294 Pub Ride (Rose Inn)

Tuesday, 30th April 2019

Distance: 15 miles – Difficulty: 1/5 – Weather: Fine

First Pub Night Ride of the year saw 5 bikers head for the Rose Inn at Redwick, on a nice Spring evening. The route took us along the moors gravel road to Undy and on to the lanes to Redwick and the Rose. Thirsts were quenched with Cider and Hobgoblin, which aided the washing down of fish, cheese and curries along with the mandatory chips. The return journey saw us retracing our tyre marks, arriving back at the Choir Hall while it was just about still light.

Riders:

  1. Tony Griffiths
  2. Lesley Russell
  3. Brian Phillips
  4. Tracey Eastabrook
  5. Chris Orum
  6. Grahame Morton

292 Cwm Castroggi

Sunday, 7th April 2019

Distance: 32 miles – Difficulty: 2/5 – Weather: Sunny

Lovely ride and great company on this ride that not only took in the Gwent flatlands, but also the foothills of Wentwood Forest. The route from Caldicot saw us ride through Rogiet, Undy and Redwick and onto Goldcliff and Nash before switching direction along the Llanwern Steelworks straight. From there it was onto the Wilcrick road to Magor and St Brides before crossing the A48 to Llanfaches, heading for Llanfair Discoed and the secret Cwm valley with its Castroggi brook. Refreshment was had at the Dewstow Gardens cafe. A special welcome to Martyn Peel, who not only came out on his first ride with us, but came to see us in concert the previous evening.

Riders:

  1. Tony Griffiths
  2. Chris Orum
  3. Robert Stallard
  4. Martyn Peel
  5. Mike Jones
  6. Brian Phillips
  7. Nick Powell

291 Mathern Starter

Sunday, 24th March 2019

Distance: 14 miles – Difficulty: 1/5 – Weather: Sunny

On a glorious Spring day, ten riders made the start at the Choir Hall for the short ride to Mathern, with a visit to the Millers Arms for refreshment. Nice to see Brian and Mike returning and bringing along Will Russell for his first ride with us.

The route saw us head for Black Rock, lovely to see the channel on a beautiful day, before heading back to Portskewett and onto Crick, Hayes Gate and Mathern. A visit to the old part of Mathern near the church, very historic before a leisurely stay in the garden at the Millers Arms for refreshment.

Photos of the ride:

  1. Tony Griffiths
  2. Sue Earnshaw
  3. Carolyn Griffiths
  4. Janice Orum
  5. Chris Orum
  6. Nick Powell
  7. Will Russell
  8. Brian Phillips
  9. Mike Jones
  10. Grahame Morton

288 Sudbrook Starter

Sunday, 17th February 2019

Distance: 10 miles – No. Riders: 8 – Difficulty: 1/5 – Weather: Fine

Eight riders turned-up at the start line outside the Choir Hall for this short ride to Sudbrook and Black Rock. Nice to meet Brian Phillips and Mike Jones for their first ride out with us.

The route took us through the castle grounds and then onto Pill Row and under the Prince of Wales bridge, following the concrete path down as far as possible on a road bike. From there it was into Portskewett, with a visit to the Cornfield Project, amazing what these residents have done with this land. Onwards through Sudbrook following the footpath to Black Rock before climbing back up to Portskewett and back on the main road to Caldicot via the castle.

Refreshment was taken at the Aroma Cafe in the village before heading home.

Riders:

  1. Tony Griffiths
  2. Carolyn Griffiths
  3. Sharon Ward
  4. Chris Orum
  5. Janice Orum
  6. Sue Earnshaw
  7. Brian Phillips
  8. Mike Jones

287 Redwick Ramble

Sunday, 10th February 2019

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

Only two riders on this trip, nice to see Sharon Ward back out on the bike. Route saw us leave Caldicot past the station, onto Rogiet and Undy before taking the lanes to Redwick. Unfortunately, the Rose Inn was closed so it was to Magor Square and a visit to Grazia Cafe for refreshments. The return journey saw us ride through St Brides, stopping off at the ancient 11th century church, before returning home.

Riders:

  1. Sharon Ward
  2. Tony Griffiths

285 New Year Cafe

Sunday, 13th January 2019

Distance: 32 miles – Difficulty: 2/5 – Weather: Cloudy but fine

Ten riders made the start from the Choir Hall on a cloudy, but not too cold day. It was nice to have two new riders, Phil Bates and Paul Vincent along on this trip down to Goldcliff and the Seawall Cafe. What the riders didn’t expect, was the strength of the head wind, making progress slow on the way out. Seeking shelter behind the hedgerows was the order of the day, rather than staying on the long straight road past Llanwern Steelworks.

Refreshed with teacakes, coffee and tea, the riders made their way back through Redwick, Undy and Rogiet to Caldicot.

Riders:

  1. Tony Griffiths
  2. Chris Orum
  3. Janice Orum
  4. Sue Earnshaw
  5. Grahame Morton
  6. Paul Vincent
  7. Phil Bates
  8. Ian Russell
  9. Lesley Russell
  10. Nick Powell