Rides Programme 2026 update
Rides Programme update 05-Oct-2026
[email protected] 07813856969
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Wed 07-Oct-26
Grade 3c. Meeting: Sainsbury’s SA1 10.00
Leader: Jim Forrest
Destination: Up the Swansea valley to Ystradgynlais and onto Coelbren, returning via Seven Sisters, Crynant, Aberdulais and Neath. 43 miles, 1800’
Grade 2c. Meeting: Sainsbury’s SA1 10.00
Leader: Dave Stephens
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
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Sun 11-Oct-26
Grade 3+c. Meeting: Gowerton 08.30
Leader: Gary Havard
Destination: Around the Gwendraeth, a 100k Audax route. Starting and ending in Gowerton, 73 miles, 3400’
Anyone wishing to do a faster pace can go ahead and follow the gpx which will be supplied.
Grade 2. Meeting: Gowerton 10.00
Leader: Toby Picton-Day
Destination: Cross Hands via Pontarddulais, Llanedi, Capel Hendre, Gorslas. Return via Tumble, Llanon.
35 miles 2400 ft climbing.
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Wed 14-Oct-26
Grade 3c. Meeting: Gowerton 10.00
Leader: Simon Jenkins
Destination: Llanarthne loop via Ammanford, Ffairfach, new Tywi cycle path, Nantgaredig, Lunch at Wrights Emporium. Ret via Botanical Gardens, Tumble, Llannon. 50 miles, 3,250’ (1000m)
Grade 2. Meeting: Gowerton 10.00
Leader:
Destination: Ammanford. Out via Garnswllt, Betws, Pontamman, Glanaman. Ret via cycle path to Ammanford, Saron, Capel Hendre, Llanedi, Pontarddulais. 36 miles
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Sun 18-Oct-26
Grade 3. Meeting: Gowerton 10.00
Leader: Simon Jenkins
Destination: Ferryside via LLanddarog. Out via Pontarddulais, Llanedi, Capel Hendre, Gorslas, Cefneithin, Porthyrhyd, Llandyfaelog. Re via the coastal route. 50 miles 1900’ Lib #426
Grade 2. Meeting: Gowerton 10.00
Leader: Pat Hansard
Destination: Cwm Ivy LLanmadoc via Welsh Moor, Llanrhidian, Stembridge, Fairyhill, Burry Green. Ret via the marsh road etc. 30 miles
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Wed 21-Oct-26
Grade 3. Meeting: Gowerton 10.00
Leader: Ian Davies
Destination: Gelli Aur via Pontarddulais, Llanedi, Gorslas, Llyn Lech Owain, Maesybont, Penrhywgoch . Ret via Milo, Pentre Gwenlais, Llandybie, Ammanford, Garnswllt and Pontarddulias. 42 miles, 2600’
Grade 2. Meeting: Gowerton 10.00
Leader: Mike O’Driscoll
Destination:
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Sun 25-Oct-26 (Clocks go back 1 hour)
Grade 3. Meeting: Sainsbury’s SA1 10.00, McDonald’s Briton Ferry 10.40
Leader:
Destination: Porthcawl via Port Talbot, Margam, Kenfig Hill, Waunbant Road and Newton. Ret via Kenfig, Harbour Way, Aberavon. 48 miles, 1123’ from SA1, 36 miles from McD BF.
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.
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Monday 26-Oct-26
Club meeting Swansea Yacht Club 19.00
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Wed 28-Oct-26
Grade 3. Meeting: Gowerton 10.00
Leader:
Destination: A Clydach loop via Pontlliw, Felindre, Rhyd-y-Pandy, Craig-cefn-parc, Clydach. Ret via cycle path to Swansea, Black Pill, Clyne valley. Est 32 miles. Refreshments at Lliw Resevoir or The Brew and Bloom Clydach.
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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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