2008
All the listings for 2008 are located on this
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January 2008
Sunday 6 January
Tinkinswood and St Lythans. Meet 10.00–10.15 on the Bute Park side of the Sophia Gardens footbridge. West of Cardiff via Wenvoe to visit the prehistoric burial chambers of Tinkinswood and St Lythans. Nothing pagan planned, but we will see what happens. Stop at Horse and Jockey in Twyn-yr-Odyn. Back around 2 p.m. Hard: 30 km (18 miles). Contact: Nick Canham Tel: 029 20222016 / 07949 389550. Note: this ride is a reprise of December's Winter Solstice ride, which was abandoned in heavy fog. Ride report
Monday 7 January
Look after your bike. 7.30 p.m., the Meeting Room, Chapter Arts. If you've just got a new bike for Christmas, this could be for you. We'll be giving some basic tips on changing an inner tube, plus how best to clean and lubricate your bike and avoid mechanical problems. Following this, there'll be an opportunity to share tips. Bring along your ideas. Note that there will be a short Monthly Meeting before this session from 7 p.m.–7.30 p.m. Everyone welcome.
Sunday 13 January
The Griffin Inn, Lisvane. Meet 10.00–10.15 on the Bute Park side of the Sophia Gardens footbridge. Heading out of the city via Cathays and the Heath, stopping for Sunday lunch in Lisvane and returning via Llanishen. Moderate: 25 km (14 miles). Contact: Germaine Walsh. Tel: 029 20619907 (Work) / 029 20912254 (Home).
Sunday 20 January
Caerphilly Ride. Meet 10.00 for 10.15am on the Bute Park side of Sophia Gardens footbridge. Along the Taff Trail to Tongwynlais then through Caerphilly, Rudry, Lisvane, and aim to be back in Cardiff before 2 p.m. Coffee stop along the way. Hard: 45 km (27 miles) Contact: Gwenda Owen Tel: 07875333234
Sunday 27 January
Hensol Loop. Meet 10.00–10.15 on the Bute Park side of the Sophia Gardens footbridge. We'll head out in the direction of Peterstone-super-Ely, then take the scenic loop around Allt Laes and Tredodridge. We'll try to find the mysterious lost lake situated on the edge of Hensol Forest in the Vale of Glamorgan. We might have to walk a bit! We'll also stop off at Wild Fig Deli. Hard: 40 km (21 miles). Contact: Nick Canham 029 20222016.
Please read our rides policy.
February 2008
Sunday 3 February
Easy ride to Castell Coch. Meet 10.00–10.15 on the Bute Park side of the Sophia Gardens footbridge. Ideal for families or the less confident cyclist, we will use the traffic-free Taff Trail route until we reach Tongwynlais before enjoying cake and hot drinks at the castle and heading back. Easy: 15 km (9 miles). Contact: Germaine Walsh. Tel: 029 20619907 (Work) / 029 20912254 (Home).
Monday 4 February
Cycle touring evening. 7 p.m., the Meeting Room, Chapter Arts. Marion will be leading an interactive discussion about the pleasures and perils of touring cycling. Whether you've toured Glamorgan or circumnavigated the globe, come along and share your knowledge with those who may be planning a similar adventure of their own. There will also be a short meeting to kick off, plus drinks in Chapter Bar to follow. Contact: Marion Gray.
Sunday 10 February
Abercynon to Newport. Meet 10.00–10.15 on the Bute Park side of the Sophia Gardens footbridge to catch the 10.41 train to Abercynon from Cathays. The route is almost entirely off road and downhill, apart from a short climb at the beginning. On the way we will see the Taf-Bargoed Cascades, ride along the top of the Hengoed Viaduct, pass through the Sirhowy Valley Country Park, before finally descending into Newport past the fourteen locks. There are plenty of trains going back to Cardiff from Newport and the brave can take the coast road back. Moderate: 35 km (19.5 miles). There shouldn't be a problem with getting bikes on the train but please contact Max Smith 02920 765293 in advance so that numbers can be confirmed.
Sunday 17 February
Gentle ride to Caerphilly and back. Meet 10.00–10.15 on the Bute Park side of the Sophia Gardens footbridge. Along the Taff Trail, and then on the other trail to Caerphilly, where we'll have a food/drink stop. Trail all the way so traffic-free. There is a slight incline on the way there, so it's much quicker on the way back. Moderate: 30 km (18 miles). Contact: Sybil / Gwenda Tel: 07875 333234 / 029 20310328
Thursday 21 February
Cyclists' social evening. Come along and join us for a drink and something to eat. Everyone welcome. From 7.00 p.m. at Juno Lounge, 14 Wellfield Road, Roath, Cardiff, CF24 3PB. Contact: Eli Pelletier.
