The Edge Cycleworks 'Social' Shop Ride

The Ceiriog Valley

Sun 22nd May 2011

When everybody arrived at Glyn Ceiriog Anne was happy to see that another woman had turned up after her comments on the previous ride. We soon found out that Trudi was a Ceiriog Valley local, so as well as the chance to meet new riders she was interested to see what sort of route I would come up with.

The route took us straight up a steep climb. A climb that I had to go up twice, after heading back down to see what had happened to Dave and Martin (a broken chain). It was on the way back down I found the reason for the beautiful countryside being accompanied by the smell of solvents, when I hit diesel on one of the tight corners and almost plunged down the side of the valley!

We eventually arrived at the top, only to point our bikes straight back down hill again for the descent into Pandy. Tight muddy ruts, scattered with loose rocks were the main feature of the first half before we reached the woods and the fast as you dare drop to the bottom.

The process of climb and descent would be repeated three more times along the route but on varying terrain and with different with issues to overcome. Anne was frustrated by a skipping chain on the steep rocky climb from Tregeiriog, while we all had to battle a strong, blustery side wind. But that was forgotten on the sketchy, slate covered descent down the other side.

At the bottom we suffered the first of a few punctures that would slow us down more than the wind.  But at the halfway point we turned back in the direction of the Ceiriog Valley.  The grassy climb up Gyrn Moelfre was then accompanied by a welcome push in the back from a strong tail wind that saw us start to claw back the lost time.

However, the punctures and wind weren’t an issue. It was a ‘Social’ ride and the sun was out, so wherever we stopped we just huddled down to enjoy the view, while chatting and munching some food.

Fearghas had to ring home and arrange his lift back near the end of the ride. I was glad to have been cautious with the finish time. When we finally made it to the top of Spring Hill, for the final descent, not only was there another puncture but the wind was so strong we had to pedal down hill! Despite that we all reached the bottom with a big grin, which stayed on our faces all the way back to Glyn Ceiriog. There had been sun, dry trails, great company and fantastic views. What more do you need.

Directions for this route for this ride can be found here: Ceiriog Valley - Gyrn Moelfre Medium