11th April 2024: Rhos to Trefriw (special ride, mod)

When I volunteered to plan this day, I hadn’t envisaged the amount of preparation demanded compared to previous outings. Routes required for Mods and Brisk’s plus a Mods Route Sheet. Also, people’s abilities have changed and new faces arrived. Any planning had to account for the majority of the groups. Since COVID, opening hours for public houses have changed considerably. Café’s in Rhos have changed, so starters I decided on the popular café COAST used by my family. For lunch I didn’t know whether the Old Ship Inn would be open as regular phone calls were unanswered.

As my Wednesday Pootlers Group had a ‘Welsh Wash Out Wednesday’ I decided that the Mods route I planned would suit them nicely. So, 19 in total turned up at the COAST cafe. The Brisk & Mods+ had decided on a clockwise route largely based on my suggested Routes, Pootlers and Mods would use what I had planned. Ivan I learn’t later, went solo following one of my Brisk Routes.

The Mods, MikeD, Electric Ray, Hon Sec DaveH, Dave Matthews, Keith, and myself, plus 4 Pootlers (John, Shaun, Audax Chris shortly off to Japan & Electric Paul) set of for Llandudno. DaveM was having difficulty on the first climb out of Penrhyn Bay and decided at Llandudno he would bypass the Great Orme round and would rejoin at West Shore. The remainder congregated at the Rest & Be Thankful Café before setting of for Deganwy. At West Shore the main group of Pootlers, Ray and Andy had disappeared leaving just four of us DaveH, MikeD, Keith and myself to wend our way to the lunch stop in Trefriw. Keith was very keen to practice Welsh place names so some fun was had. He could have done with some assistance from Steve Hughes. On we went around the Conwy estuary cycle trail thinking all was well with those in the advanced party. Photo opportunity was taken at the Telford Suspension Bridge completed in 1826 and at one time carried the A55. 

Photo by Mike G

On through Rowen and we had time to take in St Mary’s a 13th Century Church at Caerhun with its views of the Conwy Valley and was once a major Roman Fort in times gone past.  The wind was getting up and on our way to Trefriw where we were passed going in the opposite direction by the Brisk group, who were pounding their way for a lunchtime pancake. At our lunch stop Old Ship Inn, Andy, DaveM and the Mods+ were into their grub and reported that Ivan had visited. Where was Ray? He appears to have lost contact with the Pootlers decided to wait at Llandudno Junction small roundabout but hadn’t realised we went via the estuary cycle path so missed him completely. So he returned safely to Rhos on Sea where he had lunch before returning home. We four had a lovely lunch hour, the beer I had was very pleasant. Andy advised he was making his way home and DaveM was soon on his way as were the Mods+ group. We four made our way across the valley to Llanrwst, via the suspension bridge and as we progressed up the long climb noticed the wind would be in our favour. Across the tops wind assisted, the four of us freewheeled for long periods, and were able to enjoy the limited views of the Carnedd mountains in the west and the Clwydian Range and Moel Famau plus Denbigh Moor to the east.  Keeping the best to last. I planned on a lovely downfall to Old Colwyn. All four of us enjoyed the extravaganza via Llanelian yn Rhos with lovely coastal views. The road surface made it even better, being recently resurfaced unlike the years gone past where it had always been an undulating gravel strewn patchwork quilt.

We four arrived safely at the COAST café just after 4pm, the Mods+ arriving shortly afterwards. Also, the thanks received from Ivan and others for the enjoyable ride they had. Thanks also to Dave Heath for the effort he provided in advising me on what was required, names and numbers who would be attending.

See route map and/or gpx file download

Mike Gilbert

    

11th April 2024 : Rhos to Trefriw ( Brisk Special Ride )

There were a lot of us at the Coast Cafe as I turned up after a 5 mile warm up ride around Rhos. It was positively buzzing. There were three (or perhaps four) distinct rides today. I had taken one of Mike’s brisk routes and then reversed it to ride the big hills before lunch. As ever, getting the rides going was more disorganised than herding cats. Slowly it became clear that there would only be three of us Brisk riders today - Nick, Ken and myself.

