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Past Ride

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Sat May 30th 2015

Gospel Pass	3*

Leader: John Talbot	Start Time: 9:00 am	Start Location: Rhosgoch
Description: Gospel Pass is the highest road pass in Wales and a classic climb by bicycle. All CTC Wantage riders are welcome to join us for the day. I recommend picking up the ride in Hay-on-Wye where we will leave around 9.30-9.45am. Please let me know if you are intending on doing this so I know who to expect. Those staying in Rhosgoch will take the undulating road to Hay-on-Wye where the climbing starts. A long and arduous climb firstly through forest and then open heathland with fantastic vistas on a clear day. A long descent follows through a wooded river valley, nearly all the way to our lunch stop in Abergavenny. The return leg is flatter but still fairly lumpy (there aren't many flat roads around here!) we will stop for an afternoon tea/coffee/ice cream in Hay-on-Wye. The ride is 108km with 1500m of climbing. A classic not to be missed.
Riders: Chris Walters David Bridge David Smith John Talbot Phil Stubbings Ursula Hallam Riders = 6 Weather: Report: Four riders set off from Rhosgoch on the 'easier' road to Hay-on-Wye to meet with David S and Ursula in the festival frenzy. With very kind weather (sunny but not especially warm) we set off for the big climb of the day up Gospel Pass. The lower half is tough, the middle section is very tough but the top third on the open moorland is actually the easiest bit and the most interesting. The views are stunning and the road is superb. After regrouping and taking a few piccies we set off down the other side. The first bit is steep and the road good but as it enters the trees the gradient lessens, the surface deteriorates and it gets very narrow. We stopped briefly at Llanthony Priory for a quick look around before continuing down to Abergavenny. After getting a bit lost and separated we eventually all got to Hoffi Coffi where we could sit outside and have a very pleasant lunch. Phil had the most enormous Club sandwich (basically a full English breakfast in several slices of toast), he says he didn't eat it all... The run along the valley past Crickhowell was very pleasant, we took a few stops to look at the canal before the climb up the A40 to Bwlch where we stopped for ice creams. David S And Ursula left us at Llangorse to make their way back to their digs. The rest of us had a very pleasant run down into Hay-on-Wye past the festival. We stopped in the town for a coffee and to watch the festival goers before tackling the climb back to base. This wasn't anywhere near as bad as I was fearing, a couple of steep sections lower down and then a steady 5-7% climb. A short 17% kick at the end into Painscastle. We deserved our three course home-cooked, home-produce meal that evening (and the several bottles of red wine)
Distance: 113.20 km (70.34 mi)	Ride Details: https://www.strava.com/activities/314956256
Gospel Pass Phil at the top of Gospel Pass Chris at the top of Gospel Pass David B at the top of Gospel Pass Llanthony Priory Lunch or Breakfast? Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal Ice creams at Bwlch
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/7152894"
Comment on this ride

Written by : Ursula

Posted on : June 1, 2015 at 8:30 PM

Super ride - love to do that one again - thanks John.

Ride Filter

Start Locations: WMP
Wantage Market Place; OMH
Old Mill Hall, Grove

Categories: 1* - Suitable for irregular, social, beginner or family riders, pace will match the slower riders. Not hilly or long. Expect rides up to 3 hours. Gentle exercise.; 2* - Suitable for regular riders who prefer to cover some distance but at a more relaxed pace. Likely to be half-day rides. Solid exercise.; 3* - Suitable for experienced riders, may be hilly, long, quick, or any combination! Likely to be half or full-day rides. Challenging exercise.; 4* - Suitable for athletic riders who can ride safely above the 3* standard. Quick rides for the fit.; More Information