Sunday 1st August Solva Leader Linda

Linda’s ride was the one postponed from the beginning of January when the northern side of the Landsker was hit by snow and ice. The only shock this time was the £4 parking fee at the start at Solva Harbour. (If this location is to be used again, Martin can recommend travelling by “bubble car” as he negotiated a special rate!)

Eleven cyclists left the harbour and headed out to Middle Mill, with the eagle-eyed few managing to spot the alpacas who seemed to be having a lie in on this balmy morning.  The first hill of the day was encountered before cycling past the old standing stone at Tremaenhir. More quiet lanes were taken to the comfort stop location at Croesgoch, where some passing motorists abused us. (Actually, it was Megan and Adrian on a day out with their visiting family).

We then veered westwards, enjoying the flat terrain of the St. David’s peninsula, and a lovely loop through Tretio, where the newly laid section of tarmac was worthy of the recently completed Tour de France.  At Whitesands, despite the hordes of holidaymakers, we found two vacant picnic tables to partake of our lunch. Once the sarnies (and ice creams!) had been devoured we climbed away from the beach and turned for the first off-road section towards Rhosson.

When this was scouted out for the January ride, it was one long frozen puddle; happily today it was dry as a bone and in the best condition any of the long-term members had seen it. Ross was relieved to have his Specialized Lithium tyres survive without a puncture. One wag suggested that if they were like Lithium batteries, then surely they could be recharged if they went flat!

Linda then led a short detour down to St.Justinian’s, where we viewed  the boats heading out for a tour of Ramsey Island. After a fast sweep down to Porthclais and the subsequent climb up, we moved swiftly through Britain’s smallest city and on to Fachelich. The second off-road section, across St.David’s airfield was then ridden; the old concrete slab taxiways posing no problems. We then did a small loop north before heading down the valley to Middle Mill and back to Solva Harbour.

Most of the riders thanked Linda for a wonderful ride as she’d led them on lanes and tracks they’d never visited before (route map); surely part of the whole ethos of the Pembrokeshire Freewheelers.

Attended:

The ride started at St Thomas Green with 9 riders.  It was cool, but there was no wind-chill factor so it would be a pleasant journey if it did not rain.  A keen southwesterly breeze made itself known around some corners and at breaks in the hedges, but it was to be to our advantage on the way home! 

Syd's keen eye for cycle maintenance kicked in; he observed that Ross's chain was a nice dual shade of black and ochre, probably as he hadn't oiled it in ages.  Ross, thinking on his feet to avoid or minimise embarrassment in front of the other experienced cyclists, quickly blamed a tornado that he had to cycle through back from the leisure centre earlier that week, meaning that he abandoned his bike in the garage to escape the torrents and never got round to re-oiling it.  But out came a small bottle of the liquid gold, and it was applied in front of Syd's very eyes, which impressed him mightily, as it was applied using the oil-on-top-of-the-chain technique. 

The group headed out to Talbenny and St Brides along the Haven Road, then the Dale Road, turning off at Hazguard Cross.  Friend and his two companions met us in Broadway and provided an awesome sight, as they were in three velomobiles!  Two of them were of GRP construction and were equipped with indicators and integrated tail lights.  A short stop at St Brides to squint at the mooring tankers through the mist, then off to Dale for some ale.  Well, only Ross partook of the Tomos Watkin Cwrw Haf, but it slipped down a treat. 

One visitor stopped to ask us about recommended cycle routes around the Peninsular and the remainder of the tourists ogled the velomobiles.  It was good to watch boat-owners maneuvering their vessels up and down the slipway.  The journey back was uneventful apart from a chain problem on one of the velomobiles and Ross falling over into the grass verge in a layby after catching his toe in the front mudguard...at least, that was his excuse.  Massively embarrassing, as all 12 riders were there watching!  Most of the ride was dry and it only started raining within a mile or so outside of Haverfordwest on the return leg, but it was that fine drizzle that gets you really wet.  The end.

July 4 Monsoon ride - Leader Lesley
 
11 courageous souls left Narberth in rain and wind and made their way firstly to Whitland via the Lampeter Velfrey valley road. Numbers went down to 10 at Lampeter Velfrey as David had an urgent need to go home and that was before the rain got full on.

