Triumphrat

Dixie2 · 10-13-2005, 12:05 PM

Alright all, don't want to seem like a broken record but Wales is god's country and all that so no harm in revisiting parts of it.

I've put together a route that I'll flesh out over the coming days, but just wanted to give you the flavour now.

Chepstow up to Grosmont via back roads parallel to the Tintern route (namely B4293, B4233, B4347, then continuing on B4347 to Hay on Wye (alternative is on the Welsh side of Offa's dyke). Then to Builth
Wells and Llandovery (break at caff?) and up to Llyn Brianne, which if you haven't been there is a stormer and extremely scenic for those of a poetic disposition.

Up past the water and down the Devil's Staircase to Abergwesyn, Beulah and over the top at Upper Chapel past the military ranges to Brecon. Then to Abergavenny by one of two options, the fast but well policed A40 or the B4558 that we got split up on the last time we
did it.

Then via Usk to Chepstow and homeward.

All in, it's about 200 miles and is a fine cross section of
excellent roads (winding high hedged Bs, exposed moorland military keep yer head down Bs, gravelly fire road type UCs and fast As) and packaged up with the kind of countryside that made Tom Jones sing
about the green green grass of home.

The last time we did a Wales run, we got 21 Tigers along. I'd say in hindsight that that was a bit too many to handle. A record (takes deep bow and milks applause), but probably better to keep numbers
lower.

Let me know if you're up for this one. If the weather's like today in Cardiff - crisp with a nip in the air, blue skies - it will be a blinder. I'll see what I can do about that.

As ever, route not written in stone and tweakable by RCC (route consultative committee).

No air miles or loyalty points on this one, but luncheon vouchers are being considered for the October Wales Ride out pack, which will be posted as soon as you register your interest.

Cheers, Rich

RGCH · 10-15-2005, 11:59 AM

Might be interested, but coming from Porthcawl. Depending on your route I might meet up halfway or leave you on the way back and take Neath valley route home rather than return to Chepstow. Would appreciate it if you keep me informed of arrangements and what you decide to do with the weather!!
Thanks
Richard

Dixie2 · 10-21-2005, 05:14 AM

Richard - it'd be good to see you. Free to join and leave wherever it suits.

The weather's been sorted for sunday. 15 degrees C and predominantly sunny.

We have spoken to the local constabulary about moving the helicopter away from our key routes and to the Nelson celebrations in Barry and they have kindly agreed to this.

The caff in Llandovery is prepared for the arrival of a group of hungry Tiguerillas. They are even putting on a promotion of free butter with every scone especially for us.

The roads have been checked and found to be of the appropriate standard. Gravel has been cleared off most hairpins. (get out clause: if you do find some, we cannot take responsibility for what some evil b*stard might have done since we cleared it).

So given that all the conditions are right for a stonking great ride on sunday, who's coming?

Andy C, DJ, Paul C, Steve R, Dave W, Simon G, Robbie, Russell K? Are you up for it?

Reminder of start details: 9.45 for a 10 start from the castle car park at Chepstow. If anybody wants the GPS coordinates, look I'm sorry, we don't do namby pamby high tech round here. I will bring a print off of the route.

Cheers

Rich
07973 149288
If you're going to arrive late, text me.

chrisn · 10-21-2005, 06:15 AM

Rich,

Would love to join you but did a Welsh weekender with RAT a couple of weeks ago. And besides, I've got GPS and can't read maps. :nana: Have a good un!