I was looking forward to the first few miles as it was all along the foreshore and cycle path No:5 i.e. flat and interesting except it wasn’t. I made the fatal mistake of remarking to Ken at the start that the promenade was finally finished after three years - but it wasn’t. There were barriers across the road which meant we had to take the old main road up to Penmean Rhos - and up it was for a good mile and 300ft. So we run down passing the massive quarries to rejoin Highway 5  to rejoin the cycle path near Llanddulas. There may have been a diversion sign back down to the coast path but I didn’t see it.

The path was rock and debris strewn as result of recent storms so we either rode very slowly or carried the bikes over the worst bits. Eventually after 6 miles of inconvernience, we start the six mile uphill ride to Trofarth. It is a very beautiful valley with some nasty steep bits - but very picturesque. Ken tells me one hill was 19% and I believed him as I very slowly ascended it.

Eventually, we reach a very good and wide road and head ever upwards almost due south battling a vicious gusting side wind. Just before we hit the A548, we notice the rainstorm strafing the hills and Conwy river valley in front of us, so we don rain jackets just in time. The descent on wet roads into Llanrwst is very fast and very bendy but we arrive safely in the centre and head north to locate the tiny lane by the station which takes us over and across the Conwy river and its flood plain into Trefriw.

Our route now is straight north along the B road to Conwy passing the surfing centre. We notice a few Mod riders on their way to lunch at Trefriw. We pass the Roman fort turn before peeling off left towards Rowen then onwards to the Dutch Pancake House cafe after 30 miles of hard riding. Lunch was adjudged to be very good and quick and we all took a pint of hydrating Snowdon ale as well.

The lane into the back of Conwy was very pleasant as I lead our trio around the town and down to quayside. We stop awhile to take in the scenery with the famous Liverpool Arms pub and the fresh seafood shop before cycling across the bridge and around the estuary to Deganwy junction. We were held up by the level crossing for some time here but we were in no hurry. Just as we get onto the main drag to Llandudno, the Mod+ group arrive alongside us having ignored the long queue of traffic that had built up due to roadworks. 

Conwy Castle quayside

Unfortunately on getting onto this road from the side turning, Nick has a front mudguard malfunction which tips him off his bike and into the road narrowly missing the slowly moving traffic. Thankfully he is not too badly hurt but rather shaken as you would be. We rest awhile until Nick is ready to ride again. We set off now following the Mods+ to the West Shore model railway park. They head off for a turn round the Great Orme via the private road.

Waiting for Godot ( aka CA)

At "Rest and be Thankful Cafe" 

I’d modified the route to ascend the Great Orme by road and then drop down via St Tudno’s Well onto the private peripherique. Unfortunately this meant about a mile or so of 15-20% hillside either cycling, or in my case walking, up along side the railway track. All respect to Ken and Nick as they rode the whole way !!!. By walking up though I had given them time to briefly explore the Great Orme Bronze Age copper mine. We eschew the summit by turning off right and down passing St Tudno’s Well and its church and cemetery and onto the peripherique. We had agreed to stop at the “Rest and Be Thankful” cafe only to find the Mod+ group there enjoying their recently purchased  cake and coffees.The home run back to Rhos was uneventful taking in the bay’s wide promenade and the last hill up and over the Little Orme. 

A great route thanks to Mike's initial suggestion, but the stiff wind plagued us all day, and we could have done without the stinging rain as we swooped down into Llanwrst. Steve Hu sent me a newspaper cutting the following day which informed me that, the part of the closed promenade that pushed us onto the old main road, was now open (after three years).

So many thanks to Nick and Ken for their patience with me on those hills today, but nevertheless 50 miles and 4000ft of climbs on an interesting and stunning route with great company all day. 

