Sunday, 26th March 2017
Distance: 38 miles – Difficulty: 3/5 – Weather: Sunny but windy
On an early Spring, bright sunny morning, six riders made the start at the Choir Hall. The route saw us head towards Sudbrook and Black Rock before the first little warm-up climb through Leechpool. The first of the major climbs from Crick to Shirenewton, up the 2.2 mile drag before descending to the Cwm. Short, sharp ascent to Llanfair Discoed before the steepest climb past the church, at 14%. Turning left towards Llanvaches and the A48, turning past the Groes Wen to Llandevaud and Llanmartin. The next climb up to Underwood, dropping down to Bishton and Llanwern with the last uphill of the day at Cot Hill. It was then onwards to the Seawall for coffee and well deserved cakes.
The return journey was through Whitson, Magor, Undy and Rogiet, arriving back at the Choir Hall.
Where were the castles and forts you may ask; well if we had bothered to get off our bikes, hacked through the forest and looked, I believe we passed at least 8. Those being Caldicot Castle, Sudbrook Camp, Dinham Castle, Llanmelin Hill Fortress, Llanfair Castle, Llanvaches Castle (not sure if there is anything left), Penhow Castle and Pencoed Castle. There might be more.
Riders:
- Tony Griffiths
- Sue Earnshaw
- Andrew Alford
- Lesley Russell
- Tracey Eastabrook
- Janet Vale