Sepsis Charity Ride

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