North Somerset ride. October 24th

[adds21]

A couple of us are meeting up for a ride on Sunday 24th October, starting at about 10:30 from Chew Valley Lake.

The plan is to ride across to Congresbury, down the Strawberry Line to Cheddar, stop for cakes, then up the Gorge and over the Mendips back to the Lake. It's around 30 miles and will be done at a "not too fast" pace.

Any and all welcome to join us.

 

[the_mikey]

Potentially I could join you for that, sounds like a good ride, depends on weather and work over that weekend

 

[Chutzpah]

What average speed would you guys class as a 'not too fast' pace?

 

[summerdays]

I would be tempted but the wrong weekend for me I suspect, my Mum's birthday. And the only way I would get UP the cheddar gorge would be walking!!! (or in a Car )

 

[BlueDog]

What average speed would you guys class as a 'not too fast' pace?

Last time we went out the average speed was around 13 mph, which isn’t particularly fast. However, bear in mind that going up the Gorge was probably around 6 mph, but coming down the other side peaked at over 40 mph

If you’re concerned about keeping up, don’t be, we’ll wait – If you’re concerned about us slowing you down, well feel free to go ahead and order the coffees. I haven't been on the Strawberry Line before, but I would guess that's not going to be too fast either.

 

[Jerry Atrik]

Where's the nearest train station ?

 

[adds21]

Where's the nearest train station ?

Probably Yatton, which is right at the start of the Strawberry Line, about a mile from Congresbury. I'd suggest that anyone who wants to come by train meet us as Congresbury, rather than cycle to the lake, only to have to cycle back again! It's probably about 10 miles from Chew Valley Lake to Congresbury, so we'd be there at about 11:15 ish, give or take.

Alternatively, there's a station at Keynsham, which is a pleasant (but slightly hilly) 8 mile cycle from the Lake in the other direction.

Or of course, there's always Bristol Temple Meads, which is about 10 miles from the lake.

 

[adds21]

[QUOTE 1221406"]
Bugger. I have arranged to drop my children off with my witch of a mother on that day, as half-term holidays start on the monday! If you all fancy re-arranging your entire lives for me than saturday will be great, if not I understand
[/quote]

I can't make the Saturday, but there's no reason why we can't pre-arrange another ride as well

 

[Banjo]

I cant do the Sunday ride due to work but would love to come over and join in any future rides that you may organize.Could someone send me a message if anything occurs.

Likewise we have occasional CC get together rides here in outh Wles so if any of you want to come over just keep an eye on the South Wales thread in this forum.

 

[Toshiba Boy]

adds21, would be interested but in Reading that weekend. Keep me informed of any other rides in Somerset/Devon though. Regards.

Rich

 

[Chutzpah]

Last time we went out the average speed was around 13 mph, which isn’t particularly fast. However, bear in mind that going up the Gorge was probably around 6 mph, but coming down the other side peaked at over 40 mph

If you’re concerned about keeping up, don’t be, we’ll wait – If you’re concerned about us slowing you down, well feel free to go ahead and order the coffees. I haven't been on the Strawberry Line before, but I would guess that's not going to be too fast either.

Definitely not concerned about you slowing me down!

At the moment I'll plan to join you, I've never cycled that way before so not sure how quick I might go, though that average speed sounds fine. Currently got a head cold but should shift it by then (I'll be properly grumpy if I haven't).

Is the lake car park free now? Pretty sure it stopped being pay and display in October.

 

[adds21]

I'm pretty sure it's "off season" now, so parking is probably free. If not, it'll be £1.50.

Hope to see you Sunday.

 

[adds21]

Likewise we have occasional CC get together rides here in outh Wles so if any of you want to come over just keep an eye on the South Wales thread in this forum.

I keep meaning to pop over the river to give the Taff Trail a go, that looks like a nice route (especially the bit between Merthyr and Brecon). Have you ridden it? Would it be best on a road bike or a MTB?

 

[Banjo]

I keep meaning to pop over the river to give the Taff Trail a go, that looks like a nice route (especially the bit between Merthyr and Brecon). Have you ridden it? Would it be best on a road bike or a MTB?

Ridden it several times. The section from Cardiff to Merthyr is mostly on tarmac or hard packed gravel/earth track so can be done on any bike .I would prefer a hybrid to a MTB or Road bike for it. But MTB probably more practical than road bike.

The section from Merthyr to Brecon is on minor roads and forestry tracks,some of the tracks i personally wouldnt do on a road bike but people have.The final bit into brecon is on the canal towpath.

If you have to choose between road bike and MTB I would use MTB for it.

Some pictures of Taff Trail

Tarmac Path near Cardiff

good watering hole at Tongwynlais about 8 miles from start of Trail in Cardiff

View from "7 mile bank" near Talybont between Brecon and Merthyr A rough gravel forestry track but with stunning views to compensate.

Topantau, the highest bit of the Trail so downhill from here wether going north or south.

 

[Banjo]

I am planning on doing a camping tour around the Avon Cycleway 85 mile circle around the outskirts of Bristol as soon as time off coincides with dry weather..

My rough plan is to start at Avonmouth (as I have somewhere to leave the car there) then go around it clockwise possibly camping or band b near chew Valley lake.

Any of you guys cycled it? Would a road bike or hybrid be better?