See route map and/or gpx file download

CA

Photos KP

11th April 2024: Rhos to Trefriw (special ride, mod+)

Well what a “reet grand” day at the seaside. The spring CER special ride was organised by our very own Mike Gilbert and publicised by our esteemed secretary Dave Heath.  A tremendous turnout of CER friends both old and new met at Coast Cafe to start the first special ride of the year. In a week where rain and high tides had dominated our small window of dry weather was appreciated. 

With such a large group three groups naturally formed, the glacials, the mod+ and the briskers. Both Steve T and I had been concerned on the profile of Mike's suggested route with its Eiger like profile after the lunch stop. This concern was eased when Clive advised the briskers were altering the direction of the route and doing it in reverse. 

An excellent idea I believed and this was quickly adopted by Shane, Steve T and Alan so off we went. Possibly a CER record, we managed to lose Shane within 300 yds. I returned to the cafe to see a stream of flow yellow jkts heading both east and west. Undaunted the three musketeers continued along the lovely coastline which has benefitted from one million tonnes of sand sucked up beyond the wind turbines and re deposited on the shore. This alongside furniture and sea defence work has totalled over £20 million over 2022/3 & 4. 

As we approached the underpass for the A55 we spied a rash of flow yellow cyclists. Sure enough our errant Shane had decided to jump on with the fast lads, such is his youthful determination. He was quickly re absorbed into the workmanlike mod+ group and we were once again quorate. 

The long climb from Old Colwyn up and around Llaneilian yn Rhos can only ever be called a slog. A number of King Of The Mountains challengers were seen in action but Shane dispensed with all comers and collected maximum points at the top of the climb. It was during this “twiddling “ ascent that Alan pointed out the ever so slightly mahoosive flaw in my cunning plan of reversing the route. The decisions meant we spent twenty miles climbing 2500 feet into a continuous headwind. The realisation of this error was cemented when we crested the hill and rode across Pennant road on the flat in a full on headwind at 10 to 12 mph. Whilst managing to “miss” the turnoff to Llanrwst we maintained altitude and rode towards Betwys Y Coed. Finally at a hairpin turn we turned back towards Llanrwst and the headwind became our friend and gave us wings. 

Therin followed a two and a half mile downhill section where everyone excelled. After the plunge into Llanrwst we stopped for a couple of photographic opportunities and crossed the River Conway on a very pretty suspension bridge. 

Photos by Alan O

Trefriw soon appeared to our tired eyes and to our delight we met Andy B and Dave M who greeted us with a cheery “where’s the pub”? The Ship Inn. On finding the pub that Andy B had ridden straight past we discovered another elite CER member Ivan . Ivan had not only arrived there early, he had eaten and was setting off the way we had come. Such is the power of his new knee!! Over lunch a number of mod riders appeared one at a time , however I will not detract from the mod blog which will probably be called “ how we set off with 11 and ended up with 4or 5 !” or similar. 

From Trefriw with the much needed tailwind we made good time , stopping only for a quick mudguard fix on Steve T’s bike and a navigational error by Steve H. We passed Rowen where the fast lads were dining at a Pancake kitchen apparently. 

Soon the sight of Conway castle greeted us and we hugged the estuary through to Deganwy. On hitting the traffic we spied the brisk group, who were also experiencing mudguard malfunctions. It was now time, at Alan’s request to circumnavigate the Great Orme via the toll road. Unfortunately only three or four seals put in an appearance at the popular viewing spot so we plodded up the hill to the Cafe at the top of the hill. 

Replete with strong coffees, we were soon joined again by the briskers who had braved the 25% plus climb parallel to the railway line. They certainly needed coffee and cake after that! From here it was all downhill apart from the slight bump of the Little Orme and we were back in Rhos on Sea. No sooner had we stopped to bade farewell to Steve T, then today's man of the moment Mike Gilbert appeared to welcome us back. 

So 50 miles, 3800 feet of climbing a dose of windburn resulted in a fantastic day of fellowship and entertainment! A big thanks must go to Mike G for curating the three different routes and for Dave H in pulling all the members together to go. 