Sunday 24 February
Rudry Loop. Meet 10.00–10.15 on the Bute Park side of the Sophia Gardens footbridge. Out of Cardiff to the east via Old St Mellons. We'll loop around Michaelston-y-fedw to near Rudry, then come back into Cardiff via Lisvane. Bring snacks. Moderate: 28 km (17 miles). Some hills. Contact: Nick Canham 029 20222016.
Please read our rides policy.
March 2008
Saturday 1 March
St David's Day Parade. This year, cyclists are invited to join the St. David’s Day Parade. Participants are asked to form a group in front of the steps of the National Museum of Wales at 12.45 p.m. for a short opening ceremony before the parade begins at approximately 1.15 p.m. The parade will follow a route down St Mary Street, Custom House Street, Bute St, Lloyd George Avenue and The Flourish before passing in front of the Millennium Centre and around the Pierhead Building to finish at the Senedd. If you’d like to dress up, so much the better. We look forward to seeing you there.
Monday 3 March
Guest Speaker: John Franklin. 7 p.m., First Space, Chapter Arts. This month, we are delighted to have the company of one of the UK's leading voices on cycling for what promises to be a fascinating and thought-provoking evening. John Franklin is author of Cyclecraft, the definitive guide on cycling skills, and an expert witness in cycling accident cases. He will giving a talk on cycling infrastructure and safety. We hope you can join us. Visit John's website here.
Sunday 9 March
Easy ride to Cardiff Bay. Meet 10.00–10.15 on the Bute Park side of the Sophia Gardens footbridge. Ideal for families or the less confident cyclist, we will use the traffic-free Taff Trail route until we reach the docks where we shall have refreshments at the Norwegian Church and then return to Bute Park. Easy: 15 km (10 miles). Contact: Germaine Walsh. Tel: 029 20619907 (Work) / 029 20912254 (Home).
Sunday 16 March
Taste of Spring. Meet 10.00–10.15 on the Bute Park side of the Sophia Gardens footbridge. Out of Cardiff in the direction of Peterstone-super-Ely and Groes Faen, this ride will take in the dismantled railway before skirting the edge of Miskin and heading back past Llanerch vineyard. There will be a stop at Wild Fig Deli for refreshments. Hard: 37 km (22 miles). Contact: Marion Gray Tel: 029 20315887.
Monday 24 March (Easter Monday)
Llancaiach Fawr. Meet 10.00–10.15 on the Bute Park side of the Sophia Gardens footbridge. This ride will follow the trail up to Pontypridd, but then cut across on-road to Nelson. We'll stop for snacks and a brief exploration of Llancaiach Fawr stately home. Then back over Eglwysilan Common: a dramatic climb at a steady gradient followed by a sharp descent into Senghenydd and Abertridwr. Hard: 60 km (36 miles), and one substantial hill on the way back. Contact: Nick Canham 029 20222016.
Stop press – Sunday 30 March ride
Caerphilly loop. Meet 10.00 for 10.15am on the Bute Park side of Sophia Gardens footbridge. Up the Taff Trail to Tongwynlais then through Caerphilly, Bedwas, Machen, and back via Lisvane aiming to be back in Cardiff before 2 p.m. Coffee stop at The Hollybush in Draethen. Hard: 45km (27 miles). Contact: Gwenda 029 20310328 or 07875333234.
Please read our rides policy.
April 2008
Sunday 6 April
Spring Ride. Meet at 10.00am for 10.15am at the Bute Park side of Sophia Gardens footbridge. We'll head off into the Vale, towards Welsh St. Donat's, passing through the lovely Hensol forests, through Miskin, and up towards Groes Faen, before heading to Wild Fig Deli for hot choc and cakes. The ride is on roads, a few might be busy for short stretches, but otherwise quiet country roads, and there are a few hills. But we should see loads of primroses and other spring flowers along the way as well as lots of bounding lambs! Hard: 40+ km (25 miles approx). Contact Sheila 029 20226958 / 07736393583.
Monday 7 April
Monthly meeting—Bike Week planning. 7 p.m., Meeting Room, Chapter Arts. Bike Week 2007 was really successful, with events catering for a wide range of cyclists. This meeting will look at what we can do in 2008 to top that. Quite a few projects are already under way. This meeting will also review the recent Sustainable Transport Question Time. As usual, drinks in Chapter Bar to follow (8.30 p.m.).
