2026 Ride #9 - Loops of the Wye Valley

A beautiful ride put together by Christine to showcase the Wye Valley upstream from Ross. The summer of 2026 produced yet another hot and sunny day and 14 riders set off into territory that was unknown for some. Unusually, e-bikes were heavily outnumbered by their unassisted brethren but the latter more than held their own on the ascents. Although the ride was within the confines of the Wye Valley, there were a surprising number of hills to climb, some of them steep to say the least! The landscape was dotted by numerous old churches which alone would make the area worth revisiting. A very enjoyable ride - thanks again to Christine for planning and navigating.

2026 Ride #8 - Bristol & Bath via the tunnels

Abandoned due to ferociously hot weather and M48 bridge closure

2026 Ride #7 - Vale of Glamorgan (Take 2)

Having been forced to abandon by ferocious storms two weeks previously, 11 riders once again ventured into the feared Vale of Glamorgan. While the rain had abated, the tail end of a heat wave was with us, as was a strong head wind. Water bottles were full and sunscreen liberally applied. Starting from the church at Llanblethian, we pedalled along wonderfully quiet lanes to Llantwit and then past Atlantic College to the coffee stop at Nash Point from where were great views to be had across to Somerset and beyond. A number of small and very old churches were a particular feature. After the break, we cycled further west to the lunch stop near Southerndown and then on to Ogmore, with magnificent, lofty views of the bay and sand dunes. Turning back towards the start, the wind was now behind us but there were some very steep climbs to negotiate. To add to the challenge, we had to limbo under a fallen tree and ford a fast flowing river (or two rivers and some stepping stones for Ros and Dave). All in all, a highly enjoyable ride and definitely worth waiting for - thanks, Brian!

2026 Ride #6 - Vale of Glamorgan (Take 1)

Abandoned due to ferocious weather at the start point. Refuge sought by some in a cafe in Llantwit.

2026 Ride #5 - From Llanfoist into Cordell Country

A repeat of Dave's ride from 2025, this route was hugely enjoyed by all those who came along. The balmy weather was a bonus and offered the finest riding conditions of 2026 to date (if you like heat!). The coffee stop in the Clydach gorge was rudely interrupted by some members of the group starting an impromptu and apparently competitive pilates class! Suitably stretched, the group proceeded to the Whistle Inn at Blaenavon for lunch - it claims to be the highest pub in Wales but no doubt there are rivals. Mechanical problems failed to quell the overall sense of enjoyment and the magnificent views from the top of the Blorenge were a particular highlight.

2026 Ride #4 - Wentwood & The Newport (not so) Levels

15 riders set off from Chepstow Leisure Centre on a chilly May morning to a backdrop of the ongoing Senedd election count. Taking the quiet lanes to the west of Chepstow we followed NCN 42 and climbed up through Shirenewton and then climbed some more though Earlswood before reaching our well deserved coffee stop at Cadira Beeches in the Wentwood Forest. From there, we followed little known lanes with some steep descents that eventually took us to Parc Seymour where we crossed the A48. Saying goodbye to Ros and Dave, time and the good weather allowed us to extend the planned route by following EV1 to Redwick where we stopped to admire the church - with its references to the Great Flood of 1607 - and also the cider press. From Redwick, an easy ride across the levels took us to the Wheatsheaf Inn at Magor for lunch. Those that thought that the climbing was over were cruelly disillusioned by several further punishing, albeit relatively short ascents on the way back to Chepstow. A thorn in Dave A's tyre delayed the return to Chepstow but didn't detract from what was a very enjoyable ride.

2026 Ride #3 - Tunnelling into the Wye Valley

12 riders set off from Chepstow Leisure Centre on a warm and sunny spring morning and the good weather prevailed throughout the ride. This wasn't the longest ride that we'll do this year but the hills on the western side of the Wye Valley proved challenging, nonetheless. Due to the closure of the old Wye bridge in Chepstow, the route crossed using the A48 and then left the traffix behind to join the Wye Valley Greenway near Sedbury. After negotiating the long, cold tunnel, the riders eventually popped out in Tintern for a coffee stop at Abbey Mill. So far, so flat but then the climbing began in earnest - up through Botany Bay to Whitestone, past Cleddon and then over the fearsome Beacon Hill. Luckily, lunch was rearby at the Lion Inn, Trellech. The return to Chepstow was easy at first, with a largely downhill glide through Parkhouse to Tintern Cross. After that, tired legs were tested again with a climb through The Cot before a final descent through St Arvans and then back to the Leisure Centre, passing Chepstow Racecourse. All in all, a great route.

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2026 Ride #2 - Canal Towpaths & Punishing Climbs

It wasn't quite shorts weather for this ride - it was freezing when we met up at Bailey's Barn in Bradford on Avon for the start of the ride. Ten of us set off on what would become a ride of two halves - a sedate saunter along the Kennet & Avon canal to start, followed by a much more challenging second section, including some truly punishing climbs. Those without e-bikes were probably wishing they had some electrical assistance!

Having left the canal side, we followed NCN 24 to Monkton Combe and then stopped at a delightful Italian cafe in Wellow for the mid-morning break. Suitably refreshed, we continued on route 24 and the Colliers' Way cycle path through Radstock and Frome before reaching the lunch stop at the Woolpack Inn in Beckington where we were joined by Jane. The Wiltshire cycleway took us back ro Bradford on Avon. Distance was 54km / 33 miles with over 600m ascent and some of the gradients pushing 20%!

2026 Ride #1 - Across The Severn Bridge

Despite the unpromising (to say the least) weather forecast, 13 riders set off from Chepstow Leisure Centre in persistent drizzle and proceeded to climb into the mist at Shirenewton. The rain had relented somewhat by the time we came through Mathern and stopped for a well deserved break at Nellie’s. After coffee we crossed the Severn Bridge and completed a loop around Kington, Olveston and Northwick and then stopped for a late lunch at the Boars Head in Aust. The weather improved for the return across the bridge and the ride finished in bright (ish) sunshine. A great start to the 2026 season.

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Mince pie ride from Mallards Pike Lake in the Forest of Dean

19 riders joined us on a damp but mild morning for the final ride of our very successful 2025 cycling programme.  We met at Mallards Pike Lake for an off-road circuit of the Forest of Dean using the cycle routes and forest tracks.  With the sky clearing, we set off past the lake and soon joined the Family Cycle Trail following the former ‘Mineral Loop’ railway line. After passing under the Speech House Road, we turned off and enjoyed some downhill trail riding through the woods towards Cinderford. The route through Linear Park to Steam Mills Lake proved flat but very wet and muddy. Some good riding on hard surfaces round the Lydbrook Branch brought us to the Sculpture trail where we rejoined the Family Cycle Trail and enjoyed a steady descent to Cannop Ponds. A puncture close to the ponds proved too difficult to repair, so two riders waited with their cycles at the Speech House Road crossing while the main group continued, climbing steeply up through the woods to New Fancy and back to the start at Mallards Pike. The two stranded riders and their cycles were then rescued by car, after which the whole group assembled in the sunshine at the picnic area by the lake. As well as enjoying the mince pies and mulled wine, the group leader role was passed from Nigel to Keith.  Nigel has organized the group over the last three years and has maintained the excellent system set up by the previous conveners. Nigel thanked the group for their support and said how enjoyable it is to be involved with such an enthusiastic group. Keith made a presentation and Nigel is looking forward to acquiring some new cycling equipment! Our thanks to Keith for taking up the role and we look forward to another good year of cycling in 2026!