming patio on a pleasant summer’s evening. The food was excellent, washed down with variations of beer before heading back to Caldicot via Underwood, Bishton and Magor.

Riders:

1. Tony Griffiths
2. Sharon Ward
3. Sue Earnshaw
4. Alex Wong
5. Janet Vale