Saturday 12 April
Mountain bike ride. Meet 10.00–10.15 on the Bute Park side of the Sophia Gardens footbridge. This ride will follow the Taff Trail up to Castle Coch where we will follow a winding trail through the woods to the top car park. From here we will pick up the unmade road, crossing to Thornhill Road and onto a ridge trail before looping back for a stop at the Traveller's Rest refreshments and food. From here, the return to Cardiff will be via Castle Coch and the Taff Trail. Mountain bikes advised. Moderate: 32 km (20miles). Contact: Dave Webb 029 20541714
Sunday 13 April
Wild Fig Deli Ride. Meet 10.00–10.15 on the Bute Park side of the Sophia Gardens footbridge. We will leave Cardiff through Fairwater and then head to Peterstone via St Fagans. This ride will be at a steady but gentle pace and most of it along fairly quiet lanes. We'll have a food, drink, or shopping stop at the Wild Fig before returning to Cardiff. The ideal trip for those who have not yet experienced chilli hot chocolate! Moderate: 30 km (18 miles). Contact: Gwenda Tel: 07875 333234 or 029 20310328
Sunday 27 April
Easy ride to Cardiff Bay. Meet 10.00–10.15 on the Bute Park side of the Sophia Gardens footbridge. We will use the traffic-free Taff Trail route until we reach the bay, where we shall have refreshments at the Norwegian Church and then return to Bute Park. Easy: 15 km (10 miles) and generally flat. Contact: Germaine Walsh. Tel: 029 20619907 (Work) / 029 20912254 (Home).
Please read our rides policy.
May 2008
Monday 5 May (Bank Holiday)
Caerleon Ride. Meet 10.00–10.15 on the Bute Park side of the Sophia Gardens Footbridge. Out via Cyncoed and St Mellons. We’ll use quiet roads, NCN47, and the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal. Picnic amongst the Roman ruins. There will be a few busyish roads around Newport, plus some hills. Hard: 60 km (36 miles). Contact: Nick Canham 029 20222016
Tuesday 6 May
Evening Ride/Social. Meet 6.30–6.45 on the Bute Park side of the Sophia Gardens Footbridge. This evening ride is a replacement for our May meeting. We'll head up the Taff Trail and then past Castell Coch as far as the Black Cock pub. Food available. We'll head back 9.30ish. Bring lights. Moderate: 25 km (15 miles). Contact: Nick Canham 029 20222016
Sunday 11 May
Forest Farm Easy Ride. Meet 10.00–10.15 on the Bute Park side of the Sophia Gardens footbridge. Forest Farm is a nature reserve on the Taff Trail near Whitchurch. We will cycle on the traffic-free Taff Trail for most of this. There will be a stop somewhere along the ride for light refreshments. Easy: 15 km (9 miles) and very flat. Contact: Germaine Walsh. Tel: 029 20619907 (Work) / 029 20912254 (Home).
Sunday 18 May
Sully and Cosmeston Lakes. Meet 10.00–10.15 on the Bute Park side of the Sophia Gardens footbridge. Out via Llandough and along Sully Lane to the Captain’s Wife at Sully Island. To Cosmeston Lakes Country Park (refreshment stop) and back via Penarth. Moderate: 25 km (17 miles). Steep hill out of Cardiff but otherwise fairly easy riding. Contact: Ken Barker 029 2022 0309 (Work) / 029 2037 2379 (Home).
Monday 26 May (Bank Holiday)
Lighthouse Ride. Meet 10.00–10.15 on the Bute Park side of the Sophia Gardens footbridge. A ride out into the Vale of Glamorgan and then down to the spectacular heritage coast at Monk Nash, just outside Llantwit Major. We’ll stick around for an hour or so to explore. There’s a pub in the village, and a kiosk on the headland near the lighthouse. Hard: 65km (40 miles). Contact: Nick Canham 029 20222016
Please read our rides policy.
June 2008
Sunday 1 June
St Brides Wentlooge/Lighthouse Inn via Castleton and Marshfield. Meet 10.00–10.15 on the Bute Park side of the Sophia Gardens footbridge. Out from Cardiff via Tremorfa and St Mellons, then down to Wentlooge levels. Refreshment stops at Lighthouse Inn or Peterstone. Moderate: 34 km (21 miles). Contact: Ken 029 20220309 or 029 20372379.
Monday 2 June
Monthly meeting—Bike Week planning. 7 p.m., Meeting Room, Chapter Arts. We'll have a meeting of approximately an hour and half to finalize Bike Week arrangments. For full details of the Bike Week plans, visit the Bike Week page. As usual, drinks in Chapter Bar to follow (8.30 p.m.).