At Whitland we stopped at Hywel Dda centre for quick history lesson and then for coffee at The Roadhouse restaurant and managed to steam up their conservatory just a bit. Warmer (but no drier!) we then set off ( now down to 9 as Vic had his own conservatory to build) up into the hills past Whitland Abbey and up up to Llandboidy. 

Lunch had been scheduled as a picnic up on the ridge road but having had a look at the forcast alternative arrangements were made with the Plash Inn in Llanfelteg. The route was chosen for the views but visability was down to just over the hedge by now so we all whizzed down to the Plas and took over an area to drip and eat lunch.

Having been informed by Ross that there was an event on in the village hall we all cycled the 100 yards after lunch and informed ourselves of a variety of alternative energy projects. As we were the sole visitors at the time it did not look too popular an event and some of us had to encourage the organisers by eating a strawberry and cream scone.

We then decided to cut the ride a bit short (23.5 miles) and set off back to Narberth via Clunderwen shedding another 4 people on the way so that only 5 soggy freewheelers returned to the car park (for which PCC now charge, so next time the start venue will need to be somewhere else.

I got home and went into the shower, on my exit I looked out of the window to see a cloudless sky!

NB. If you are planning an outdoor event it might be as well to check it is not on my ride day as this is the second time I got everyone soaking wet.

  20th June Dawn Ride

 'The hardest part of the ride is from bed to shed.' Well it is at 04:00 when most of us got up.

16 riders including Martin's M5 recumbent and Friend's 'Wood MV' low flying vehicle and the Williams-Hale tandem assembled on St.Thomas's  Green . For  the first time since its 2003  (?) inauguration we had 'perfick' summer weather. No precipitation & little wind. The sun began to peep over the horizon as we reached Crundale. Out of town past Scolton , where we waited for the group but the puncture fairy had started her evil work at dawn, and it took a fifteen minute break for Ross (victim)  and Steve (aide) to reappear as we regrouped at Woodstock.

Having climbed up to the Rosebush TV mast the wind began to pick up bringing clouds up over the Preselis from Cardigan Bay; we remained in sunshine and sped down over a ribbon of fresh tarmac to Sealyham, where a sunny field entrance presented itself as an ideal breakfast stop. We ate untypically savoury Sunday breakfast fare Teifryn's cake, whilst the mosquitoes and midges feasted too. Mike Evans reassured the passing lady farmer ("we own this field, you see") with ambassadorial tact that we were honest in our intentions. (the rest of the rave party arrived a little later; and there were no portaloos !)

Warm sunshine now  and over the A40 to Welsh Hook  still benefiting from new road surface. Mike Evans and son waited on the bridge having fled the biting insects. The peloton concertinaed but no one fell off. Friend's yellow cigar flew up the hills, and we regrouped at Hayscastle where the Evanses headed off to have breakfast with their visitors.

Over Cuffern Mountain to Simpson Cross , Sutton and via Racecourse Road, home at 09:15.  50 km 3 hours in the saddle and 1 hour 15 mins stopped. 1300 feet of climbing.

 6th June Pembroke Commons Car Park

Fourteen riders left Pembroke Commons in the rain yesterday and cycled out to Lamphey via the Lower Lamphey Road.  From there we took Chapel Lane to Freshwater East, coasted down the long hill and struggled up Trewent Hill on the other side of the beach.  Then it was through the woods to Stackpole and from Stackpole to Bosheston where we had a coffee stop at the Olde Worlde Cafe.  It stopped raining not long after we left Pembroke and the sky was starting to clear after the coffee stop.  We cycled through back lanes into St Twynnells and along to Castlemartin.  By then, the sun had broken through.  It was on to Freshwater West for lunch in glorious sunshine.  Mike Evans met us at Freshwater West.  He would have met us for coffee but the original plan had to be altered when we found that Pardon My Garden no longer exists as a cafe.  Unfortunately, Mike didn't get my message that the route had been changed.  Everything had gone extremely well with riders keeping together until we got to Hundleton.  Clive waited for the stragglers and the other went ahead.  They ended up at the water's edge at Bentlass instead of Monkton.  Clive realised what had happened when he didn't see any bike treads in some water we went through.  He had a steep climb back to the fork in the road where he met the riders and brought them safely to Monkton and then back to Pembroke.  We had 3 guest riders, Gary Brane came with Steve and Finn Newmann and Jordan Rickard came with David.  Finn and Jordan were in training for the Pembrokeshire Cycle Tour.  

