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Post by Paulinblack on Sept 11, 2020 6:52:47 GMT
Son is going back to uni at Swansea in a week's time. He wants us to ride down there together. Its about 100-110 miles depending on which way you go - His longest ride so far is 70 flat miles, so we are going to up that this weekend! I've chosen a nice easy flat route to get to the Severn Bridge, but my knowledge of Welsh roads is pretty limited. Has anyone ridden from the Severn Bridge to Swansea before and could give me some tips? I have planned one route but its a lot of A roads and goes through Caerphilly County which is in full lockdown: ridewithgps.com/routes/34050197I saw this route, but, again, A roads and I don't like the thought of going through Cardiff and thought it might be a bit breezy by the coast: ridewithgps.com/trips/38109415Does anyone have experience of riding through this part of Wales and could offer suggestions? (Big hills are out as I think we would struggle - I'm not back to full fitness yet and he's only just started riding). Thanks
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Mel-in-Red
Peloton Rider
Not so overweight now....π
Posts: 275
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Post by Mel-in-Red on Sept 13, 2020 8:26:17 GMT
Have you tried Street view in Google Maps? That might give you a fair indication of the" Inclines", as a mate at former works described hills.
Glad the recovery is looking good for the "outing", good luck for the journey.
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Post by Paulinblack on Sept 14, 2020 9:27:22 GMT
I've settled on the route I found on ridewithgps (attached above) which goes through Cardiff.
The only reservation I have is the amount of A roads. Not sure how busy they will be, but it should be fine. Probably not the most picturesque route, but, on this occasion, it is all about getting the job done, rather than beautiful countryside and sightseeing. If it was, I'd be doing less than 117 miles in a day and increasing the elevation to go over the Brecons.
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Post by Paulinblack on Sept 22, 2020 13:49:30 GMT
We did it - 112 miles in the end. I think the last 12 miles were the longest in my son's life. His longest ride prior to this was 72 miles, which he did once!
As part of the preparations, I called Public Health Wales to see if we were allowed to ride through Rhondda Cynon Taf (as it went into lockdown a couple of days before we went) and after I'd altered the route to miss Caerphilly. They were really helpful and concluded that it would be OK as long as we didn't plan a rest stop. They gave me a reference number so that I could quote to the police if we were stopped and questioned. As it was, we had no problems and rode straight through.
I'd been advised that National Cycle Route 4 was the one to look for. We did a bit of it, but it turned into Strade Bianchi at times, as it wasn't all paved! We benefitted from a tailwind on the English side of the border, but that changed to a very strong cross wind, mixed with occasional head and tail winds in unequal doses! It wasn't the prettiest route, but it was safe and achievable, which was my goal.
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Mel-in-Red
Peloton Rider
Not so overweight now....π
Posts: 275
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Post by Mel-in-Red on Sept 22, 2020 20:21:28 GMT
Well done and congratulations on the journey.
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Post by Rocket on Sept 23, 2020 20:53:57 GMT
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Post by Paulinblack on Sept 23, 2020 22:07:48 GMT
The stock answer for me after 100+ mile rides is - No. The reason being that they are sooooo long and time consuming. But never say never. I'd certainly have to modify the route. I think I'd like the challenge of going over the Brecon Beacons, but that would be incredibly tough for us both. By the time my son is ready for that, then he will have left Swansea and I'll be too old and knackered!
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Post by Scott M on Sept 26, 2020 12:10:33 GMT
If you had the time, and the weather, could have turned it into a more relaxing two-day trip.
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Post by Paulinblack on Oct 2, 2020 15:59:10 GMT
If you had the time, and the weather, could have turned it into a more relaxing two-day trip. True - I was just keen to dump my son off at uni asap!
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