Wednesday, 27th September 2017

CANCELLED – DUE TO HEAVY RAIN

Saturday, 23rd September 2017

Distance: 37 miles – Difficulty: 2/5 – Weather: Cloudy start but the sun came out later.

A fun day was had at the Newport Festival of Cycling organised by Sustrans in Tredegar House. Thirteen riders made an early start from Caldicot, weather was mostly fine as we made our way along the Moor’s road to Undy, Redwick before crossing the SDR Bridge, to meet up with a Breeze Ladies group outside Fanny’s Cafe in Pill. We arrived at Tredegar House in good time, and with a number of groups, followed in the Caldicot Jazz Band into the Brewhouse yard to open the Festival. Coffee and cakes in the cafe, a look around the displays and stalls before making our way back, taking a short-cut across the Transporter Bridge stopping at the Rose Inn at Redwick for lunch and cider. A very pleasant day was had by all.

Riders:

1. Tony Griffiths
2. Grahame Morton
3. Carolyn Griffiths
4. Chris James
5. Tracey Eastabrook
6. Hilary Matheson (Sustrans)
7. Lesley Russell
8. Chris Orum
9. Jan Orum
10. Leon Jones
11. Nick Powell
12. Ian Russell
13. Calvin Till (Sustrans)

Wednesday, 13th September 2017

Distance: 12 miles approx – Difficulty: 1/5 – Weather: Fine but getting colder

It’s getting colder and darker but 7 riders made the start for the latest ‘Pub Ride’, this time to the Millers Arms in Mathern. NIce to see Chris James back out with us, and the return of founder member, Leon Jones. We were joined at the pub by Sue Earnshaw, who has been concentrating on her running today, so gave the ride a miss. Pints of beer helped swill down the selection of nice pub dishes that were consumed, before saddling-up for the return journey to Caldicot, just before the rain started.

Interested Riders:

1. Carolyn Griffiths
2. Tony Griffiths
3. Tracey Eastabrook
4. Leon Jones
5. Chris James
6. Sharon Ward
7. Grahame Morton

Wednesday, 29th August 2017

Distance: 20 miles – Difficulty: 1/5 – Weather: Fine

Only two riders made the start for this ride, travelling along the main road through Rogiet and turning off at Undy towards Redwick and eventually the Queensway. We were joined at the pub by Sue Earnshaw, a good meal and a pint was had before heading back to Caldicot via Magor.

Riders:

1. Carolyn Griffiths
2. Tony Griffiths

Wednesday, 17th August 2017

Distance: 13 miles – Difficulty: 3/5 – Weather: Fine but threatening rain

Lovely evening at the Tredegar Arms in Shirenewton, for good cider and food served by mine host, Gareth Trumper and his staff. Great to meet new rider, Chris James who was introduced to us by Sue Murphy. Despite a puncture on the long climb up to Shirenewton, he looked like he enjoyed the event.

Riders:

1. Tony Griffiths
2. Alyn Dawe
3. Chris James
4. Tracey Eastabrook
5. Carolyn Griffiths
6. Grahame Morton

Sunday, 13th August 2017

Distance: 29 miles – Difficulty: 3/5 – Weather: Perfect, warm with a gentle breeze

Ten riders made the start at the Choir Hall for the ride to Brockweir. Before reaching the destination, a few steep climbs had to be contended with including the long climb to Shirenewton, followed by the sharp ascent to Itton. Although more of a gentle slog, the main road to Devauden can leave you short of breath. From there, a quick descent on the Chepstow road, turning left through the lovely winding lanes past the trout farms to the splendid village of Tintern, with its ancient Abbey. A short ride along the Monmouth road, turning over the bridge straddling the River Wye, to the medieval port of Brockweir, with its reclaimed quay.

Time for a coffee break after the arduous climbing, so a stop at the Old Station at Tintern for pasties, bacon baps and coffee before continuing on the return journey. The long climb along the Wye Valley before dropping down to St Arvans and onwards to Chepstow Racecourse. Last climb of the day past Chepstow Hospital before returning to Caldicot via Bulwark, Mathern and Crick.

