Previous SaPAR Rideouts
Tail End Charlie – Terry Mansell
Photos courtesy of Simon Plevin and Ken Swinton Video courtesy of Alan Fowles
The June rideout was led by myself with Hugh Trevor-Jones doing an excellent job as Tail End Charlie. The ride enjoyed sunny and warm weather (hot even at times) along roads that passed through South Shropshire and some of the Black and White village tour in Herefordshire. Passing through Cleobury Mortimer, Clee Hill, with its stunning views of the valley and then over to a lunch break at Shobdon Airfield where we were able to sit outside in the sun and watch the busy aeronautical activity. After lunch the ride passed through Lyonshall, Weobley and Dilwyn before taking a short break in the pretty award-winning village of Eardisland and then making our way back to Much Wenlock where the ride ended.
For this ride we tried something new and started the ride at Telford Services as we have a number of members in the East of our region.
Ride Leader – Nigel Bright
Tail End Charlie – Hugh Trevor Jones
Photos courtesy of Brian Andrews, Hugh Trevor Jones and Nigel Bright
Tail End Charlie – Hugh Trevor-Jones
Photos courtesy of Ken Swinton (apologies for the smudges) & Steve Clarke
Eight SaPAR riders enjoyed a day of superb twisty roads, lovely views of mountains, rivers and sea with great riding and first class company on our May social ride. We rode out through Knockin, and over the picturesque Berwyn mountain range through Bala to our first coffee/comfort stop at the white water centre. Fully refreshed, we continued on along some of the best roads, and mountain views Wales has to offer to Trawsfynydd, where we turned left onto the A470 for Dolgellau, then onto the beautiful scenic coast road to Tywyn, and our lunch stop at the welcoming Pebbles tearooms on Tywyn seafront promenade. Well stuffed and relaxed after our lunch, some riders enjoyed a moment or two beach gazing, before we mounted up for our homeward journey with beautiful sea and estuary views through Aberdovey, on to Machynlleth, and Corris. Approaching the Tal y Llyn pass we had a lovely clear view of Cader Idris in all its splendour in full sunshine, “a rare treat in Wales”. Heading on up the pass to the cross foxes, and over the Dynas Mawddwy mountain road to Mallwyd, and the final stretch homeward through Meifod and Llansantffraid to our ride end at dinky’s diner at Ford. It was a pleasure to lead my first SaPAR social ride, “it won’t be my last” thanks all for a very enjoyable day.
Tail End Charlie – Matt
Photos courtesy of Steve and Matt
Our first SaPAR ride where Anne and I were leading and TEC. A glorious day with spectacular scenery and good company saw 15 bikes which included 4 lady riders leave Montford Bridge Picnic area for a long interesting ride to Llanberis and return to Oswestry. Our first (convenient) stop at Bala where four riders, who could not commit for the full day said their farewells. We made good time, using a couple of minor roads that some had not ridden before, to the Coffee Pot Cafe at Llanberis. After a relaxing lunch and time for a chat we continued our journey winding our way to the Oakleigh Arms Hotel for tea and cakes in the garden. Traffic was light on the return journey with the leader having the advantage of riding from the cafe all the way to Beddgelert and to the hotel with no vehicles ahead, perfect for the bike cam. Finishing our ride at Mile End services at Oswestry where we said our farewells. All in all a long day, 172miles, with long stops for leg stretching and refreshments. We hope that all enjoyed the day and that the guests will continue with SaPAR. Thanks to you all for joining us as it makes the preparation worthwhile. We had the benefit of radio contact between the leader and TEC which meant that we only had to “mark” 4 junctions, 2 of which were in Llanberis itself.
