The Pembrokeshire Freewheelers
2002 Annual Club Review: September
Septembers club ride from Fishguard saw the appearance of the cycle trailer, as Vic trialled it for the first time. His lone bike looked a bit lost on it, but the trailer looked fine. We were joined by Ellie, who came out with us for the first time. Dr. Bob, was the leader and he turned up in a red polka dot, "leader of the mountains" shirt. Someone asked if his "rash" was infectious and if he had seen a doctor about it. Tei turned up on his new bike, well not exactly new, but a Wilsonian from the 1940's with 4-speed Sturmey Archer gears.
We set out following the NCN signs towards Goodwick, and found ourselves on paths between houses and fields until we passed over the new by-pass. Then we climbed up towards the coastal roads heading westwards.
When asked where elevenses were to be, Bob said Tregwynt Mill. Eyebrows were raised as the others had been thwarted in the past because it had always had the café closed. Bob told us that he had rang up to check and had been assured that they would be open.
On arrival, Bob was appalled to find that the café was closed and that no way were they going to open up for us, despite his pleas that he had been promised they would open. Vowing never to bring custom there again he led us off looking for some refreshment.
The Farmers Arms in Mathry was much more welcoming, providing teas, coffees and the ubiquitous Welsh cakes.
Feeling better then, we headed out through Llanrhian and then dropped down to Porthgain for lunch by the harbour. After lunch we cycled over to Castlemorris and then returned to Fishguard.
The final Greenways ride was held in mid September, Vic leading from Narberth. Again Ellie joined us, as well as Keith, Alan and John, from the Haverfordwest ride. It was downhill out of Narberth but passing Heron's Brook the road soon got steep and John struggled as he had not been too well recently. He thought he had better go back, but having been assured it would get flatter he managed to carry on. The roads eventually evened out a bit as we reached Templeton and continued on through Cold Blow and Princes Gate. One more hill saw us reach Tavernspite where we were again made welcome, as we enjoyed toasted tea cakes with our drinks. From here we cycled through Ludchurch before returning to Narberth.
We had organised ten Greenways cycle rides in all, and had been disappointed with the response. However, over the last two rides it looked likely that we had encouraged some newcomers to consider joining our club, and that primarily is why we agreed to co-operate with the council in the first place.
Six members of the club went on holiday in September, cycling through Spain and France. The trip had been organised by Barrie and Mark, with Brian and Linda, Wendy and Karin also taking part.
They had been delivered to Bristol airport in two cars, driven by Mark's father and Victor, who had towed the club trailer loaded with the six bicycles.
The flight was from Bristol to Barcelona. From here the plan was to cycle to Bordeaux, crossing the Pyrenees mountains on the way.
The riders left Barcelona and headed west into the fertile agricultural plains, cycling in hot temperatures for the first few days.
From Balaguer they then followed the Riu Noguera Pallaresa for around 100 miles into the foothills of the Pyrenees. In Llavorsi, four of the group took the opportunity to go white water rafting for a couple of hours one morning, before heading up into the mountains proper.
The way over the Pyrenees included climbing four Cols, the highest of these being over two thousand metres. Crossing the second one brought them to the French border.
Once into south west France the terrain changed again and they cycled through rolling hills and then the very flat heavily forested Landes area.
Leaving this area behind they eventually passed lots of famous vineyards on the approach to Bordeaux.
The holiday lasted two weeks and over five hundred miles were cycled.
From Bordeaux they flew to Stansted and from there they returned to Pembrokeshire by coach.
(A full account of the holiday can be read, each rider holding a copy).
Whilst the above holiday was taking place, Peter Brake led a club ride from Pembroke, and was joined by our new members, Keith and Alan, together with Keith's wife. Although it was hoped that Peter would lead an easy ride, it was tougher than expected as they cycled through Neyland and over to Milford. Everyone managed, and it was hoped that they would all come out again.