See route map and/or gpx file download

Steve H 

3rd September 2020 : Rhos on Sea (brisk)

Today’s start location is the Gallery Coffee shop with the promise of hills and God’s wonderful country. Sun and strong wind promised by the weathermen. The café was as friendly as ever and pleased to see us back and was nice to be back. 

The brisk riders out today are just John W and I with Ray on a promise at 15:00 and Clive taking it easy and Nick/John?. Ken is recovering after treatment but riding safely and with excellent performances. Not long before he’s back then!

John and I set off on a route to Rhos on Sea for a fish and chips lunch and we were not disappointed. Using the usual quick and easy route from Hawarden via Northop and skirting the A55, we were soon on the Halkyns. John had a mechanical, but fixed and were off. No support vehicles on our rides!

The long straight from the Monastery at Pantasaph was tough to the junction before the turn for Whitford. Although the head wind was making it a hard ride, we also have a few hills to navigate. The steepest and most challenging was leaving the Rhuddlan road riding along Primrose Hill road. I mentioned to John “why give such a road a pretty name” (Mike may comment) as the gradient is creeping upwards and getting harder. Passing through the little and very pretty village of St George we are now riding on a single track for approx. 2 miles at severe gradients between 15 and 20 %. We both got to the summit and Strava advised only one summit left to ride, bring it on!!

Passing through Dolwen, we spy a previous lunch stop, The Wheatsheaf, but continue on towards Colwyn Bay and Rhos. Our last summit was no where near as hard as expected and we are at the top of Old Colwyn and rolling down to the coast.

Arriving on the newish esplanade it is bathed in sunshine and even kids in the sea as we head for the chippy.The Galleon F&C shop is the location for lunch and they were enjoyed sitting on a bench looking out to sea they also tasted great.

We set off back towards Chester on NCR 5 and with a tail wind it was very welcome. We didn’t stop for tea and cake this afternoon passing through Flint and joining the Greenway home at Connah's Quay. 

John took leave at Blacon Station and I rode the last few miles home.  The circular route to and from Hawarden is around 80 miles. Our total was 20-mile greater riding out from Chester. My Garmin said 6000 feet of ascent but I think it nearer 5000* feet of climbing to enjoy or not, but at least you do the bumps first.

See route map and/or gpx file download

ID

*plotaroute has 4200ft

22nd June 2017: Special Ride: Conway Valley

Eleven of us met at Nino’s for our special ride: Steve T, Dave H, Keith B, Bob, Steve H, John M, Nick, Paul, Trevor and Clive. George couldn’t make it for personal reasons. We thought Andy B might cycle across from Mold, but as he knew the area we decided to set off and he could catch us up. At 10:30, having had our breakfast fill, we set off for Penrhyn Bay with rain jackets on as it was thick cloud, a light drizzle and westerly wind.

Arriving at the hill out of Penrhyn Bay taking us over the Little Orme, Paul’s inner tube blew. Regrouping at the top 20 minutes later we dropped down to Llandudno and cycling along the prom saw two sailing ships and the tops of all the surrounding hills covered in cloud. As we were climbing the Great Orme Paul felt our progress was too quick and decided to have another puncture. Whilst eight of us observed Paul expertly repairing the slit in his rear tyre and replacing the inner tube we reminisced how we missed our travelling technician Dave Pipe. 

Photos by Mike G

Eventually we reached the Orme Café in thick mist and rain with views the ‘blind’ would have experienced. Our brisk members were very proud of the pace, 6 miles in the first hour. Trevor after having recently returned from holidaying in America for over 6 weeks was struggling and despite our assurances that it would get easier, opted to cycle to Prestatyn and return home. Dropping into West Shore Llandudno, Trevor departed and we continued on, then Dave H decided to join Paul’s puncture club. He also discovered that he had lost his wallet probably at Nino’s allowing some poor Welsh pensioners to benefit from his English generosity.

As time was getting on, and we didn’t have Dave P, Dave H and Keith B decided they would sort out the puncture and cycle direct to our lunch stop the Old Ship in Trefriw. What we didn’t realise is they ended up entertaining the locals imitating Laurel & Hardy, showing them how to change an innertube twice, and as a reward they were offered tea.