Sunday 8 June
Heritage and Hills Ride. Meet 10.00–10.15 on the Bute Park side of the Sophia Gardens footbridge. This ride into the Vale takes in some of its interesting Heritage sites. It goes out via St Fagans, Peterstone, Welsh St Donats and out to St Quentin’s Castle in Llanblethian, where there will be time for a picnic stop so bring lunch!! Then back up some fairly steep hills through some beautiful scenery and ending up with a tea/coffee stop at Dyffryn and a chance to see the burial chambers at Tinkinswood for those with energy left! Hard: 60 km (36 miles) and Hilly with farm debris on one or two roads. ContactMarion Gray 02920315887
Sunday 22 June
Fruit picking. Meet 10.00–10.15 on the Bute Park side of the Sophia Gardens footbridge. Up the Taff Trail to Gelynis Farm for early season strawberries. Bring containers. There's a cafe for those indifferent to the allure of soft fruit. Easy: 15 km (9 miles). Contact: Nick Canham 029 20222016
Please read our rides policy.
July 2008
Sunday 6 July
The Brynfynnon Inn at Llanwonno. Meet at 10.00–10.15 on the Bute Park side of the Sophia Gardens footbridge. Taff Trail to Pontypridd, then on through Ynysbwl (easier climb) to the Brynfynnon Inn for refreshments. The Brynfynnon Inn is a small country pub usually fully booked for Sunday lunches, therefore you may wish to bring a packed lunch to eat outside. Those with mountain bikes may wish to make a short loop into the Llanwonno forestry on route NCN47 and see the only 'volcano' in Wales ?? Returning to Cardiff using NCN47 and Taff Trail. Most of this route is on trail apart from the easier climb to the Brynfynnon and the descent to Pontypridd which is on country roads. Hard: 59 km (35 miles) Contact Robert on 01443 742183 or 07967 127382 If you do not wish to ride the whole distance from Cardiff, please contact Rob to arrange a meeting place en route.
Sunday 13 July
Wild Fig Deli. Meet at 10.00–10.15 start on the Bute Park side of Sophia Gardens footbridge. This popular destination takes us through the Drope and into Peterstone-Super-Ely where the Fruit Farm will be dripping with succulent fruits to pick, buy, and/or eat, whilst supping the compulsory chilli hot chocolate. On roads with some hills. Moderate: 27 km (18 miles). Contact Sheila 02920 226958 or 07736393583.
Sunday 20 July
Ride to Cardiff Bay barrage. Meet at 10.00-10.15 on the Bute Park side of the Sophia Gardens footbridge. We will use the traffic-free Taff Trail route then cross the new bridge (yes, its open!) on to the barrage. On the return journey we will be calling at the Norwegian church for refreshments. Moderate: 17 km (11 miles) essentially a flat ride. Contact: Robert on 01443 742183 or 07967 127382.
Sunday 27 July
Lighthouse Ride. Meet 10.00–10.15 on the Bute Park side of the Sophia Gardens footbridge. A ride out into the Vale of Glamorgan and then down to the spectacular heritage coast at Monk Nash, just outside Llantwit Major. We’ll stick around for an hour or so to explore. There’s a pub in the village, and a kiosk on the headland near the lighthouse. Hard: 65km (40 miles). Contact: Nick Canham 029 20222016.
Please read our rides policy.
August 2008
Saturday 2 August
Dragon Ride re-visited. Meet 9.00–9.15 on the Bute Park side of the Sophia Gardens footbridge. For those of you who love hill climbs, we will be riding two of the main hill climbs encountered in this years Dragon Ride with spectacular scenery. From Cardiff we head out to Pencoed via St Fagans and Welsh St Donants to pick up the start of the Dragon ride route in Pencoed. From here we will travel across to Blackmill to start the first big hill climb up to Nant-y-moel and a second climb across to Cymer. From here we loop back to Maesteg, Bridgend, and back to Cardiff. Very Hard: 116 km (72 miles). Contact: Dave Webb 029 20705789 or 07925 323401.
Sunday 3 August
Norwegian Church easy ride. This ride has been altered from a trip to Castel Coch due to the Eisteddfod. Meet at 10.00–10.15 on the Bute Park side of the Sophia Gardens footbridge. We'll head down the trail along mostly traffic free routes as far as the Norwegian Church where we'll stop for coffee. Easy: 15 km (9 miles). Contact: Nick Canham 029 20222016.
