Rides Programme 2026 update

Rides Programme update  10-Jun-2026
[email protected]   07813856969
………………………………………………………………………
Sun 14-Jun-26 
Grade 3c. Meeting: Gowerton 10.00, Dunvant Bridge 10.15
Leader: Nicolette Hoekstra
Destination: Rhossili via Welsh Moor, Llanrhidian, Cefn Bryn, Reynoldston, Scurlage. Ret via Burry Green, Cheriton, Llanrhidian, Marsh Road, Penclawdd. Lib #339 40 miles, 2360’

Grade 2c. Meeting: Gowerton 10.00, Dunvant Bridge 10.15
Leader: Gary Havard
Destination: Rhossili via Three Crosses, Welsh Moor, Llanrhidian, Oldwalls, Stembridge, Fairy Hill, Burry, Scurlage. Ret via Cefn Bryn, Llanrhidian, Oldwalls, Marsh Road, Crofty and Penclawdd. 
34 miles, 1800 ‘
……………………………………………………………………………………..
Wed 17-Jun-26
Grade 3. Meeting: Meeting: Sainsbury’s SA1
Leader: Dave Sansom
Destination: Up the Swansea valley to Ystradgynlais and onto Coelbren, returning via Seven Sisters, Crynant, Aberdulais and Neath. 43 miles, 1800’

Grade 2. Meeting: Sainsbury’s SA1
Leader: Ann Otherhill 
Destination: Ystradgynlais via Swansea Valley cycle path. Return via Crynant, Aberdulais, Neath Canal cycle path and NCR4 back to Sainsbury’s SA1. Approximately 36 miles, 1320’ ascent
……………………………………………………………………………………..
Sun 21-Jun-26
Grade 5: Meeting: Gowerton 10.00
Leader: Simon Jenkins
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: Gary Havard
Destination: Pembrey via Bynea, Dafen, Swiss Valley, Pontyates, Heol Nazareth, Pontnewydd, Llandry, Pinged. Return via Burry Port, North Dock etc. Est 36 miles, 1600 feet of ascent
……………………………………………………………………………………..
Wed 24-Jun-26
Grade 3. Meeting: Gowerton 10.00
Leader: Dave Sansom
Destination: Betws Mountain loop

Grade 2. Meeting: Gowerton 10.00
Leader: Bryn Giton
Destination: Clydach via Pontlliw, Penllegaer, Pant lasau. Ret via Craig Cefn parc, Rhyd y Pandy, Felindre, Pontlliw, Pontarddulais.
……………………………………………………………………………………..
Sun 28-Jun-26
Grade 3d. Meeting: McDonald’s Briton Ferry 10.00
Leader: Simon Jenkins
Destination: Rhigos and Bwlch via Neath, Glynneath, Rhigos, Treherbert, Bwlch and back down through Cymmer. 50 miles, 3,583 ft ascent. Avg pace 13-14 mph

Grade 3c. Meeting: McDonald’s Briton Ferry 10.00
Leader: Mike O’Driscoll
Destination: Rhigos and Bwlch via Neath, Glynneath, Rhigos, Treherbert, Bwlch and back down through Cymmer. 50 miles, 3,583 ft ascent. Avg pace 11-12 mph

Grade 2. Meeting: Gowerton 10.00
Leader:
Destination:
……………………………………………………………………………………..
Wed 01-Jul-26
Grade 3. Meeting:
Leader:
Destination:

Grade 1.5. Meeting: Tregib, Ffairfach 10.00
Leader: Ian Davies
Destination: Carmarthen and back to Llandeilo via the Tywi cycle path. Coffee and cake at Parc yr Esgob Carmarthen and a lunch later at Llandeilo is desired. Est 30 miles, come and Pootle with me.
……………………………………………………………………………………..
Sun 05-Jul-26
Grade 4d. Meeting: Pontardawe Cross 10.00
Leader: Simon Jenkins
Destination: The Black Mountain via Coelbren, Tafarn y Garreg and Bwlch Cerrig Duon, Usk Reservoir. 
53 miles, 4,475 feet of ascent. Avg pace 13-14 mph

