Wednesday, 3rd August 2016

https://www.facebook.com/events/154846858269453/

Distance 14 miles – Difficulty 2/5

On a very wet and windy night, five riders made the start at the Choir Hall for the ride to Shirenewton and the Tredegar Arms. Beer and various dishes from an excellent menu, served by mine host Gareth Trumper and partner, who made us very welcome, set us up for the downhill ride back to Caldicot.

Riders:

1. Tony Griffiths
2. Sue Earnshaw
3. Janet Vale
4. Tracey Eastabrook
5. Glyn Watkins

Sunday, 24th July 2016

Distance : 36 miles – Difficulty : 3/5

 

Riders

1. Rob Stallard
2. David Kirby
3. Sue Earnshaw
4. Tracey Eastabrook
5. Janet Vale
6. Tim Watson

Sunday, 10th July 2016

https://www.facebook.com/events/744913692317427/

Distance 31 miles – Difficulty 2/5

Riders:

1. Tony Ward
2. Sharon Ward
3. Janet Vale
4. Nick Powell

Sunday, 26th June 2016

https://www.facebook.com/events/128573567556840/

Distance: 48 miles – Difficulty: 3/5 – Terrain: Undulating – Weather: Wet

Despite a poor turn-out, three members made the short car ride to Usk to be met by a new rider to the club, Andrew Cruwys from Blaenavon. After a short debate, the route that was taken was recommended by Grahame, which was to follow the Sustrans Route 42. A few miles into the ride and it was agreed by all that, that was a big mistake. Although nice quiet lanes, most of them went uphill sharply, on at least two occasions, topping out at greater than 14%. The road was also in poor condition, very gritty and lots of holes. One thing we learnt was that this route would not be suitable for the MNDA Charity Ride in August. Having reached Llanvihangel Crucorney, passing the Oldest Pub in Wales, The Skirrid Inn, it was decided to take the A465 main road for the rest of the way to Ewyas Harold.

A quick turnaround at the Memorial Hall, to be met with what would be incessant drizzle for the 24 miles back to Usk. With a brief interlude by stopping at the Pandy Inn for coffee and crisps, before continuing to Abergavenny and onto Usk via the main roads.

Riders:

1. Tony Griffiths
2. Carolyn Griffiths
3. Grahame Morton
4. Andrew Cruwys

Wednesday, 22nd June 2016

https://www.facebook.com/events/1023461287738233/

Distance: 15 miles – Climbing: 785 feet – Weather: Cloudy

The latest pub ride saw seven riders leave the Choir Hall, and head for Shirenewton via Crick and Hayes Gate. The long climb up the lane opposite the New Inn at Pwllmeyric, interrupted by the usual farm dog who takes great pleasure in chasing cyclists, to arrive at the Tredegar Arms in the village.

Mine host, Gareth Trumper and his charming partner made us very welcome, we sat down to lashings of pies, selection of fish, with of course chips, washed down with real ale and cider. We were joined at the pub by Janet Vale who had cycled from Chepstow to meet us, and by Tony Ward who could not make the start at Caldicot, but joined us for the meal.

With hunger cravings satisfied, and goodbye’s said, it was time to speed back along the lanes, enjoying stunning views of the Severn Estuary back to Caldicot.

Riders:

1. Tony Griffiths
2. Carolyn Griffiths
3. Robert Stallard
4. Helen Gilmore
5. Glyn Watkins
6. Sharon Ward
7. Janet Vale
8. Grahame Morton

Sunday, 12th June 2016

https://www.facebook.com/events/131104357302379/

Distance: 30 miles – Difficulty: 3/5 – Weather: Wet initially but cleared later

Despite the wet weather, six riders made the start at the Choir Hall and ventured up towards Shirenewton, Itton, Devauden before cycling down the beautiful valley through Cot to Tintern and onwards to Brockweir. Brief stop at this lovely setting, before heading for Tintern Station and a cafe stop. Fully refreshed, it was a return to Caldicot via St. Arvans, Chepstow and Mounton. Nice to have the company of Michael Malolepszy and Linda Malolepszy from Newport Social Cycling, along with Carolyn Griffiths, Francesca Cooper and Tracey Eastabrook. Ride was around 30 miles with about 2,500 feet of climbing.

