Rides Programme 2025 update
Rides Programme update 14-July-2025
Ian.davies60@gmail.com 07813856969
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Wed 16-Jul-25 Grade 3
Meeting: Sainsbury's SA1 10.20
Leader: Elaine Rohman
Destination: Pontneddfechan via the Swansea valley, Ystradgynlais, Colbren, Glynneath. Ret via the Neath valley and canal path from Aberdulais to BF, then Fabian way to SA1. 45 miles
Also a Grade 1.5
Meeting: Black Pill 10.00
Leader: Oscar Chess 07970183576
Destination: An Educational Penny Halfpenny pootle to Castle Morris and the Llansamlet Canal. Cycle via Marina, Cwm Level Park up to Parc Llewelyn. Then a short hike up to the enigmatic Morris Castle.
We then head towards Morristown on some interesting backroads and cross river to the Coffee Shed for lunch.
We will return following the route of the Llansamlet Canal followed by a quick visit to the Tram Museum at the Marina.
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Sun 20-Jul-25 Grade 3+
Meeting: Llandovery West End car park 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
Grade 2
Meeting: Railway Inn Killay 10.00
Leader: Mike O’Driscoll 07878994708
Destination: An Aberavon loop. Out via Killay, Singleton Park, Marina, Briton Ferry, Neath, Cimla, Pontrhydyfen, Port Talbot. Ret via Baglan, Jersey Marine, New University Campus, SA1, Black Pill.
42 miles, 1497’ ascent.
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Wed 23-Jul-25 Grade 3
Meeting: The Railway Inn Killay 10.00
Leader:
Destination: Rhossili via Welsh Moor, Llanrhidian, Cefn Bryn, Reynoldston, Scurlage. Ret via Burry Green, Cheriton, Llanrhidian, Marsh Road, Penclawwdd. Lib #339 40 miles, 2360’
Also a Grade 2c
Meeting: The Railway Inn Killay 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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Sat 26-Jul-25 Grade 3D
Meeting: Black Pill 09.00
Leader: Richard Sims 07734785309
Brynamman Loop. 50 miles 50 miles
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Sun 27-Jul-25 Grade 3
Sainsbury’s SA1 10.00, McD Briton Ferry 10.40
Leader: Elaine Rohman 07970026017
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: McD BF 10.40
Leader: Ian Davies 07813856969
Destination: Parc Slip Tondu via Port Talbot, Pyle, Ffordd y Gyfraith. Ret via Aberkenfig, Pen y Fai, Court Coleman, Kenfig Hill, Margam etc. 30 miles from McD BF, 42 miles from SA1.
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Wed 30-Jul-25
Meeting: Gowerton 10.00
Leader: Ian Davies 07813856969
Destination: Gelli Aur via Pontarddulais, Llannon, Cefeithin, Llyn Lech Owain, Maesybont, Penrhywgoch . Ret via Milo, Pentre Gwenlais, Llandybie, Ammanford, Garnswllt and Pontarddulias. 42 miles, 2600’
Home ride
Meeting: Gowerton 10.00
Leader:
Destination:
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Sun 03-Aug-25 Grade 3
Meeting: Sainsbury’s SA1 10.00, McD Briton Ferry 10.40
Leader: Ian Davies 07813856969
Destination: The Bwlch and Rhigos via the Afan valley, Rhondda valley and Neath Valley. 55 miles from McD BF 67 from SA1, approx. 3000’
Grade 2
Meeting: McD Briton Ferry 10.40
Leader: Gary Havard 07342214007
Destination: The MTB Centre Glyncorrwg, 28 miles
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Wed 06-Aug-25
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, 2100’
A Grade 2 option is to Start at Ffairfach and meet the ride at the cross roads below Golden Grove on the B4300 at 10.30. This is a 2.5 miles cycle from Ffairfach. This shortens the route by 11 miles and 2 big lumps.
35 miles 1650’
Grade 2
Meeting:
Leader:
Destination:
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Sun 10-Aug-25 Grade 3
Leader: Gary Havard 07342214007
Destination: Ferryside via Dafen, Swiss valley, Pontyeates, Meinciau, Pontantwn, Lllandyfaelog. Ret via Kidwelly, etc. Est 44 miles. 2440’
Grade 2
Meeting: Gowerton 10.00
Leader:
Destination: Kidwelly via Bynea, Dafen, Swiss valley, Pontyates, Heol Nazareth, Four Roads. Ret Pinged, Pembrey, Burry Port etc. 38 miles, <1000’
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Wed 13-Aug-25
Meeting: Gowerton 10.00
Leader:
Destination:
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Sun 17-Aug-25 Grade 3
Meeting: Sainsbury’s SA1 10.00, McD Briton Ferry 10.40
Leader:
Destination: Beach Café Llantwit Major 64/52 miles
Grade 2
Meeting: Pyle swimming pool car park 10.00
Leader:
Destination: Llantwit Major. Est 36 miles
Home ride Grade 2
Meeting: Gowerton
Leader: Gary Havard 07342214007
Destination: Pembrey
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Wed 20-Aug-25
Meeting:
Leader:
Destination:
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Sat 23-Aug-25 Grade 3D
Meeting: Black Pill 09.00
Leader: Richard Sims 07734785309
Destination: Llandeilo Route, starting from Black Pill 9am - 56 miles
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Sun 24-Aug-24
Meeting:
Leader:
Destination:
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Wed 27-Aug
Meeting:
Leader:
Destination:
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Sun 31-Aug-25
Meeting:
Leader:
Destination:
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Mon 01 Sept to Mon 08-Sep-25
Lost Lanes tour - West Country, Wilts and Somerset.
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Sat 27-Sep-25 Grade 3D
Meeting: Black Pill 09.00
Leader: Richard Sims 07734785309
Destination: Ferryside short route! 56 miles
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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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