Rides Programme 2026 update

Rides Programme update  11-Jan-2026
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Wed 14-Jan-26 Grade 3
Meeting: Black Pill 10.00
Leader: Simon Jenkins
Destination: Rhossili via Mumbles, Langland, Caswell, Bishopston, Parkmill, Cefn Bryn and Penrice, Ret via Llanmadoc and Blue Anchor. A 45 mile lumpy route

Grade 2
Meeting: Black Pill
Leader: Alison Maddocks
Destination: Rhossili. Route (approx. 34 miles) TBC
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Sun 18-Jan-26
Meeting: Sainsbury’s SA1 10.00
Leader: Mike O’Driscoll
Destination: The Gnoll Park Neath via the Riverside path to Pontardawe, Rhos, Bryncoch, Neath. Ret via Cimla, Pontrhydyfen, Afan valley, Port Talbot and Fabian Way.
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Wed 21-Jan-26 Grade 3
Meeting: Gowerton 10.00
Leader: Simon Jenkins
Destination: A lumpy loop around Mynydd y Gwair

Grade 2
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 30 miles
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Sun 25-Jan-26 Grade 3
Meeting: SA1 10.00, McDonald’s Briton Ferry 10.40
Leader: Elaine Rohman
Destination: Ogmore by Sea via Kenfig Hill, Merthyr Mawr, Ewenny, St Brides Major, Southerndown. Ret via Ewenny, Laleston, Llangewydd, Kenfig Hill, Margam etc.  
SA1 52 miles 1700’  McD BF 42 miles, 1500’  Lib Ref #365

Grade 2  
Meeting: SA1 10.00, McDonald’s Briton Ferry 10.40
Leader: Ian Gofton
Destination: Parc Slip via Margam, Pyle, Pen y Fai, Aberkenfig. Ret via Ffordd y Gyfraith, Pyle, Margam etc. 42/30 miles
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Wed 28-Jan-26
Meeting: Gowerton 10.00
Leader:
Destination: Kidwelly via Felinfoel, Cynheidre, Pont Henri, Pontyates, Four Roads, Mynyddygarreg. Ret via the coastal route. 37 miles, 1800’
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Sun 01-Feb-26
Meeting: Gowerton 10.00
Leader: 
Destination: Rhossili via Welsh Moor, Llanrhidian, Cefn Bryn, Reynoldston, Scurlage. Ret via Burry Green, Cheriton, Llanrhidian, Marsh Road, Penclawdd. Lib #339 40 miles, 2360’

Also a Grade 2c
Meeting: Gowerton 10.00
Leader: 
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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Wed 04-Feb-26
Meeting: Sainsbury’s SA1 10.00
Leader:
Destination: Ystradgynlais via the riverside cycle path. Ret options (1) same way or (2) Crynant, Aberdulais, Neath canal path, Fabian Way or (3) Continue up to Coelbren and back down the Dulais valley or Neath valley.
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Sun 08-Feb-26  Grade 3
Meeting: Gowerton 10.00
Leader: 
Destination:

Grade 2
Meeting: Gowerton 10.00
Destination: Cross Hands via Felinfoel, Swiss valley, Pontyberem, Drefach. Ret via Capel Hendre, Llanedi, Pontarddulais.
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Wed 11-Feb-26
Meeting: Gowerton 10.00
Leader:
Destination: Brynamman via Garnswllt, Ammanford, Amman valley bike path. Ret via Swansea valley. Est 40 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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