Saturday, 20th August 2016

From Hay-on-Wye to Caldicot – 64 miles

I would just like to say a big thank you to all the boys and girls who made yesterday’s MNDA Charity Bike Ride such a success, despite awful conditions.

Special thanks must go to the ever present support team, for giving up their time so that these events can take place. To David Kirton for organising the mini-bus and driving us to Hay; to Peter Williams for transporting our bikes; to Theo Roberts, David Currie and Anthony Ward for providing much needed support; to Jayne Stallard and friend for registration; to Leon Jones for organising the trailer and bikes.

The riders; Anthony Griffiths, Carolyn Griffiths, Grahame Morton, Chris Nolan, Robert Stallard, Chris Davidson, Sharon M Maybury Ward, Janet Vale, Helen Gilmore, Neil Gilmore and Darren Canty. You all done brilliant.

Also thanks to all those who came down to the Rose Inn at Redwick; Kirstie Benjamin and Nick Powell and others already mentioned. Thank you to all the people who made donations to the MNDA Charity.

The day ended with a celebration party at the Choir Hall. Thanks to all the friends and family who came, and the bar staff who kept us topped up with falling down juice. Great entertainment and food provided by the Choir. Thank you Rob and Jayne Stallard for organising the raffle. There was some memorable performances on the Karoake machine as well !

Riders:

1. Tony Griffiths
2. Carolyn Griffiths
3. Sue Earnshaw
4. Helen Gilmore
5. Neil Gilmore
6. Chris Nolan
7. Chris Davidson
8. Grahame Morton
9. Sharon Ward
10. Robert Stallard
11. Janet Vale
12. Darren Canty
13. Kirstie Benjamin (from Redwick)
14. Nick Powell (from Redwick)

Support:

1. Peter Williams
2. Dave Currie
3. Jayne Stallard
4. Sian Hudson
5. Dave Kirton
6. Theo Roberts
7. Tony Ward
8. Leon Jones

Sunday, 14th August 2016

https://www.facebook.com/events/1767772370174672/

Nice ride down to the Seawall Cafe, just a warm-up before the big Charity Ride next week.

Six riders made the start, good to see David Kirby come out again with the club, and the return of Leon Jones. The route saw us go through Caerwent, Carrow Hill, Magor and Wilcrick before taking on the wind down the Llanwern straight. Wildlife was in abundance down the very scenic Chapel Lane to Goldcliff, before turning off to the Seawall Tearooms for refreshments.

Good to catch-up with the Caldicot Town Cycle Club at the cafe before heading for home via Undy and Rogiet.

Riders:

1. Tony Griffiths
2. Carolyn Griffiths
3. Sue Earnshaw
4. Robert Stallard
5. David Kirby
6. Leon Jones

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