Rides Programme 2024 update
Wed 19-Jun-24 Grade 2
Meeting: Sainsbury’s SA1 10.00
Leader: Ian Davies 07813856969
Destination: Ystradgynlais via NCR43, ret via Crynant, Aberdulais, Neath Canal path etc. 36 miles 1404 ft.
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Sun 23-Jun-24 Grade 3
Meeting: Gowerton 10.00
Leader: Simon Jenkins 07769351421
Destination: Mynydd y Gwair circular via Grovesend, Pontlliw, Felindre, Rhyd y Pandy, Scotch Pine, Ammanford, Llandyfan, Blaengweche Derwydd, Llandybie, Capel Hendre, Pontarddulais.
Est 42 miles. 3,150’ Lib ref #330
Grade: 2c
Meet: Gowerton 10.00
Leader: Dave Stephens 07864020630
Destination: Lliw Reservoir via Grovesend, Pontlliw, Felindre. Ret via Clydach, NCR 43, Blackpill & Clyne Cycle Path (Approx. 32 miles, ascent 1,177ft)
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Wed 26-Jun-24 Grade 3 suggested
Meeting: Gowerton 10.00
Leader:
Destination: Kidwelly via Pontarddulais, Llannon, Tumble, Porthyrhyd, Llangyndeyrn, Llandyfaelog, Llansaint. Ret via the coast route. Est 46 miles.
Grade 2.
Meeting: Gowerton 10.00
Leader: Pat Hansard 07957287013
Destination: A gentle pootle to Pembrey and back on the bike paths. 30 miles, 800’
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Sun 30-Jun-24 Grade 3
Meeting: Sainsbury’s SA1 10.00, McD Briton Ferry 10.40
Leader:
Destination: Ogmore by Sea via Kenfig Hill, Merthyr Mawr, Ewenny, St Brides Major, Southerndown. Ret via Ewenny, Laleston, Llangewydd, Kenfig Hill, Margam etc. 52 miles/40 miles 1700’
Grade 2
Meeting: Sainsbury’s SA1 10.00, McD Briton Ferry 10.40
Leader: Ian Davies 07813856969
Destination: The MTB Centre Glyncorrwg. A flat gentle pootle. 38 miles / 28 miles
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Wed 03-Jul-24 suggested
Meeting: Gowerton 10.00
Leader:
Destination: The Big Bite Cross Hands via Pontarddulais, Fforest, Llanedi, Capel Hendre, Cwmgwili, Gorslas. Ret via the Swiss Valley, Dafen, Bynea. 34 miles 1300’
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Sun 07-Jul-24 Grade 3 suggested
Meeting: Gowerton 10.00
Leader:
Destination: Ferryside
Grade 2 suggested
Meeting: Gowerton 10.00
Leader:
Destination: Kidwelly
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Wed 10-Jul-24 Grade 2
Meeting: Sainsbury’s SA1 10.00
Leader: Ian Davies 07813856969
Destination: Resolven via Swansea valley path, Alltwen, Bryncoch, Aberdulais. Ret via Tonna, Aberdulais, canal path to Briton Ferry and Fabian way to Swansea. 39 miles, 1500 ft ascents.
This can be extended for G3 riders by continuing from Alltwen to Abercrave, Banwen and Glynneath and back down the Neath valley to Resolven. 50 miles, 2000’
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Sun 14-Jul-24 Grade 4
Meeting: Gowerton 09.30 A Grade 4 ride.
Leader: Simon Jenkins 07769351421
Destination: MB2 Mountain Basher #2. Out via Garnswllt, Ammanford, Brynamman, Black Mtn summit, across to Castell Carreg Cennen (lunch). Ret via Trapp, Ammanford, Betws Mtn, Rhyd y Pandy, Felindre, Pontlliw, Gowerton. 58 miles, 7400’
Also; a Grade 2
Meeting: Gowerton 10.00
Leader: Ian Davies 07813856969
Destination: Rhossili via Welsh Moor, Llanrhidian, Stembridge, Fairyhill, Llanddewi, Scurlage. Ret via Reynoldston, Cefn Bryn, Llanrhidian, Marsh Road, Penclawdd. Lib #338 36 miles 2100’
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Wed 17-Jul-24
Meeting: The Botanical Gardens Porthyrhyd. 10.00
Leader: Ian Davies 07813856969
Destination: Llandovery Fig 8 ride via Llanarthne, Pen-y-banc, Cwmifor, Hermon, Llangadog. Ret via Cilgwyn, Llangadog, Bethlehem, Ffairfach, Llanarthne. Lib Ref #184. 46 miles, 2600’
Also:
Meeting: Gowerton 10.00
Leader:
Destination:
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Sun 21-Jul-24 Grade 3
Meeting: West End Car Park Llandovery 10.00
Leader: Ian Davies 07813856969
Destination: The Devil’s Staircase and Llyn Brianne Loop. Out via Tirabad, Cefn Gorwydd, Llanwrted Wells and Abergwesyn. Ret via Rhandirmwyn to Llandovery. 45 miles with one big lump. 3000’ Lib #278
Also: A Grade 2
Meeting: Gowerton 10.00
Leader:
Destination:
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Wed 24-Jul-24 Suggested
Meeting: Gowerton 10.00
Leader:
Destination: Brynamman via Garnswllt, Ammanford, Amman valley bike path. Ret via Llandeilo Road, Glanamman, bike path, Ammanford, Capel Hendre, Llanedi, Pontarddulais. 38 miles Lib Ref # 366
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Sun 28-Jul-24. The Chain Ferry Ride
Meeting: Gowerton 08.30, picking up at North Dock, Kidwelly.
