Eryri Cycling Group
Which bike club is favoured with some of the best cycling country in Wales, from the mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia) to the rolling hills and beaches of the Lleyn Peninsula or the gentler, but definitely not flat, countryside and coast of Anglesey? Why, Eryri Cycling Group, of course. A friendly bunch of riders, perhaps more into chat than getting the miles in, we offer a warm welcome to new members and visiting cyclists.
Our rides list covers fortnightly Sunday rides starting from different locations in this corner of North Wales, including Menai Bridge, Caernarfon, Criccieth and Porthmadog. However, the most popular starting point, particularly on cold winter mornings, is the café at Inigo Jones in Groeslon. Just seven miles from Caernarfon on the Lon Effion cycle track it makes a good hub for different rides. Not without reason, with Snowdonia to the east, Lleyn to the west and some fine country in between. Included in our Sunday rides this year have been a crossing of Anglesey to Moelfre, with the land and sea hardly to be seen through a rolling mist, a ride over the hills of Lleyn to the old pilgrim village of Clynnog, and the start of our 'events' season with the Snowdon Charity Bike Ride (around the mountain, not up it!).
The events continued with the CTC White Horse weekend at Chippenham, where in brilliant weather we enjoyed the cycling and managed to win the quiz and the prize for the furthest travelled group. Later in April we had riders taking part in the CTC Chester and North Wales 50 mile Spring Tourist Trial.
In May Doreen and her team of helpers will once again be playing a vital role in providing sustenance at the turn around point for riders in the 600km Brian Chapman Audax event, a ride from Chepstow to Menai Bridge and back. In 2010 the last riders left Menai Bridge at close to 3am, we were tired, how do they do it?! Early July sees us cycling in the Anglesey Charity Bike Ride, while later that month some of the group will be heading to Hay on Wye for the Welsh Festival of Cycling event.
We usually have our Geoff Russell weekend in April or May, but with all the other events plus bank holidays - and that wedding, it has been put back to the autumn.
Nearly forgot. For a chat and a pint, or a soft drink, we meet at around 8pm on the first Thursday of the month at the Snowdonia Parc brew Pub in Waunfawr, near Caernarfon. Why not come along and join us one evening, or have a look at the runs list and come for a pedal - you will be made very welcome.
3 May 2011
Dave Woods