Rides Programme 2026 update
Rides Programme update 27-Jul-2026
[email protected] 07813856969
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Wed 29-Jul-26
Alfie Jones Memorial Ride
Grade 3c. Meeting: Cross Hands Cinema 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: Gowerton 10.00
Leader: Toby Picton-Day
Destination: A Clydach loop via Pontlliw, Felindre Reservoir (lunch), Rhyd-y-Pandy, Craig-cefn-parc, Clydach. Ret via cycle path to Swansea, Black Pill, Clyne valley. Est 32 miles
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Sun 02-Aug-23
Grade 2: Meeting: Gowerton 10.00
Leader: Ian Davies
Destination: Rhossili via Welsh Moor, Llanrhidian, Stembridge, Fairyhill, Llanddewi, Scurlage. Ret via Reynoldston, Cefn Bryn, Llanrhidian, Marsh Road, Penclawdd. Lib #338 36 miles 2100’
Grade 3 – longer and hillier route, leader Toby Picton-Day
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Wed 05-Aug-26
Grade 3. Meeting: Gowerton 10.00
Leader: Ian Davies 07813856969
Destination: Castell Carreg Cennen via Pontarddulais, Llanedi, Capel Hendre, Saron, Llandybie. Ret via Ammanford and Garnswllt. 40 miles 2400’ Lib event #240
Grade 2 Suggested - 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
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Sun 09-Aug-26
Grade 3c. Meeting: Sainsbury’s SA1 10.00, EIEIO’s Place 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. From SA1 52 miles 1700’, from McD BF 42 miles, 1500’ Lib Ref #365
Grade 2: Meeting: McDonald’s Briton Ferry 10.40
Leader: Ian Davies
Destination: Parc Slip via Port Talbot, Kenfig Hill, Court Coleman, Pen y Fai, Aberkenfig. Ret via Ffordd y Gyfraith, or NCR4 path to Kenfig Hill, Margam etc. 30 miles.
Home ride, Grade 1.5 Pootle
Meeting: Gowerton 10.00
Leader:
Destination: Pembrey
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Wed 12-Aug-26
Grade 3c Meeting: Sainsbury’s SA1 10.00, Burger King Neath 10.45
Leader: Ian Davies
Destination: Garwnant Forest Park, Llwynon Reservoir via Glynneath, Hirwaun, Penderyn, Cwm Cadlan. Ret same way, 64 miles from SA1, 44 miles, 2600’ from Neath.
Grade 2c. Meeting: Sainsbury’s SA1 10.00
Leader:
Destination: Ystradgynlais for lunch 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
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Sun 16-Aug-26
Grade 4c. Sainsbury’s SA1 09.20, Burger King Neath 10.00
Leader: Simon Jenkins
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 from Neath.
Grade 3b. Same ride from BK Neath 10.00 at a slower pace (10-12mph)
Leader: Ian Davies.
Grade 2: Meeting:
Leader:
Destination: Cross Hands via Pontarddulais, Llanedi, Capel Hendre, Cwmgwilli. Ret via Tumble, Llannon, Hendy. 34 miles
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Wed 19-Aug-26
Grade 3. Meeting:
Leader:
Destination:
Grade 2. Meeting:
Leader:
Destination:
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Sun 23-Aug-26
Grade 3c. Meeting: 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
Grade 2. Meeting: Railway Inn Killay 10.00
Leader: Mike O’Driscoll
Destination: Llanmadoc
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Wed 26-Aug-26
Grade 3. Meeting:
Leader:
Destination:
Grade 2.Meeting:
Leader:
Destination:
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Sun 30-Aug-26
Grade 3. Meeting: Sainsbury’s SA1 09.20, Burger King Neath 10.00
Leader: Simon Jenkins
Destination: The Maerdy Mountain loop via Neath, Glynneath, Hirwaun, Cynon cycle path, Aberdare, Maerdy Mountain, Treorchy (lunch), Bwlch, Afan valley. 70 miles from SA1, 50 miles from BK Neath 4000’
Grade 2. 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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