LHW Glos goes cycle touring!

Have you ever been cycle touring? Do you fancy trying it? 🚴‍♂️🚴‍♀️🚴

If you’ve answered yes to either of these questions then this might be your perfect event!

Starting from near Pontypool we will be following predominantly off-road and traffic free cycle ways through the edges of the Brecon Beacons to Abergavenny.

We will stay the night on a campsite (with showers and toilets!) before returning on Sunday via the Brecon and Monmouthshire canal.

The route is roughly 20 miles each day. I’ve chosen a short(ish) route to keep this accessible for more novice riders new to touring. We’ll have plenty of time to stop and rest and tackle the hills slowly (and obviously we won’t leave anybody behind – ever!).

Day one starts with a steady uphill section (on an old railway line so it isn’t awfully steep) before dropping down into the Usk Valley. 

The campsite is between £10 – £12 each (tbc) payable on arrival.

Day 2 starts with a climb up to the canal, and is then predominantly flat until the last 3 miles which is again uphill on an old railway line. We will take the hills slowly and push where needed – this trip is about the experience not proving we’re super fit athletes!

What will you need? 

🚲You will need your own bike AND helmet. The route is predominantly on surfaced cycle ways. A hybrid, gravel or sturdy touring bike would be ideal. A mountain bike would work well too. A highly strung road bike will struggle, especially on the canal sections.

🛠️You need to make sure your bike is in good condition and is safe to ride. I have some basic repair skills, and will help if we have a break down, but ultimately if your bike isn’t fixable on the trailside you will be responsible for getting yourself and your bike back to your vehicle yourself. Consider getting a bike service before the trip!

🎒You will also need a way to carry your camping kit – a pannier rack and panniers OR bike packing frame bags.

⛺You will need your own camping kit – but, we do have a small amount of kit we can loan you from the group stores. Please ask if you are lacking something and we can try to find you what you need.

If you’d like to come please mark yourself as going and then join the WhatsApp group using the link provided in the event comments. Spaces are strictly limited to EIGHT women – please check the numbers already signed up before adding yourself as “going”. I will start a reserve list post on the event if needed.

If you have any questions please ask!

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