Rides in Cardiff - what's the pace?

Rhods

Hi

Not sure if this is the right board for this one, but here goes.

I'm relatively new to road cycling and would like to join others to cycle - I'm more used to team sports and like motivation. I can hold half decent speeds on the flat, but my climbing is pretty poor!

I've heard of a few rides that go on the weekend from Cardiff. Could anyone tell me what the standard/average speed is for those and whether they accomodate the inexperienced / is there a fast group and a slower group?

Thanks

extremepig

See if any of the local clubs have forums. You might get a better response then

You can look up clubs on the British Cycling website.

voxegam

Hey, On saturday mornings, there is a Jif club "shop" ride that goes from Cyclopaedia the (bike shop) at 9.30. This is generally a fairly leisurely pace and people tend to stick together as one group. Anyone can turn up and ride.
On sunday, there is an Ajax club ride from Maindy track at 9.30. Here there is usually a slow and a fast group. Once again, anyone can show up. Hope that helps.

cjcp

Voxegam - where do the Ajax rides generally head out to? I've got family in and around Cardiff so might be able to make this ride.

voxegam

They tend to vary a lot judging on whats been done since January. Some of the longer ones have headed out to the Brecons or Penderyn Moors and round that general area. Also have done the Vale of Glamorgan heading out to Bridgend and Ogmore-by-Sea. Judging by news on Jifs website, the suggested route for this Sunday is:
Lisvane - Lower Machen - Risca - Wattsville - Pontllanfraith - Ystrad - Nelson - 'Ponty' - Church Village - Power station hill - Home
I think now its coming into spring, the rides will be shorter in length but faster with more specific stuff though I could be wrong. I'm definately not the most knowledgeable person to ask about this - only been riding with them since the beginning of this year.
You could always ask around the Ajax Forums....not the most active forums but you are liekly to get an answer nonetheless.
http://www.cardiffajaxcycling.co.uk/forum.html
Hope this helps.

cjcp

Cheers - very helpful. I like rides out into the Vale.

Rhods

Just thought I'd say that I went out on the "shop ride" today after Ian in Cyclopaedia recommended I give it a go. Had a great time. Nice bunch of guys who made me feel welcome. It's a great feeling riding in a group!

cjcp

Where did you go?

Rhods

I lost the info from my computer just as I was getting back! But I think it was around the 35 miles (many did longer). The route was Cardiff to Treforest then back on the old Llantrisant Road (I think). We then turned off back for Cowbridge and then back to Cardiff. The rest went on to Bridgend and then back.

Hope that helps.

cjcp

Cheers.

bprice

Rhods wrote:

Hi

Not sure if this is the right board for this one, but here goes.

I'm relatively new to road cycling and would like to join others to cycle - I'm more used to team sports and like motivation. I can hold half decent speeds on the flat, but my climbing is pretty poor!

I've heard of a few rides that go on the weekend from Cardiff. Could anyone tell me what the standard/average speed is for those and whether they accomodate the inexperienced / is there a fast group and a slower group?

Thanks

Im a member of Ajax. I joined about 3 months ago although I wish I had joined sooner. You couldnt meet a better bunch of people. Club rides on a Sunday start off from Maindy Leisure Centre at 9.30.

As written by a previous poster the rides are varied. We either head east to Usk, head North to the Bwlch, Rhigos or West as we did today.
The plan for today was to get to Ewenny near Bridgend for a cafe stop and return. But some of us went on to Port Talbot and up the Afan Valley for a climb over the Bwlch.

The rides always have a cafe stop at mid point, and no rider is dropped. If there are riders off the back the guys on the front ease up to allow them to catch up.

The rides for the remaining Sundays in March are on the Ajax website .

I hope this helps