Leader:
Destination: Chain Ferry from Ferryside to Llansteffan, ret via Carmarthen, NCR4 to start points. Gton 58 miles, 1650’ Lib #328. North Dock 43 miles, Kidwelly 25 miles, Ferryside 20 miles.
Also – a grade 2 Gower loop
Meeting: railway Inn 10.00
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Wed 31-Jul-24 A Grade 2.5
Meeting: Tareni Bridge, Godre’r - graig 10.00
Leader: Ian Davies 07813856969
Destination: A loop around Felin Crai via NCR43, Henrhyd Falls, Craig y nos, Bwlch Cerrig Duon. Ret the Crai Reservoir, Craig y nos and Ystradgynlais. 39 miles, 2300’
For a longer Grade 3 option, start from SA1 08.30, add 28 miles.
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Sun 04-Aug-24 The Alfie Jones Memorial Ride
Meeting: Cross Hands Cinema on the old A48 10.00
Leader: Ian Davies 07813856969
Destination. Bridges of Carmarthenshire County.
Out via Porthyrhyd, Llanarthne, Nant Garedig, Dryslwyn Castle, back roads to Pen y Banc and New Inn. Ret via Ffairfach, Derwydd Mansion and quiet roads to Llandybie and Penygroes. An undulating route with no major hills. Lib #373. 39 miles. 2,600’
Also:
Meeting:
Leader:
Destination:
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Wed 07-Aug-24
Meeting:
Leader:
Destination:
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Ride Disclaimer:
By participating in a Swansea CTC ride, you acknowledge that it is a condition of participating that you do so at your own risk and abide by the statement below:
You acknowledge that participating in the ride may involve a risk of serious injury from various causes, including over exertion, dehydration, equipment failure, and / or accidents with equipment and / or surroundings
You confirm that you are physically fit enough to participate safely in the ride and you have not been advised by a medical professional not to do so
You are not aware of any medical condition, injury or impairment that maybe detrimental to your health by participating in the ride.
If it is detrimental to your health if you participate in the ride, you understand that it is your responsibility to inform the ride leader immediately. Should you choose to continue with the ride despite these conditions, injuries or impairments, you accept the increased risks and likelihood of injury
You certify that you are over 16 years old and have read and fully understood this statement.
You consent for any photographs taken during the ride to be used on social media. If NOT, please advise the ride leader before any pictures are taken.
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Grading System
Pace
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A. Easy Touring: anticipated pace of about at 8-10 mph (13-16 kph) on a flat route, with stops as required.
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B. Touring: anticipated pace of about 10-11 mph, (16-18 kph) with stops as required to regroup at top of climbs.
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C. Touring Plus: anticipated pace of about 11-12 mph (18-19.5 kph) with stops as required to regroup & refresh at top of climbs.
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D. Fast Touring: anticipated pace of about 12-13 mph (19.5-21 kph) with fewer stops to regroup & refresh at top of climbs.
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E. Intermediate: anticipated pace of about 13-14 mph (21-22.5 kph) with fewer stops.
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E+. Sportive - anticipated pace of at least 14-16+ mph (22.5-26+ kph)
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Route
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Grade - Terrain
1. Generally flat with a couple of easy climbs, up to a max of 800 feet (250m), over a distance of 20-30 miles (32-48km).
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2. More undulating, with climbing in the range of 800-2200 feet (250-660m), over a distance 24-40 miles (38-64km).
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3. Partly hilly, some longer climbs, up to 10% (1 in 10), total climbing between 2000- 4000 feet (610-1200m), over a distance of 40-60 miles (64-96km).
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4. Hilly route, some hills steeper than 10% (1 in 10), total climbing between 4000-5900 feet (1200-1800m), over a distance of 40-60 miles, (64-96km).
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5. Longer hilly route, some hills steeper than 10% (1 in 10), climbing between 5500-7200 + feet (1700-2200m), over a distance of 60-100+ miles (90-160+km).
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