23rd May 2010 St Thomas Green Haverfordwest Presidents ride

 Only 13 riders turned up this year compared to 22 last year when a misleading report was circulated that the President was paying for tea and cakes.  Those riders who did turn out were rewarded by a lovely sunny day with temperatures reaching 26 degrees and only a very light breeze.

The route took us from St.Thomas Green up Crow Hill towards Hayscasle turning off to Brimaston and then to Wolfscastle where just before we hit the main road, Steve had to have his obligatory puncture after hitting a raised manhole cover - you really should go to Specsavers Steve!!

The main obstacle to the mornings ride came when we hit the bottom of the hill at Farthings Hook - at least for those who didn't want to do the bit of rough stuff to see the bluebells.  The 1 in 4  ( or is it     1 in 3) proved too much for many of the party including the ride leader but he and 4 other brave souls took the scenic route via Brynteg and joined the main party at Gwastad.
 
A leisurely lunch was enjoyed at Llys y Fran, where Rhos repaired his slow puncture, and then we all set off on the return trip Clarbeston Road and Crundale where various bodies peeled off leaving 9 to finish back at St. Thomas Green after completing 28.? miles  ( I call that 30 for easy counting!!). It all adds up better for my training total ready for the 75 mile ride on or near 2nd August when I will reach the 75 milestone and for which Brian is finding the flattest route he can without going over to Holland.

For photos of the days ride please see Steve who was photographer of the day.

9th May  2010 Crymych (Off 'us Bikes not Offa's Dyke) Leader David Gray

Other riders :-Roger Greenaway, Megan Daniel & Adrian Pugh, Bob Grimshaw,David Hayward and Finn Neumann and Ted Seaman.

Leaving from the market car park , the ride picked up part of National Route 47 towards Bywlchygroes.   A climb up out of Crymych on a bright cool morning, with a little haze meaning the view was limited, on a good day you can see the coast off Dinas Head. Levelling off after the climb, a nice undulating run past Bwlchygroes then a steep drop down to the Cych Valley between Cwmcych and Abercych. Turning left and running parallel to the river, we came out at the bridge in Abercych by the Nag's Head an old coaching in with it's own brewhouse.  Across the border into Carmarthenshire passports at the ready. Another climb up out of Abercych and then into Cenarth for the refreshment stop at the Cenarth tearooms. Very nice tea and cake, Cenarth not too busy so very pleasant  stop, (Apart from the dog poo on the lawns).  Ted was very impressed with the loo and as it was all pink thought Megan would approve.
	As we set off, a another cyclist from the Teifi Velos came past and recognised Bob so a quick chat, Bob had to admit that he was being unfaithful to the Velo's and was with his "other " club. We were advised to watch out for the Teifi Ladies as they were on a ride, but we never saw them ( they must have been moving too fast). We then crossed the river and into Ceredigion and along the main road to Newbridge where we crossed the river by the footbridge back into Pembrokeshire.  Alongside the river towards Llechryd .  Bob left us at this point, as his back was playing up (He really should  see a Doctor).  A quick culture stop at the little Church of Manordeifi, a small church with an interesting arrangement of pews. With traditional pews at the back , and fully enclosed family pews at towards the front. With an enclosed pew with it's own fireplace at the front. It also has a Coracle in the church to get the congregation to church in the floods. That's real dedication. ( Think about though, some poor person must have had to get wet to get to the Coracle, perhaps that is why they had the fireplace to dry off ! ).
Then  to the Bridge at Llechryd and more drivel from the ride leader about fish traps and canals. Up the hill and right to Cilgerran.  Down into Cilgerran  and to the lunch stop at the Coracle Centre at what used to be the wharfage at Cilgerran.  If you look at the photos you can see the castle tower above the trees. Then a steep climb back into Cilgerran from the river, then on  to Rhoshill, then upwards again to the main road above Eglwyswrw, then a four mile run back to Crymych, with another good climb back to the town.  By this time the illustrious leader was leading from the back ! Back at 1415 hours , 24 .7 miles.

