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:

1. Tony Griffiths
2. Sue Earnshaw
3. Andrew Alford
4. Lesley Russell
5. Tracey Eastabrook
6. Janet Vale

Sunday, 19th March 2017

Distance: From Caldicot 45 miles, From Chepstow 36 miles – Difficulty: 3/5 – Weather: Wet and windy

The ride to Berkeley saw 8 riders make their way across the Severn Bridge in fairly windy conditions. We were unfortunate to lose Gareth Davies when we had arrived in England, due to a puncture and a nasty tear to the front tyre caused by glass. Gareth took the wise option once the puncture was fixed to return home.

With a tail-wind, good time was made to Berkeley, to be greeted by coffee, cakes and savouries in the Berkeley Tearooms.

It became immediately obvious that the return journey was not going to be so much fun, although not wet initially, the wind had picked up significantly and progress was slowed considerably, especially re-crossing the bridge. Fortunately, everybody arrived home safely if a bit wet and windswept.

Riders:

1. Helen Garrett
2. Gareth Davies
3. Tony Griffiths
4. Carolyn Griffiths
5. Rob Stallard
6. Steve Chappelle
7. Janet Vale
8. Brian Stephens

Wednesday, 15th March 2017

Distance: 15 miles – Difficulty: 1/5 – Weather: Mild and Foggy

Just 3 made the trip this evening down to the Rose Inn. We almost made it all the way there in the light, another week or so and we will. Great to see the light nights coming in. The warm glow of the fire, lovely food and great beer was consumed before heading back to Caldicot through the foggy lanes.

Riders:

1. Tony Griffiths
2. Carolyn Griffiths
3. Helen Garrett

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:

1. Tony Griffiths
2. David Whittle
3. Tracey Eastabrook
4. Nick Powell
5. Tony Ward
6. David Kirkby
7. Janet Vale
8. Simon Hughes

Sunday, February 26th 2017

Distance: 30 miles – Difficulty: 2/5 – Bike Type: Road

Five riders met-up at the Choir Hall, on a miserable wet morning with a decision being made to forego the ride to Brockweir (apparently it was very foggy and wet that way), and have an easier ride to Goldcliff and the Seawall Tearooms. It was nice to welcome a newcomer to our ranks, Simon Hughes from Lydney. Here’s hoping that he will return and ride with us again.

The ride down to Goldcliff, despite a miserable start was not too bad, with the welcoming at the tearooms from Wendy and Wayne, who furnished us with cakes, pasties and coffee. Again, we probably got away fairly lightly with the weather on the return journey, as later in the afternoon heavy rain came in.

Riders:

1. Tony Griffiths
2. Sue Earnshaw
3. Janet Vale
4. Brian Stephens
5. Simon Hughes

Wednesday, 15th February 2017

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

Quiet a warm evening for February, made a nice change cycling down the back lanes to Redwick. Three riders made the start but were joined by two others who decided on driving there due to injuries and other commitments. Fully refreshed with pints of Ale to wash down the chips etc, before cycling back to Caldicot

Riders:

1. Tony Griffiths
2. Carolyn Griffiths
3. Rob Stallard

RIDE CANCELLED – WEATHER CONDITIONS

Wednesday, 1st February 2017

The latest Night Ride saw four riders take to the gravel tracks through Undy, to wine and dine at the most welcoming Rose Inn, on what was a fairly balmy night for February. Beer, pies and pasta were consumed, and we were joined by the fit-again Tracey Eastabrook who could not ride due to light malfunctions. Soon it was time to go and leave the warm glow of the fire to head back along the same route to Caldicot.

Riders:

1. Carolyn Griffiths
2. Sue Earnshaw
3. Rob Stallard
4. Tony Griffiths

Sunday, 29th January 2017

RIDE CANCELLED – HEAVY RAIN

Wednesday, 18th January 2017

Distance: 16 miles – Difficulty: 1/5 – Weather: Fine

The latest ride to the Rose Inn was attended by four cyclists, who made their way along the muddy moors tracks to Undy and on-to Redwick. Pints of Hobgoblin and lashings of brie and cottage pie alongside the roaring fire, before heading back through the dark lanes to Caldicot.

Riders:

1. Tony Griffiths
2. Carolyn Griffiths
3. Sue Earnshaw
4. David Vass