Special welcome to Madzia Kruczek, brought along by Janet Vale for her first ride with the club.

Riders:

1. Tony Griffiths
2. Sue Earnshaw
3. David Kirkby
4. Tracey Eastabrook
5. Chris Orum
6. Janet Vale
7. Madzia Kruczek
8. Grahame Morton
9. Steve Chappelle
10. Brian Stephens

Wednesday, 2nd August 2017

Distance: 13 miles – Difficulty: 1/5 – Weather: Rain

Only two riders turned-up on a rainy evening for the ride to Magor for refreshments at the Golden Lion. We were joined at the pub by Sue Earnshaw, Carolyn Griffiths and Chris Orum, who did the sensible thing and drove there. Never mind, all miles in the legs.

Riders:

1. Tony Griffiths
2. Robert Stallard

Sunday, 30th July 2017

Distance: 30 miles – Difficulty: 2/5 – Weather: Showery

With a lot of riders unavailable, being away, injured or riding at other events, and with the weather looking decidely dodgy, a decision was made to ride to the Seawall instead of the advertised trip to Usk. The three riders who made the trip to Goldcliff via Caerwent, St. Brides, Magor, Nash were fortunate to only get wet on one occasion, and managed to make it to the Tearooms for much needed refreshment. The return journey to Caldicot was made via Whitson, Redwick and Undy.

Riders:

1. Tony Griffiths
2. Sue Earnshaw
3. Sharon Ward

Saturday, 22nd July 2017

Distance: 55 miles – Difficulty: 4/5 – Weather: Very wet

The 2017 edition of the Choir’s Charity Bike ride, was to take on the challenging 55 mile Taff Trail, from the highlands of Brecon to the bustling city of Cardiff. In all, 16 riders took up the challenge, starting in bright sunshine which within an hour, turned into heavy, cold showers and it wasn’t until the group reached the city limits that they had some sun on their back. We endured it all, falls, punctures, rain, steep hills, fabulous scenery, fast descents and getting lost on more than one occasion, we were nearly on the train to Barry Island at Abercynon! But we made it, and hopefully will raise a significant donation to the Severn View Sensory Garden. None of this would have been possible if it wasn’t for the help of the support team; David Kirton who drove the bus with his wing-man David Currie; Sharon Davies for taking the trailer with the bikes to Brecon; Jayne Stallard and Rob’s sister, Gaynor for driving the support car; and Chris Duffy for meeting us at Cardiff to bring the bikes back. Also to all those that turned up at the Choir Hall for the after ride party, entertained by the JJ Duo.

Thank you all.

Riders:

1. Sue Murphy
2. Jan Orum
3. Tracey Eastabrook
4. Sharon M Maybury Ward
5. Sue Earnshaw
6. Lesley Russell
7. Carolyn Griffiths
8. Grahame Morton
9. Alyn Dawe
10. Chris Orum
11. Ian Russell
12. Dave Gould
13. Stephen Davies
14. Robert Stallard
15. Andrew Alford
16. Anthony Griffiths

Wednesday, 19th July 2017

Distance: 18 miles – Difficulty: 1/5 – Weather: Warm with rain threatening

Ten riders made the trip for a nice ride down to the Rose Inn at Redwick via Caerwent, St. Brides and Magor.  The group welcomed David Kealaher and it was good to see Sue Murphy and Alyn Dawe, out practicing for the forthcoming Charity Ride on the Taff Trail.

It is always nice to partake in the fine selection of drinks and food at the pub, and once they were consumed it was back along the flats to Caldicot.

Riders:

1. Tony Griffiths
2. Carolyn Griffiths
3. Tracey Eastabrook
4. Jan Orum
5. Chris Orum
6. Grahame Morton
7. Sue Murphy
8. Alyn Dawe
9. Rob Stallard
10. David Kealaher