Tail End Charlie – Anne Kimble
Photos courtesy of Bryan Murphy and his friends Naomi and Simon
Our SAPAR July social ride took us down the A49 to Leominster continuing to Dinham and the Queenswood country park and arboretum café for a comfort/coffee stop. We then continued along the A49 through Hereford, to the A4137 heading to old forge and the B4234 to Symonds Yat Rocks parking area and a quant log cabin café which has viewpoints overlooking Symonds Yat and the river Wye. This seems rather a short way from our last comfort stop but after riding through busy Hereford we needed another break, and the beauty of this forest stop was too good to miss. We treated ourselves to a well earned lunch sat on picnic benches surrounded by trees and far reaching views. Our route then continued to our fuel stop and on towards Parkend past the lovely Cannop ponds, through forests towards Lydney where we then rode up the A48 along the beautiful Severn estuary and on to the B4215 towards Newent and Ledbury where we took the B4214 to Bromyard and our final comfort/coffee stop at Doms bike stop fully refreshed we continued back up the A49 to Shrewsbury, Ride end, then home. Although we started the ride under dark ominous skies we enjoyed sunshine, good company and with great roads and scenery.
Many thanks to Barry for stepping in as TEC.
Ride Leader – Steve Clarke
Tail End Charlie – Barry Kimble
Photos courtesy of – Barry Kimble (apologies there were not more but he had a camera malfunction.)
August
Retracing its route back to the A5 the ride continued to Pentrefoelas and from there took the twisty A543 to Denbigh, then on through Ruthin and up to the Ponderosa Café at the summit of the Horseshoe Pass, where tea and ice creams were much enjoyed. Here the sun was shining and the views were spectacular, and of course there was a great gathering of bikes to admire.
By common consent it was agreed to end the ride at the Ponderosa and head independently for home, rather than continue back to Dinkys as originally planned. It had been a most enjoyable day, with good weather, and skills had been honed and friendships reinforced. It would be good to see more riders along for future rides, so come on all!
Ride Leader – Hugh Trevor Jones
Tail End Charlie – Steve and Mandy Clarke
Photos courtesy of Hugh, Trevor and Ken
The group headed south via Bishops Castle and Knighton to Crossgates Cafe for a leg stretch and coffee. Heading off to Rhayader then over the mountain road for a brief stop at Devils Bridge the to Aberystwyth for lunch.
The afternoon ride took us North past Borth to Machynlleth, Caersyws then to McDonalds for afternoon tea and a leg stretch. From there a steady ride with most ending the ride at Dinky’s Dinah.
Thanks to our ride leader Steve Clarke who jumped in at short notice also Rob Prince who stood in as Tail End Charlie. This was a brilliant ride, great weather, good roads and time to meet and chat to other likeminded bikers.
Ride Leader – Steve Clarke
Tail End Charlie – Rob Prince
Photos courtesy of Rob Prince & Ken Swinton
Tail End Charlie – Bryan Murphy
Photos courtesy of Bryan Murphy & Ken Swinton
Tail End Charlie – Alan Fowles
Photos courtesy of Alan Fowles, Bill Croxon & Rob Hall
The route took us to Lake Vyrnwy, via Llanfyllin and the B4393, for our first break before then following the NW route along Eunant Fawr. Unfortunately, we entered the cloud base for a short period below Foel Y Groes before breaking cover with the rapid descent into the valley to Dinas Mawddwy. After a quick run on the A470, we headed West from Aberangell to Aberllefenni through a picturesque, wooded valley area and on some very good tarmac! Intersecting the A487 then took us to our lunch break at the Centre for Alternative Technology.
Back on the A487 after lunch, it was a quick hop down to Machynlleth before we then head SE on the Forge Road – an excellent, flowing, twisty road passing the stunning Ceunant Dylife valley. Turning right onto the B4518 for a short time, we turn off this road to head South in order take scenic route to the West of Llyn Clywedog Reservoir before arriving at Clywedog Dam viewing point for a break and refreshment. For the final leg to Welshpool, we pick up the B4569 out of Llanidloes through Trefeglwys to Caersws. Then onto the A470 to Carno before heading NE towards Cefn Coch. We should have taken the B3485 from Llanfair Caereinion but instead, I decided to pick up the A458 to Welshpool to make some time up to arrive at Tuffins/McDonalds. Honest, I did not miss the turn onto the B3485! Trust me – ahem .
