Wednesday, 25th October 2017

Distance: 15 miles – Difficulty: 1/5 – Weather: Fine, balmy for late October.

The first Night Ride of the Winter saw five riders make the start at the Choir Hall. With most riders on Mountain Bikes, the route took us through the back lanes along the Moors, to be met at Undy by David Kealaher on his road bike, for the final few miles to Redwick and the Rose Inn.

The traditional fare of chips, curries, cheese and cottage pie, was washed down by pints of Hobgoblin and Stella, before it was time to make the return journey to Caldicot, fired on by the food and drink, and an enormous fart by Chris James. Yes Dave, you were right about the after effects that Naag curry would have on Chris, just did not expect it so soon. Good evening though.

Riders:

1. Tony Griffiths
2. Carolyn Griffiths
3. Sue Earnshaw
4. David Kealaher
5. Chris James

Sunday, 15th October 2017

Distance : 45 miles – Difficulty : 3/5 – Weather : Cloudy but fine

Another great day out with the CMCCC bikers, a trip across the Severn Bridge to far-flung Berkeley, medieval port and site of a famous castle, and more importantly, fabulous tea-rooms.

Six people made the start at the Choir Hall for the ride through Mount Ballan, Crick, suffering up the steep climb from Mathern to Bulwark, to be met by five others waiting on the slip road. Over the bridge before following the Sustrans route alongside the Severn, eventually arriving at the destination in Berkeley. Breakfast goodies of Poached egg and Toast, Bacon Sandwiches, and very large cakes, washed down with tea and coffee, before heading back along the same route. A diversion to take in the riverbank at Shepperdine, with its views across to the Forest of Dean and South Wales, with the Severn Bridge linking the two sides of the estuary. Photographs taken, and it was heading back over the bridge into the head-wind, back to Chepstow and Caldicot.

Riders

1. Tony Griffiths
2. Carolyn Griffiths
3. Tony Ward
4. Chris James
5. Lesley Russell
6. Ian Russell
7. David Kirkby
8. Sue Earnshaw
9. Jan Orum
10. Chris Orum
11. Nick Powell

Sunday, 8th October 2017

Distance : 28 miles – Difficulty : 2/5 –  Weather : Sunny

For our away day trip to Newent, we were again blessed with warm, sunny weather for the 28 mile ride around the picturesque, Newent Loop. Six members made the start from the town centre car park, and we were joined by local Sue Tindall who had turned up expecting to join her own clubs ride. Sue filled us in with some interesting local knowledge, pointing out various points of interest., and putting us back on track when we took a wrong turn. Like last year, our coffee stop was in the quirky cafe cum antique shop at Bromberrow Heath. Tea/coffee and flapjacks enjoyed before making our way along the narrow lanes, passing antique gypsy caravans with their ponies grazing on the roadside, back to the start in medieval Newent. Sue also told us about an annual Big Apple Cider ride to nearby Much Marcle, certainly one to put in the diary.

Riders:

1. Jan Orum
2. Lesley Russell
3. Sue Earnshaw
4. Tracey Eastabrook
5. Sue Tindall
6. Chris Orum
7. Tony Griffiths

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