Sunday, 5th March 2017
Meet at the Choir Hall at 10am or on the M48 Link Road, Chepstow at 10:30am.
Distance: 32 miles – Difficulty: 3/5 (Due to strong winds) – Weather: Strong winds, rain storms.
7:30 this morning, it was hammering down with rain, but just before the ride was cancelled, the sun came out and off we went.
Three riders left the Choir Hall, picked-up Tracey on the way at Parkwall, before heading for Mathern and the first challenge of the day, Dark Hill. Met up with another four members at Chepstow and then the big challenges began. Not too bad going over the Severn Bridge, but then heading south towards Severn Beach, a heavy shower of rain, luckily wasn’t for too long. To get to Severn Beach, you have to cross over the M5 Motorway, the wind was so strong that it literally stopped you dead, not nice when you are clipped into your bike. Fortunately, we all arrived at the promenade safely for photos overlooking the New Severn Bridge, with a crazy fisherman down on the rocks below us contending with huge waves and severe gales. Photos taken, we climbed back aboard the bikes and headed inland to Tockington, and the lovely Swan Inn for some respite from the wind and refreshment.
The ride back over the bridge was not pleasant, straight into a gale and it was a relief to reach the Welsh side again. The rest of the journey was fairly uneventful, apart from a hail-shower coming out of Mathern. A very challenging ride, but great fun and good company.
Riders:
- Tony Griffiths
- David Whittle
- Tracey Eastabrook
- Nick Powell
- Tony Ward
- David Kirkby
- Janet Vale
- Simon Hughes