South Wales cycling climbs

[User]

 

[Hugh Manatee]

I went to Uni in Pontypridd. I used to love the Rhigos mountain. We used to go up and down twice or three times a ride in Summer. My regular route took in Caerphilly Mountain up past the golf course then down into Caerphilly itself. I used to try to hit 60mph down that hill. I couldn't break the magic figure managing a feeble 59.9mph. It was sometime later I discovered the computer maxed out at 59.9.

I found myself on the same hill in the car. Traffic lights everywhere! Won't ever manage the big bad 60 now! Shame, because there is more of me for gravity to act upon now!

 

[Donger]

[QUOTE 4271826, member: 43827"]Those of you who know this area might be interested in this report. I must confess to failing on the first one last year.

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/...6-beautiful-challenging-climbs-every-11217298[/QUOTE]
Thank you for posting that. All looks brilliant. I have done the first one (Abercynafon) without knowing it was called that. I called it a few other things, but loved the views and the sense of achievement. It made for a great little ride from Crickhowell to the summit and back via Tallybont reservoir. [p.s. Don't tell anyone else, but I actually put a foot down on that one.]

As for the Bwlch from Treorchy ... I've only just (literally a couple of days ago) driven that in a car and arranged to ride it with @Frazzle later in the year as my final warm-up for the Alps. Looks absolutely fantastic. Can't wait to try out some of the others too. Inspiring stuff.

 

[BikeCurious]

I'm glad to see the Rhiwr on there. I used to live a mile or two away in my childhood and that road was particularly infamous. I've never ridden it on a bike but had a hairy moment coming down in the car a few years ago when I burnt out the brakes on my old Peugeot 106.

 

[Aravis]

[QUOTE 4272171, member: 43827"]The very first ride on the list I know as the Glyn, and when I was a kid I used to try, and always failed, to get up it on my 3-speed Raleigh. I was much better going down it.[/QUOTE]
I definitely preferred to do that one from the Pontsticill direction. It's still a challenging climb, but more broken up, and the fear of failure is largely removed!

At a rough count I've done 20 of these, all some time ago. My most glaring omission is the Rhigos climb from the north. It was always a bit too far away from anywhere I've lived to include in a day ride, so I suppose opportunities were limited. However I don't really have any excuse for never having done The British. I've driven over it and I think the descent into Ebbw Vale could be a bit dangerous, but there seem to alternatives that loop back towards Pontypool. These two now have to feature on my unfinished business list.

A particular favourite not included is the unclassified road from Ferndale in the Rhondda Fach to Ynysybwl, crossing a ridge which Ordnance Survey calls Cefn Gwyngul. I can think of a few others which probably get close to the 30% mark, but if I'm honest, I always used to avoid those.

 

[jowwy]

I'm glad to see the Rhiwr on there. I used to live a mile or two away in my childhood and that road was particularly infamous. I've never ridden it on a bike but had a hairy moment coming down in the car a few years ago when I burnt out the brakes on my old Peugeot 106.

I live near there too......were are you from??

 

[nickyboy]

They look really good and bear a lot of resemblance to the Peak District climbs I do. Those around here are really popular, maybe more needs to be done to promote what is obviously really spectacular cycling in S Wales

 

[Banjo]

I often start in Neath and do a 45 mile circle over Cimla Hill Bwlch Mountain and Rhigos Mountain it finishes with a 20 mile downhill or flat run back to Neath .

The "Cardiff Arms Cafe" in Treherbet is first class and ideally placed in between the two mountains.

 

[Donger]

I often start in Neath and do a 45 mile circle over Cimla Hill Bwlch Mountain and Rhigos Mountain it finishes with a 20 mile downhill or flat run back to Neath .
The "Cardiff Arms Cafe" in Treherbet is first class and ideally placed in between the two mountains.

When I drove through there the other day, I couldn't help also spotting the wonderfully named chippy "A Fish Called Rhondda" in Treorchy. When I ride the Bwlch in the Summer, I was thinking of stopping off there to take on a pie before heading back the way I came to tackle it in both directions.

 

[Banjo]

When I drove through there the other day, I couldn't help also spotting the wonderfully named chippy "A Fish Called Rhondda" in Treorchy. When I ride the Bwlch in the Summer, I was thinking of stopping off there to take on a pie before heading back the way I came to tackle it in both directions.

If you want some company give me a shout.

My circle would have similar amount of climbing as two Bwlch ascents and you would be able to add the Rhigos Mountain to your list of succeses.

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/12514699

 

[Donger]

If you want some company give me a shout.

My circle would have similar amount of climbing as two Bwlch ascents and you would be able to add the Rhigos Mountain to your list of succeses.

Thanks @Banjo. A very nice offer. I am a very slow climber, though. I pretty much winch my way up in the granny ring, and you might get bored! I was trying to remember which audax we met on last year? We met up in the final 15-20 miles of one of them, so I guess we might not be too dissimilar in overall speeds. Would hate to spoil a good climb for you though.

 

[Banjo]

I am no race horse and like to spend a bit of time enjoying the views etc so you certainly wont spoil anything for me . I work different days each week so just send me a pm to see if we can be free on the same day.

It was one of the Tewkesbury rides we cycled back from the Cider factory together I think.

 

[Stantheman]

I live near Caerphilly and loved climbing over the mountain to Cardiff and back up Tongwynlais past the black cock inn to return to the top of Caerphilly mountain. Have done a few on the list, but would struggle now as I've let my fitness slip this past year.

 

[Doyleyburger]

Is the Devil's Staircase in there?

Thats climb is a must !
Some great climbs this way

 

[Donger]

I am no race horse and like to spend a bit of time enjoying the views etc so you certainly wont spoil anything for me . I work different days each week so just send me a pm to see if we can be free on the same day.

It was one of the Tewkesbury rides we cycled back from the Cider factory together I think.

In the spirit of Cyclechat, it would be great to get together, Banjo. I'll start a conversation with you some time.