Although the pictures show a damp day, little rain actually fell with generally good road conditions and the cloud base lifting after Midday to allow the group to experience the views from the high points on the route. We were able to set a good pace and I managed to find some roads that many of the riders had not ridden before and, in places, provide them with some challenging riding in places. Having departed Montford Bridge Cafe at 10:00, we arrived at Welshpool for 16:00 with a lot of smiles all round. A good days riding through some glorious scenery. Bring on the June ride.
Tail End Charlie – Sean Pyne
Photos courtesy of: Alan Fowles, Dave Johnson, Sean Pyne, Hugh Trevor-Jones, Kathryn Wilding and Ken Swinton
Tail End Charlie – Bryan & Elsie Murphy
Photos courtesy of Bryan Murphy & Ken Swinton
Tail End Charlie – Phil Noble
Photos courtesy of Bill Croxon and Ken Swinton
Tail End Charlie – Hugh Trevor Jones
Photos courtesy of Phil Noble and Ken Swinton
Ride Leader – Hugh Trevor-Jones
Tail End Charlie – Kathryn Wilding
Photos courtesy of Hugh and Kathryn
Tail End Charlie – Tim Moore
Photos courtesy of Ken Swinton & Bill Croxon
Tail End Charlie – Alan Fowles
Photos courtesy of Alan Fowles
Tail End Charlie – Tim Moore
Photos courtesy of Bill Croxon & Ken Swinton
No photos this time as we were all far too busy enjoying the ride and catching up with members and guests.
Tail End Charlie – Tim Moore
Tail End Charlie – Bryan Murphy
Video courtesy of Bill Croxon Photos courtesy of Bryan Murphy
Tail End Charlie – Dave Johnson
No rideouts this year due to the COVID epidemic!!!
Tail End Charlie – Glyn Jones
Photos courtesy of Ken Swinton & Bill Croxon
Tail End Charlie – Glyn Jones
Photos courtesy of Ken Swinton & Bill Croxon
Tail End Charlie – Glyn Jones
Photos courtesy of Ken Swinton
Tail End Charlie – Glyn Jones
Photos courtesy of Robin Padgett & Ken Swinton
Tail End Charlie – Tim Moore
Photos courtesy of Michelle Jennings & Ken Swinton
Tail End Charlie – Tim Moore
No photos this time.
Tail End Charlie – Tim Moore
Tail End Charlie – Ken Swinton
Photographs courtesy of Simon Plevin
Tail End Charlie – Glyn Jones
Photos courtesy of Sally McMillan and Bill Croxon
Video Clip courtesy of David Rogers
Tail End Charlie – Glyn Jones
Photos courtesy of Ken Swinton and Marion Versluijs
Tail End Charlie – Glyn Jones
Photos courtesy of Ken Swinton and Bill Croxon
A video of our antics can be found here
Tail End Charlie – Glyn Jones
Photos courtesy of Kevin Fletcher and Ken Swinton
Tail End Charlie – Glyn Jones
Photos courtesy of Ken Swinton
Tail End Charlie – Glyn Jones
Pictures courtesy of Marion Versluijs and Ken Swinton
Tail End Charlie – Glyn Jones
Pictures courtesy of Ken Swinton
Ride Leader – John and Annie Roe
Tail End Charlie – Glyn Jones
Pictures courtesy of Robin Padgett, Tony Richardson and Ken Swinton
A video of the ride courtesy of Andrew Harrison can be viewed by clicking this link
Tail End Charlie – Ken Swinton
Tail End Charlie – Ken Swinton
Photos courtesy of Tina Kelly
Tail End Charlie – Glyn Jones
Photos courtesy of Kevin Fletcher and Ken Swinton
The guess the mileage competition was won by Bryan Murphy who was closest to the route mileage of 107 miles.
Tail End Charlie – Glyn Jones
Photos courtesy of Bill Croxon, Robin Padgett and Ken Swinton
Thank you to Nigel Clifford who led a well-paced ride. Nigel Bright was TEC.
Ride Leader – Nigel Clifford
Tail End Charlie – Nigel Bright
Photos courtesy of Bryan Murphy and Nigel Bright