Monday 4 August
Social ride. Meet at 6.30–6.45 on the Bute Park side of the Sophia Gardens footbridge. In lieu of a meeting in August, we'll be taking a pleasant evening ride across the barrage (weather permitting). Having reached the other side, there'll be a bit of an uphill into Penarth Town, where we will be arriving at Osho Lounge on Windsor Road for drinks and/or food at roughly 7.30. Obviously, we can't guarantee the availability of tables, but hopefully it being a Monday should help. Bring lights! There's no specific plan for getting back, so be prepared to get back under your own steam. The barrage route will be closed. Contact: Nick Canham 029 20222016.
Sunday 10 August
Fourteen Locks and Brecon Canal. Meet 10.00–10.15 on the Bute Park side of the Sophia Gardens footbridge. This is a hilly ride via Bassaleg to the edge of Newport at Fourteen Locks (refreshments) and then up the canal towards Risca, then back over the hill via Draethen and Lisvane. Hard: >50 km (30 miles). Back around 3 p.m. Contact: Ken Barker 029 2037 2379 / mobile 07816 586735.
Sunday 17 August
Southerndown Beach. Meet 10.00–10.15 on the Bute Park side of the Sophia Gardens footbridge. This was a pleasant ride last year, although we’ll hopefully miss the worst of the Bank Holiday traffic by moving it forward a week. We’ll keep up a briskish pace out through the Vale of Glamorgan, mostly on quiet roads. Various lunch options available, including picnic on beach or pub. Back by 6ish. Hard: 85 km (50 miles). Contact: Nick Canham 029 20222016.
Sunday 31 August
Dyffryn Gardens. Meet 10.00–10.15 on the Bute Park side of the Sophia Gardens footbridge. West of Cardiff via Wenvoe and Twyn-yr-Odyn to the cafe at Dyffryn Gardens. For those who’d like a look round the gardens, there’ll be 45 minutes or so. Back around 14.00. Moderate: 30 km (18 miles). Contact: Nick Canham 029 20222016 / 07949 389550.
Please read our rides policy.
September 2008
Monday 1 September
Monthly meeting. 7 p.m., Mediapoint, Chapter Arts. Through temporary entrance, left, up stairs, and along the corridor. Ask directions if in doubt. This month's short meeting will discuss the new ride calendar and ride plans for autumn and winter. We will also think ahead to future activities, meetings, and events. As usual, drinks in Chapter Bar to follow (c. 8.00–8.30 p.m.).
Sunday 7 September
Six Saint Cycle Ride. Meet 10.00–10.15. There's a problem with the meeting point. Please refer to the front page for up to date info. On to St Fagans then eventually through St Brides-super-Ely, St George’s and to St Nicholas. We will then pass Dyffryn Gardens and St Lythans before having refreshments at the Horse and Jockey. Down through Wenvoe to St Andrews Major and onto Penarth via Cosmeston Lakes. A well deserved picnic at Geoff’s house then back through the scenic Penarth Marina and up the Ely Trail to Waun-Gron Park train station. Hard: 45 km (28 miles) on mainly country lanes and cycle track. Contact Geoff Woolley 029 20701098
Sunday 14 September
Newport Wetlands. Meet 9.30–9.45 on the Bute Park side of the Sophia Gardens footbridge. Up the Taff Trail to Caerphilly, then follow NCN route 4 to Newport (where there is the only serious hill of the ride). We will stop for a picnic lunch along the canal at the Fourteen Locks Information Centre and cafe, then on to the RSPB wetlands on the other side of Newport, where there is another cafe for afternoon tea and cakes. Cyclists have the option of just doing the Taff Trail to Caerphilly and returning, or of getting a train back to Cardiff from Newport (before or after the Wetlands), or of cycling the whole way back. The route is varied and predominantly off-road or on quiet roads, with the exception of a few busier roads closer to Newport. Hard: c.80 km (50 miles). Contact: Sheila 02920 226 958 / 07736393583 or Marion 02920 315 887 / 07882361333.
Sunday 21 September
Eglwysilan and Groes-wen. Meet 10.00–10.15 on the Bute Park side of the Sophia Gardens footbridge. Along the Taff Trail north to Nantgarw (lower route), then a short climb on country roads to either the Rose and Crown or White Cross, where we’ll have around half an hour stop, for snacks or lunch. The return to Cardiff is all downhill so we should have a quick return at about 3 p.m. Hard: 33 km (19 miles), but mostly on trail and slightly inclined. Contact: Robert 01443 742183 / 07967 127382