The remaining eight went on to Deganwy then Conwy Quay taking the estuary path/cycleway. It was here some decided to have a comfort break and we lost Paul, John M and Nick as they admired the toilet’s stone work and views from the quayside. After some frantic phoning, garbled messages and backtracking; we decided to meet up at Trefriw. The remaining five following the route I had planned.

Following the scenic route through Rowen we were suddenly joined by the missing trio as we dropped down to the B5106 near Dolgarrog.  Also, the cloud was lifting and the sun started to shine. No further incidents on the way to the Old Ship, but we were half expecting Dave H and Keith B to be enjoying a pudding when we arrived, but were disappointed. Lunch of baguettes and chips was had with some pleasant ale. Steve T reported that Dave H and Keith T whilst changing the tubes discovered Dave H’s pump didn’t work and Keith had run out of the four gas cylinders he had. We also awarded Ray of the brisk group, the most organised CER member when it comes changing inner tubes.

Following a relaxed lunch, we set off for Llanrwst taking in the suspension bridge crossing of the Conwy. It started to get warm as we climbed the A458, the ‘Strava Boys’ deciding to have a race to the top, where views of Snowdon, Moel Siabod and the Carneddau range, plus the Conwy Valley were had. Bob said he was struggling and his legs were gone, so allowing him plenty of rest and taking our time, we enjoyed cycling the B5113 towards Colwyn Bay. As we cycled, to the east we had lovely views of the Clwydian Range, Denbigh Moor and intervening countryside. Shortly after the Holland Arms we turned right and followed some narrow lanes, dropping down to Dolwen, Rhyd-y-foel and the seafront near Llandullas. Sustrans Route 5 took us back along the coast to Rhos on Sea returning to Nino’s just before 5 pm covering about 51 miles and 3,300 feet of climbing.

Shortly afterwards the intrepid duo of Dave H and Keith B arrived after visiting Conwy and other parts in the locality including a beach I understand. Dave H was finally reunited with his wallet (still full) so it all ended happily. As John M said ‘This was a ride of two halves’.

See ride video (courtesy of John M)

Mike G

4th June 2015: Colwyn Bay to Betws-y-Coed Special Ride (brisk)

Snowdonia Range

Arriving at Colwyn Bay station on time, I decided that we i.e. Tom, Ivan, Ray and myself needed to warm up our legs before climbing out of Colwyn onto the ridge above. Brian Mac was also with us, so we motored along the prom to Nino’s Cafe where the Moderates were getting ready for the off. Setting off promptly, we retraced our route right along the prom before turning up through Old Colwyn to access Nant y Glyn lane. This is a delightful ever-rising lane up a valley to enable us to get onto the Llanrwst road aka B5113, on which we would rise and fall for the next 18 miles. The Nant y Glyn has a vicious sting its tail and, with my heart monitor showing an alarming 173bpm, I decided a short rest was needed! Once on the top, we rise to 1250ft over the next 18 miles with magnificent panoramas of Snowdonia and especially Tryfan. The weather is perfect, there is little traffic, the road surface is good - what more do we need! 

Photographs by Ivan Davenport and Clive Albany

Waiting for lunch

Dutch Pancake House

Out through Nebo, we rush down to Pentrefoelas. Turning right we have a 3 mile motor along the near-deserted A5 northwards. It would be easy to stay on the A5 since Betws-y-Coed is only 4 miles further on, but a quick left up over the River Conwy takes us up tiny lanes running parallel to the A5. We descend to cross the B road to Ffestiniog then take an unclassified metalled lane passing the Conwy river falls. Crossing the A road to Ffestiniog, we then take the back way into Betws-y-Coed to the railway carriage cafe lunch stop. It is a pleasant location, if you are into trains, but in reality, the food was mediocre - so next time, it is somewhere else for lunch. 

