Sunday, 25th September 2016
https://www.facebook.com/events/642311909269967/
https://www.goskyride.com/Search/Details?eventid=85768
Distance : 22 miles – Weather : Raining initially, but then warm – Coffee Stop : Piercefield Inn
For those interested in the history of what is locally called ‘The Mansion’, Piercefield House – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piercefield_House
Only three riders made the start at the Choir Hall for the MTB trip to the Piercefield Mansion. The route included a visit to Black Rock, the estuary at low tide gives a good view of the hazards facing shipping. On through Leechpool for the first climb of the day, not too bad but certainly gets your legs warmed up. Descending St. Pierre hill and on to Hayes Gate and Mounton, pretty little hamlet with a tiny church alongside a babbling brook. Then came the big climb of the day, Mounton Road up to the hospital, maxing out at 17% gradient on some sections. Once at the top, it was down through the Danes to the top of Welsh Street and through the little gap in the wall that takes you through the woods to the Mansion. A cross-country horse event was on, so care had to be taken as we were riding straight through the course. A quick stop for photographs and to take in the magnificent views from the once proud Mansion House, now in a sorry state of repair before we headed back out of the park towards St. Arvans.
The Piercefield Inn was our coffee (or beer) stop on this ride, and because they do not sell cakes we had to make-do with the dessert menu, so it was Eton Mess and Lemon Tart although Sue was more healthy and went for Whitebait and Salad.
The return journey saw us head back through Chepstow and Mathern, and onwards to Crick and home.
Riders:
- Tony Griffiths
- Sue Earnshaw
- Tracey Eastabrook