Riders:

1. Tony Griffiths
2. Carolyn Griffiths
3. Tracey Eastabrook
4. Linda Malolepszy
5. Michael Malolepszy
6. Francesca Cooper

Wednesday, 8th June 2016

https://www.facebook.com/events/1412496922109388/

Distance: 17 miles – Difficulty: 2/5 – Weather: Very Warm

Lovely ride into Chepstow via Crick and Mathern. Dark Hill never gets any easier, certainly puffing a bit at the top. Rode down through the town to the Boat Inn, bumped into a few old friends and then to find out there is a fifty minute wait for food. So, change of plan and cycled towards home, via the very steep (12%), School Hill before finding some solace and food at the Millers Arms in Mathern.

Riders:

1. Tony Griffiths
2. Carolyn Griffiths
3. Sue Earnshaw
4. Tracey Eastabrook
5. Diane Potter

Saturday, 4th June 2016

https://www.facebook.com/events/868367519955735/

Distance: 34 miles – Difficulty: 2/5 – Weather: not sunny but warm

Four riders made the start at the Choir Hall for a trip to Redwick and the Rose Inn for lunch. Knowing that the pub was not due to open until mid-day, the ride diverted through Sudbrook and onto Black Rock. The attached photos were taken at this attractive setting, before moving on to Leechpool, Parkwall, Hayes Gate and eventually back on the A48 at Crick. A ride through the Roman Town of Caerwent before taking the St. Bride’s Road to Magor and onto Wilcrick.

At the Redwick junction, we were met by what seemed like hundreds of riders, with two charity rides on. Apparently there were 650 riders who had ridden from Portishead, on the second stage of their 120 mile journey from Taunton to Miskin as part of the ‘Wheels and Wickets Charity Ride’. Also out, and crossing at Redwick junction were lots of riders on the local ‘Dalmation Bike Ride’, raising money fro St. David’s Hospice.

Once we had negotiated the traffic, it was a quick burst down the Queens Way towards Nash before calling back at the Rose in Redwick for lunch, where we met a resting Sue Earnshaw, taking it easy before her big Dragon Ride tomorrow.

Riders:

1. Tony Griffiths
2. Sharon Ward
3. Tony Ward
4. Robert Stallard

Sunday, 29th May 2016

https://www.facebook.com/events/197029223964844/

What a fabulous day, the weather was hot and sunny, the riders came in their droves and the support team as usual were magnificent.

Forty Five riders in all made their way to Redwick for the annual, 8 hour Redwick Endurance Challenge around the 2 mile circuit to raise money for the 2016 Charity Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA). It was also good to see the event supported by family and friends who came down riders, who ages ranged from 2 to 80, some of who had not ridden for a while. We are also grateful for the support of riders from Newport Social Cycling, the Caldicot Sustrans Group and the Monmouthshire Breeze Group.

Last year’s total team effort managed 765 laps of the circuit, but this was smashed with the new best of 990 laps, which is equivalent to 1,930 miles. A commemorative ‘Collage’ will be hung at the Rose Inn, and the joint winners of today’s event, Gareth Davies and Nick Powell with 51 circuits each, will be engraved on the trophy. A total of £607 was raised for the charity from this effort.

Here is a selection of photos from the 420 odd that were taken, with thanks to Colleen and Lyndon Gauntlett.

Here is the full list of participants with their lap records:

 

Sunday, 22nd May 2016

https://www.facebook.com/events/175534189511864/

Taking the more gentle route down to the Seawall Tearooms, unlike some of our club-mates who were taking to the hills in the Velothon, nine riders made the start at the Choir Hall on a fine Spring morning. It was great to welcome new member, Lloyd Jones to the fold and also to see Jan Cain once again.

The route through Caldicot, Caerwent, St. Bride’s and Magor, with a brief stop at the Rose Inn at Redwick to confirm some things for next week’s Endurance ride, the group made their way to the Seawall and the always welcoming Tearooms.

Once fully refreshed with coffee, cakes and other savouries, the team made their way back along the flats to Undy, then through the lanes to Carrow Hill, Highmoor Hill and Dewstow before returning to the Choir Hall. A good day had by all.

Riders:

1. Tony Griffiths
2. Carolyn Griffiths
3. Sharon Ward
4. Tracey Eastabrook
5. Lloyd Jones
6. Jan Cain
7. Janet Vale
8. Grahame Morton
9. Gareth Davies