Most of the 5500ft of climbing is over and we wend our way along the B road back to Conwy town. I fancied a short diversion to Canovium (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canovium), a Roman fort that controlled the Conwy river crossing around 1600-1800 years ago. Not much to see today, but the “modern 14C ” church built within the fort is delightful. Bryan had mentioned that at Rowen is the Dutch Pancake House, so a pleasant diversion to cycle by it is arranged. It turned out to be very “convenient” for me. As Tom and Ray waited for me, Ivan motored on oblivious to our calls. I wasn’t concerned because I knew where he was going to stop, the Liverpool Arms at Conwy quayside. So a little later we all arrive and enjoy a pint with him in the sunshine. Ivan was keen to get home for his grandson’s birthday party, so we leave him to catch the train, and we then motor on to the Great Orme. The cliff road is surprisingly high at 420ft but worth the fast run back into Llandudno promenade. Out via the Little Orme, I realise we are just a few minutes too late for the train, so reluctantly we stop at Nino’s Cafe for a drink and a cake.

Llandudno pier and bay

Very soon the Moderate group arrive in dribs and drabs having had an equally rewarding and enjoyable day. The only spoiler for the day was the guard of the 17:21 who wouldn’t allow three bikes on his train. We had to wait for the 17:43, which meant that Tom had to ride from Flint rather than from Shotton, but as he needs the practice for the E2E, it worked out well. The route round was 62 miles and 5500ft of climb. Perfect weather, countryside, vistas, and company - a grand day out!

CA

4th June 2015: Rhos on Sea to Llanrwst Special Ride (mod)

As I cycled down to Nino’s restaurant in Rhos to lead the moderates on their cycle excursion of the Conwy valley I came across Jim contributing very generously to my local council tax. At Nino’s we were joined by Paul, George, Keith, Dave H and Steve T. All enjoying the rare fine weather we get in this part of the UK. After presenting Dave H with a copy of ‘Welsh with Ease’ so that he could learn some of the local language on his visit and he didn’t feel he was in a strange place, we were joined by Brian Mac, Darren and members of the brisk group Clive, Ray, Tom and Ivan.



Photographs by Brian MacDonald and Mike Gilbert

On time, nine of us mods set off in the direction of Llandudno and the Great Orme taking in St Trillo’s chapel and the Little Orme. We enjoyed the freedom of cycling on Llandudno promenade and were entertained by a Punch and Judy show prior to joining Marine Drive to take us around the Great Orme. At its Head we enjoyed fine

views across to Anglesey, these continued whilst dropping down to Llandudno West Shore including those of the north Wales coast and the Conwy estuary. We took the A546 to Deganwy and at the railway station joined the cycleway round the Conwy estuary that took us across the headland over the A55 road tunnel and onto Conwy harbour.  From the harbour we joined the one-way system and cycled past the castle, then onto the B5106 to Gyffin. From there we took minor roads to Henryd and Rowen joining the B5106 north of Tal-y-bont that took us to our lunch stop at Trefriw.  We lunched at The Old Ship (Yr Hen Long), where we enjoyed good food and fine real ales.
After lunch we took Gower Road from Trefriw to Llanrwst crossing the Afon Conwy via a pedestrian suspension bridge. In Llanrwst, Darren decided he would like to extend his ride so he went off in the direction of Nebo. The remaining eight of us took the A548 towards Abergele with two and a half miles of gradual climbing. At the summit we rested and took in the distance views of the Snowdonia mountains before joining the B5113 to take us back towards Colwyn Bay and Rhos on Sea. It was an undulating section of road with cool westerly winds. After about 6 miles we turned right and took some minor roads I knew eventually joining the B5381 at Dolwen dropping down to Llandullas via Rhyd-y-Foel. At Llandullas Jim incurred a puncture and we bade farewell to Brian Mac who was to take the train back home via Pensarn. From Llandullas the remainder took Sustrans Route 5 along the coast where we were able to observe fine coastal views on our travels back to Rhos. Overall we cycled 48 miles with about 4,000 feet of climbing.
MG