Grade 4c. Same ride at a slower pace
Meeting: Pontardawe Cross 10.00
Leader: Mike O’Driscoll
Destination: The Black Mountain via Coelbren, Tafarn y Garreg and Bwlch Cerrig Duon, Usk Reservoir. 
53 miles, 4,475 feet of ascent. Avg pace 11-12 mph

Grade 2. Meeting: Gowerton 10.00
Leader:
Destination: Pembrey via Bynea, Dafen, Swiss Valley, Pontyates, Heol Nazareth, Pontnewydd, Llandry, Pinged. Return via Burry Port, North Dock etc. Est 36 miles, 1600 feet of ascent
……………………………………………………………………………………..
Wed 08-Jul-26
Alfie Jones Memorial Ride
Grade 3c. Meeting: Leeks overspill car park 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.  Lib #373.  39 miles. 2,600’

Grade 2. Meeting:
Leader:
Destination:
……………………………………………………………………………………..
Sun 12-Jul-26. 
Grade 3c. Meeting: Sainsbury’s SA1 09.00, Burger King Neath 10.00
Leader: Ian Davies 07813856969
Destination: The Devil’s Elbow via Crynant, Henrhyd Falls, Heol Senni. Ret via Ystradfellte, Glynneath and the Neath valley. 53 miles, 3,800 feet ascents.

Grade 2. Meeting:
Leader:
Destination:
……………………………………………………………………………………..
Wed 15-Jul-26
Grade 3. Meeting:
Leader:
Destination:

Grade 2. Meeting:
Leader:
Destination:
……………………………………………………………………………………..
Sun 19-Jul-26
Grade 3c. Meeting: Llandovery 10.00
Leader: Ian Davies 
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:
Leader:
Destination:
……………………………………………………………………………………..
Wed 22-Jul-26
Grade 3. Meeting:
Leader:
Destination:

Grade 2. Meeting:
Leader:
Destination:
……………………………………………………………………………………..
Sun26-Jul-26
Grade 3c. Meeting: SA1 10.00, McDonald’s Briton Ferry 10.40
Leader:
Destination: Llantwit Major Beach Café via Pyle, Kkenfig Hill, Merthyr Mawr, Ewenny, Llandow. Ret via Monknash, Southerndown, Ogmore by Sea, Ewenny, Llaleston, Pyle.
Distance: 56 miles, Ascent: 2500 feet

Grade 2. Meeting: Pyle Swimming pool 10.00
Leader:
Destination: Llantwit Major Beach Café via Merthyr Mawr, Ewenny, Ogmore by Sea, St Brides Major, St Donats. Ret via Llandow, Ewenny and Laleston. Ian Gofton route, 39 miles, 2100 feet

Home ride.
Meeting: Gowerton 10.00
Leader:
Destination: Over the mountains of the moon, down into the valley of the shadows, a mystery ride in search of El Dorado.
……………………………………………………………………………………..
Wed 29-Jul-26
Grade 4c. Meeting: The Visitor Centre Elan Valley 10.30
Leader: Ian Davies
Destination: Devil’s Bridge via Rhayader, Cwmystwyth. Ret via the Elan valley reservoirs. 45 miles, 5,750 feet

Grade 2. Meeting:
Leader:
Destination:
……………………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………………..
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.
……………………………………………………………...

Grading System

Pace
…………………………………………………………….
A. Easy Touring: anticipated pace of about at 8-10 mph (13-16 kph) on a flat route, with stops as required.
……………………………………………………………..
B.  Touring: anticipated pace of about 10-11 mph, (16-18 kph) with stops as required to regroup at top of climbs.
………………………………………………………………
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.
……………………………………………………………….
D.  Fast Touring: anticipated pace of about 12-13 mph (19.5-21 kph) with fewer stops to regroup & refresh at top of climbs.
……………………………………………………………….
E.  Intermediate: anticipated pace of about 13-14 mph (21-22.5 kph) with fewer stops.
………………………………………………………………..
E+. Sportive - anticipated pace of at least 14-16+ mph (22.5-26+ kph)
…………………………………………………………………
Route
…………………………………………………………………
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).
…………………………………………………………………
#2  More undulating, with climbing in the range of 800-2200 feet (250-660m), over a distance 24-40 miles (38-64km).
…………………………………………………………………
#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).
…………………………………………………………………
#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).
…………………………………………………………………
#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).
…………………………………………………………………