Sunday, 15th January 2017

Distance: 22 miles – Difficulty: 4/5 – Weather: Fine, sunny periods

Toughest ride of the year so far, the steep climb up to Wentwood Forest to the reservoir before taking on the firetracks. Steep climbs and fast downhills on very muddy and slippery tracks, before exiting on the road to Earlswood. Another steep climb before cruising down to Shirenewton and the Tredegar Arms pub for refreshments. There was a time deep in the forest were we thought we had lost David Vass for good, the steep climbs and treacherous tracks taking its toll, but two sugary sweets and a pint of cider and he was off like a man possessed. Well done Dave. The ride concluded with the fast downhill to Cwm and the long climb to Highmore Hill and Dewstow. A good but somewhat muddy day.

Riders:

1. Tony Griffiths
2. Rob Stallard
3. Steve Chappelle
4. Grahame Morton
5. Lesley Russell
6. David Vass

Sunday, 8th January 2017

Distance: 30 miles – Difficulty: 2/5 – Weather: Mild

Lovely ride down to the Seawall to get 2017 kicked-off. Ten riders made the start at the Choir Hall, with the route seeing us ride through Caerwent, Carrow Hill, Magor, Wilcrick and Goldcliff to the Seawall Tearooms, returning via Redwick, Undy and Rogiet.

Riders:

1. Tony Griffiths
2. Carolyn Griffiths
3. Rob Stallard
4. Janet Vale
5. Steve Chappelle
6. Brian Stephens
7. Sue Earnshaw
8. Tony Ward
9. Grahame Morton
10. David Vass

Wednesday, 4th January 2017

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

The original plan was to ride to the Llanwern Bull along the Queensway, but with the cold weather and the draw of the blazing fire at the Rose Inn, a unanimous decision was to go to the old faithful. Three riders made the trip along the gravel track to Undy, and then the lanes to Redwick to stop at the Rose for refreshments, before making their way back to Caldicot.

Riders:

1. Carolyn Griffiths
2. Sue Earnshaw
3. Tony Griffiths

Tuesday, 27th December 2016

Distance: 19 miles – Difficulty: 3/5 – Weather: Fine but cold

There is only one thing better than a coffee stop on a club ride, a visit to the pub. This was the order of day following a ride from Caldicot via Black Rock, Mathern and Chepstow, visiting the Tredegar Arms in Shirenewton, for pints of Christmas Ale to wash down the Sausage and Mash. Riders fully refreshed made their way down the steep lane through Cwm, back to Caldicot.

Riders:

1. Tony Griffiths
2. Carolyn Griffiths
3. Sue Earnshaw
4. Glyn Watkins
5. Helen Gilmore
6. Brian Stephens
7. Steve Chappelle

Wednesday, 14th December 2016

Distance: 16 miles – Difficulty: 1/5 – Weather: Mild evening

The last ride before Christmas, saw four riders leave the Choir Hall on a mild Winter’s evening, certainly much warmer than the previous Night Ride. Following the gravel path from Rogiet to Undy, and along the quiet moorland roads, it was into the Rose Inn for pints of Hobgoblin to wash down the curries and the chips, before heading home to Caldicot.

Riders:

1. Sue Earnshaw
2. David Vass
3. Robert Stallard
4. Tony Griffiths

Sunday, 11th December 2016

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

Nice ride down to the Seawall Tearooms on a sunny day for cake and mince pies, provided by Wendy and Wayne. Different route this time, through Bishton and Llanwern for the six riders who left Caldicot.

Riders:

1. Tony Griffiths
2. Carolyn Griffiths
3. Sue Earnshaw
4. Brian Stephens
5. Helen Gilmore
6. Tracey Eastabrook

Wednesday, 7th December 2016

The Rose Inn played host to the first CMCCC Christmas Dinner organised by the club. It was thanks to Rob Stallard, who arranged the evening where 17 members and partners, sat down to a full three-course dinner, that included a selection of starters, traditional Christmas Fayre of Turkey or Beef and a range of scrumptious desserts including a large cheeseboard. Christmas crackers, party hats and amusing banter made the evening very enjoyable, and it will certainly be arranged for future years.

A big thanks to the Rose Inn for being welcoming hosts.

Dinners:

1. Grahame Morton
2. Pat Morton
3. Leon Jones
4. Denise Jones
5. David Whittle
6. Rhiannon Whittle
7. Sue Earnshaw
8. Sharon Ward
9. Robert Stallard
10. Jayne Stallard
11. Harry Giblin
12. Tracey Eastabrook
13. Ian Russell
14. Lesley Russell
15. Helen Gilmore
16. Carolyn Griffiths
17. Tony Griffiths

Wednesday, 30th November 2016

https://www.facebook.com/events/1786653814950376/

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

The latest Night Ride saw only two riders make the trip to the Rose Inn. Sue Earnshaw and Tony Griffiths braved the icy roads, to be met with a roaring fire, beer and tasty food at the pub. A welcome surprise was had when three other club members, Sharon and Tony Ward, and Nick Powell decided to drive down to Redwick, to enjoy the warm glow of the fire and partake in liquid refreshment. Soon it was over however, it was time to board the bikes and make the frosty ride back to Caldicot.

Riders:

1. Sue Earnshaw
2. Tony Griffiths

Sunday, 27th November 2016

https://www.facebook.com/events/1765880036998918/

Distance: 33 miles – Difficulty: 2/5 – Weather: Fine but cold and windy

Nine cyclists made the start at the Choir Hall on a cold winter morning for the trip down to the Newport Wetlands. MTB’s and Hybrid bikes were needed to contend with the gravel track to Undy, before taking to the road to Goldcliff. The Wetlands was reached through Saltmarsh Lane which leads onto the gravel path that surrounds the Bird Sanctuary. Excellent views across the estuary, photos alongside the lighthouse before completing the circuit and heading for refreshments and a warm at the Seawall Tearooms. Wendy and Wayne, as usual made great hosts, filling us with hot coffee, teacakes and slices of cake, before heading back along the flats to Caldicot.

Riders:

1. Tony Griffiths
2. Sue Earnshaw
3. Robert Stallard
4. Tracey Eastabrook
5. Lesley Russell
6. Ian Russell
7. David Vass
8. Brian Stephens
9. Steve Chappelle

Sunday, 20th November 2016

RIDE CANCELLED

https://www.facebook.com/events/1756069057943756/