Rideout Reports 2023
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April – Bala – Betws-y-coed
The first ride of the year was designed and led by Bill Croxon, Hugh Trevor-Jones was our tail end charlie who mostly kept us all together although was seen riding in the opposite direction at one point. The route was from our usual starting point of Montford Bridge Picnic Area, to Rhug Estate Farm Shop for coffee and comfort break. We then proceeded to Betws-y-coed for lunch then on to Bala for more coffee, comfort break and a leg stretch. The ride ended at Dinkeys Dinahs in Shrewsbury. Roads were good with a technical section in the afternoon over the mountains from Bala. Weather was acceptable given the time of year, with some even turning the heated grips off or down in the afternoon. Sixteen bikes started the ride with several new members and visitors joining the group, hopefully all riders enjoyed our first outing of 2023.
Ride Leader – Bill Croxon
Tail End Charlie – Hugh Trevor-Jones
Photos courtesy of Ken Swinton (apologies for the smudges) & Steve Clarke
May – Tywyn
The following text was submitted by Steve Clarke – Ride Leader:
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.
Ride Leader – Steve Clarke
Tail End Charlie – Matt
Photos courtesy of Steve and Matt
June – Llanberis
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.
Ride Leader – Barry Kimble
Tail End Charlie – Anne Kimble
Photos courtesy of Bryan Murphy and his friends Naomi and Simon
July – Hereford & Symonds Yat
This report is from ride leader Steve Clarke:
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 – Llyn Brenig
The ride leader was Hugh Trevor-Jones and the TEC was Steve Clarke, although the orange bib was worn by Mandy Clarke who was travelling as pillion. After gathering at Montford Bridge Café for a team briefing, nine machines headed off on the first leg of 60 miles for an early lunch at Llyn Brenig visitor centre. This is a very picturesque upland attraction, with boat hire and fishing on the reservoir and many cycling and walking trails. This leg included the one and only U-turn added by the ride leader to check everyone was paying attention, which thankfully they were, and along the way there was also a welcome break for a leg stretch at Bala.
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 Swinton
September – Aberystwyth
The September ride was held in glorious weather and with a welcome mix of members, previous members and riders from another advanced riding group in the area.
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