25th April 2010 Kilgetty TIC

still waiting ride report but it us believed a lot of cakes where eaten sometime and somewhere during this ride

11th April 2010 Hobbs Point Leader Peter Brake

Fifteen riders left the Hobbs Point and heading through Pembroke Dock and up to the cycle path along Pembroke Road and crossed Bush Hill. Then along Buttermilk Lane and through back roads in Pembroke before heading along Deer Park Lane to The Ridgeback. Turning of The Ridgeway to head to Manorbier Nurseries for a tea and cake stop. However a short stop at Manorbier Newton was required to admire the VR post box. However some were more interested in the wall built by our esteemed and multi-skilled ride secretary.Once everyone was suitable refreshed we headed towards Manorbier village for a quick view of the castle, Aslan was no where to be seen.

We then headed towards Lydstep and a lunch stop on the beach at Lydstep Bay Caravan Park. The return route after lunch involved a step climb upto The Ridgeway then down the other side to Milton. Crossing the main A road the group heading towards Cosheston before returning to Hobbs Point via Buttermilk Lane and Pembroke Road. An excellent cycle ride with lovely sunny weather. It is rumoured that some people heading straight to the pub after the ride finished.

28th March 2010 - Leader Stephen Hughes

A good turn out left Letterston village and headed east to Puncheston via Little Newcastle with a short wait outside The Swan to re group. Unfortunately no time to call in for a drink as the leader doesn't like to hang about. A gradual climb to Castlebythe ( still waiting to find out what the castle is by) with another short stop as there a few people where over heating and needed to remove some layers. Turning now to head towards Tufton then via Wallis to Ambleston for the first official drink stop of the day. A chance to try out  the new Bus Stop cafe which provided a delicious cake but teas/coffees were some what lacking. Tei needs bigger panniers or a trailer.
	After this short stop we headed towards Spittal but turned at Triffleton for a steep and long climb up to LIttle Treffgarne with lovely views of the highest mountains in Treffgarne.  There was some discussion amongst the geologists section of the club that these rocks were igneous intrusions, but they are Ordovician rhyolite volcanic plugs. Form Little Treffgarne it was a lovely downhill ride to Wolfscastle for the lunch stop where the more thirsty riders tasted the local ale and the rest had an artists master class on the green opposite the church.  With everyone refreshed we headed to Hayscastle Cross passing the WWII early warning rader site (did anyone notice this). Further information on this site is here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chain_Home and here http://www.subbrit.org.uk/sb-sites/sites/h/hayscastle_cross/index1.shtml.  On the back roads past Hayscastle Church ( although not many noticed this) before rejoining the Croesgoch B road. At this point those who had cycled to the start headed home whilst the rest of the group returned to Letterston via Welsh Hook.
The route is available on this map however because I headed for home before the end of the ride it doesn't include the section from Hayscastle via Welsh Hook to reutrn to Letterston. Thanks to Stephen for leading the ride, arranging nice weather and not losing anyone (see 14th Feb ride).

14 March 2010 Narberth - Leader Christine 

Lesley who was due to lead the ride is looking after a bad back so Christine agreed to take the ride.  What a lovely day! 10 members met at Narberth car park on a glorious morning and set off north making for Llys y Fran and our coffee stop.  The first pull up to Bethesda warmed everyone up and got their lungs working. This was to be the first of several long pulls encountered on the round trip.  We peddled via Gelli up to Penffordd & New Moat in the face of a stiff wind. Looking forward to our break we arrived at Llys y Fran to find the cafe all closed up despite it being Mother's Day.  We ate, drank and shared our own reserves (motto here: always check in the fridge for your sandwiches before you leave the house), before heading off to Clarbeston Road.

Next was Wiston and on to Llawhaden, skirting the castle and dropping down below to cross the river before the penultimate and possibly worst climb back up to Bethesda for our main break at Bethesda Meats where we sat outside in the sunshine and out of the wind and enjoyed tea/coffee, cream scones, sandwiches and even ice creams and a beer. All that was left was the last leg back up to Redstone Cross and into Narberth.  It was a good 'work out' ride, with great views of the Preselis in fantastic weather and in good company.   And don't forget folks, never cycle on your own because there won't be anyone with you to pick the gravel out of your bum if you crash on your way home. For other cycling tips please contact Martin.

28 February 2010 Milford Haven - Leader Teifryn Williams

After our break we resumed the ride following the Sustrans path to Johnston. We joined the main road at The Vine and took the road towards Haverfordwest until we reached Pope Hill and then turned right on to the bridle way that connects to the Haverfordwest to Freystrop road. This road surface is good in the initial stage, the mid stage has been much improved and resurfaced and the last part is a little challenging; very muddy with deep potholes filled with muddy water.  Tim reminded me that we should be cycling this route in summer and not "february fill dyke" Surely, the " playing fields of Eton "got muddy at times! We got through without mishap,I touched the water with my shoe once but Martin showed the advantage of a recumbent.  If he had a snorkel  he could cycle under water!

