Wales : West Glamorgan Ride around Dragon Sportive Route Spring 2013

[lukesdad]

Bettws Lodge looks perfect to me. We could start /finish the ride there , theres a pub /shop in the village and Bridgend Town isnt far away.

This is just round the corner, described in one of the pub guide things as "a real drinkers pub with fun staff" I suppose I have to reccy the pub first and if that meets approval then maybe have a look at the bunkhouse.

Doya think they might cut the grass in the beer garden for us ?

 

[Banjo]

Have put the ride on the cycle chat events calendar.You may wish to look at the entry and add your name as either a definite or maybe entrant.

This is a social ride not a race or training event but Anyone thats concerned that they couldnt do a 100 hilly miles There is the possibility of a shorter option starting finishing in the same place. The route allows several options, if a few people wanted we could arrange a ride of length to suit which would still take you to some very scenic locations.

 

[rich p]

Well done Banj.

 

[HLaB]

Is the date right, Monday the 6th? If I sort out the logistics it looks like a goer

 

[Banjo]

Is the date right, Monday the 6th? If I sort out the logistics it looks like a goer

oops Rectified my mistake .. The Date is Saturday April 6th .

 

[Banjo]

Is the date right, Monday the 6th? If I sort out the logistics it looks like a goer

Be great to see you .Im sure our mountains are like molehills compared to Scottish ones

 

[HLaB]

Be great to see you .Im sure our mountains are like molehills compared to Scottish ones

Now I'm down in the Peterborough flat lands, come April they'll seem like proper Mountains

 

[User482]

Speaking of trains...I need to come over the morning of the ride - the earliest I can get there is about 8.30 at Pencoed, Neath or Bridgend stations. Is that going to be ok?

 

[theclaud]

Speaking of trains...I need to come over the morning of the ride - the earliest I can get there is about 8.30 at Pencoed, Neath or Bridgend stations. Is that going to be ok?

Neath doesn't make sense. In more ways than one. Most trains from Bristol will stop at Bridgend. I will probably get the train to Bridgend.

 

[Banjo]

OK I think its time to set a firm start point and let accomodation etc sort itself out later otherwise we are going to end up with confusion .

The Start is at 0830 Saturday 6th April. ,Time and Date wont change . This allows train connections from Bristol etc.And is a short distance from Cardiff (Rhoose) Airport. Also easy to get to from M4 motorway.

In the meantime I will do some recces and try to find somewhere close by to stay. I am sure something will be available and theres a Premier Inn type place if all else fail;s.

 

[Banjo]

had a prowl round Pencoed today trying to find a hotel/b and b . Found the perfect place The "Maerdy"Hotel" trouble is its being demolished soon. Suspect the Premier Inn down the road has sucked the life out of it.

Couldnt find any b and bs or pubs with rooms. Premier Inn or Days Inn Bridgend seem to be handiest. If we book twin rooms in pairs it wont be too dear.

There is a Tesco Express in Pencoed opens at 6 AM will be handy for getting snacks etc to take. Couple of pubs a few shops, takeaways etc.

 

[lukesdad]

Do trains actually stop at Pencoed ? Ive never been on one that has.

 

[theclaud]

Do trains actually stop at Pencoed ? Ive never been on one that has.

Not on the mainline. You have to change at Bridgend (or Cardiff).

 

[lukesdad]

Not on the mainline. You have to change at Bridgend (or Cardiff).

Thats why they ve never stopped there then

 

[Banjo]

Going to have a look at Betws Eco Lodge as a possibility for accomodation. Other than the Premier Inn couldn't find anything in Pencoed had to visit both pubs to ask the locals.If the eco lodge and pub next door is ok then we could start the ride from there and its not far from Bridgend. Will report back on the quality of the beer and accomodation next week. I hope you guys appreciate the sacrifices I am making. That will be the third pub I willl have had to visit so far :-)