Rejoining the sustrans route to Neyland at Merlins Bridge we made our T&P lunch stop at the first available roadside bench with a private secluded copse behind. (I was made aware that secluded is a matter of opinion and has no international standard; I thought we were all Europeans now!). We continued to the Haverfordwest to Dale intersection and turned towards Dale turning left at Tiers Cross past Woodson Farm downhill to Thornton and then rejoining the cycle route to return to the Tesco car park.  At this point you may be wondering what  about Walwyns Castle. We kept that for another ride!

14 February 2010 Carew Leader Stephen Hughes 

The ride was really great and as was a gloriously sunny day. Being Feb 14th I had organised a bit of fun in the form of a Valentine's quiz for everyone to do on the way, with chocolates and champagne for the winner. A very good turnout of 17 plus Alan Keating who turned out at Narberth Town Moor because he had not studied his rides list, accountants must be so busy in this time of recession.

We set of from Carew Castle and headed West to West Williamston then North East through Jeffreyston, and Reynalton and on to The Boars Head at Templeton (9.6m) to our coffee stop, we sat outside in glorious sunshine and shared a very good carrot cake courtesy of the ride leader, a few were otherwise engaged (see photograph) with minor repairs to David's busted gear cable, it was obviously a three bum job. About a half mile on the A478 and then South/East past Pen-Y-Cwm-Slack and Redwalls Farm (Vic's place) and on to Stepaside, then taking a right turn and due South past Green Plains to Summerhill (this is where I lost a few riders that couldn't keep up with David and his reduced gear choices and diverted off past Starre Gorse) then on to Wiseman's Bridge, and to Saundersfoot (7.2m) where we all met up again for a very sunny seaside lunch on the harbour.  Then North/West along Valley Road to Wooden, another few hundred mtrs on the A478 and a right hander along Clayford Lane to Cold Inn and Broadmoor and skirted past jeffreyston and up Norchard Lane to Redberth and along the old A477 to Sageston and back to the Carew Castle car park (8.6m) making a total of 25.4 miles, the sky had darkened and a few skits of rain as we loaded our bikes but not enough to dampen the spirits of the Champagne and chocolates that were enjoyed by the few remaining riders who took great delight in being taught by none other than Tim Holland the correct way to open and pour champagne into paper cups. A fab ride in good company, thanks to all that turned out for my lead. I never did discover who won the quiz!!!!

 31 January 2010

Eight rides started this ride for the car park in Fishguard and headed out along back roads to Scleddau crossing the A40 and on to Mathry for tea stop. The Farmers Arms wasn't open but we all enjoyed a Lesley's tasty cake.

From Mathry the group headed toward Porthgain via Abercastle and Trevine. Lunch stop was in front of a roaring fire at The Sloop. Reluctant to leave the warmth for the pub we headed back towards Mathry then towards Letterston, turning off the B road just after the rail bridge and crossing the A40 north of Letterston aiming for Trecwn and finally Llanychaer. Where the drivers returned to Fishguard to collect cars and the rest stopped at Roger's house for tea and also birthday cake (provided by Stephen) for Lesley. This was a longer ride then normal, around 35 miles, and many were glad Roger decided not to do the hilly route around Moylegrove.

14 January 2010

Thirteen riders set out on this ride from Cafe Beca at Efailwen. The weather was sunny with a clear blue sky, exactly what you need after being holed up for three weeks due to snow and ice. The last little bits of ice on the road didn't cause any problems but there was plenty of now where it had drifted up on the higher ground.

The route took us toward LLanycefn, then north past Penrhos Museum to Maenclochog and on to Llys-y-Fran where we stopped for coffee. Ross managed to have a puncture which added to the entertainment. Then through New Moat stopping at the Old Post Office for lunch. Good beer and warm enough (just) to sit outside and enjoy the views.

From there we followed route 47 along mountain road to Mynachlog-ddu and then back to Glandy Cross returning to Cafe Beca after 25 miles of cycling.The unusual thing was that there was no rain and Steve didn't get a puncture allowing Ross to take an early lead in the puncture count competition.