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SOME OF OUR MANY ADVENTURES

FOREST CAFE – 13th November, 2024

What a lovely day for cycling. We met early afternoon and made our way up the Taff Trail to Tongwynlais and then to the Forest Cafe, just beyond Castell Goch. We have been to this out of the way spot a few times now. So peaceful, such good service and food and the staff there are really friendly and happy folk.

We had a good number in attendance this time … 8 of us starting out .. including 4 new members ! with one having to go early to retrieve something from her car. Still there were 7 of us to enjoy the pleasures of Forest Cafe

CARDIFF BAY – 13th October, 2024

We started off from Pettigrews Tea Rooms on Sunday morning and made our way down the Taff Trail, into Penarth Marina, across the Barrage and on to Cardiff Wetlands. There we had sandwiches and a drink and discussed a nearby statue, Cader Idris. This was mostly interesting to myself because I come from North Wales and Cader idris was in fact my local mountain there. The statue was a very abstract and brave attempt at depicting the mountain and the lake (cwm filled with water) where the giant, Idris was reputed to have sat and made a big indentation in the side of the mountain

Just three of us this time but what a great ride was had ! There were so many new perspectives of Cardiff Bay that we needed a new prescription from the Optician afterwards.

This first picture shows the white water canoe place we saw on the way. There was also a place for rubber dingies too and also an artificial wave to go surfing. Just incredible ! Maybe one day, when I’m old enough I’ll have a go on those.

In the next picture are three of our great heroes, Alex, Paul and Rob who are of course members of our cycling group. This statue was discovered by us on Sunday standing near the Weatherspoons Pub in Cardiff Bay. We have no idea how it got there.

Anyway, back to the story – after refreshing ourselves at the Wetlands, on we ventured back into the heart of the Bay and into Weatherspoons. We sat upstairs there and enjoyed the view.

At Weatherspoons they had one pint on offer called “The Green (Something)” which they were selling at an unbelievable low price – £1.78 a pint. Unfortunately I didn’t save as much money as Alex and Paul because I only had half a pint of the stuff. I used my saving to have orange squash which was even cheaper. Weatherspoons was great.

We discussed possible future rides and interesting things like catching a train up to Merthyr Tydfil and cycling back to Cardiff. Booking a place for our bikes is unreliable but we have thought up a way we could overcome that problem. To be discussed with all the group later !

In Weatherspoons they even had absolutely fantastic music in the men’s “facilities”. I was serenaded by a male voice choir, par excellence, singing Rod Stewart’s ” I Am Sailing”. I couldn’t actually see the choir for some reason and I got scared at one point because it did sound like a live performance. I recommended a visit to the “facilities” to Alex and Paul. They assured me it was safe to go in there as it was only piped music

PONTYPRIDD – Tour de France – 21st August, 2024

Some of us in our cycling group decided that it is time to get serious and to go that extra mile.

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So we went along to a training session in readiness to take part in the Tour de France.  We did not push ourselves this time. We even had faggots and peas in Pontypridd market as a reward for our efforts.

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We met at Pettigrews Tea Rooms, Bute Park, and proceeded gingerly up the Taff Trail.  We took 2 hours on this particular training session, only at about twice walking speed. Who cares ? It was only a training session after all. To avoid argument regarding the coveted yellow jersey, two riders were allowed to have it – one at the front of the peleton, the leader, and one at the rear who we affectionately call “Tail End Charlie”

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We had a great time. We had faggots and peas at Pontypridd Market and also visited the Pontypridd Museum and the Pontypridd Lido in Ynysangharad Park.

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Others joined the peloton at various points along the way and we had refreshments at Tongwynlais whilst we waited for one rider to have his bunions seen to at a local chiropodist. Unfortunately there was no-one in support of our team. This was good news in a way because no-one pushed our cyclists off balance. We are not all that well balanced as it is.

We were really chuffed to have completed such a long ride. What a great sense of achievement

I wonder where we will be going next? Maybe we need a couple of shorter, much easier rides now – just to recover

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“FFOS CAERFFILI” + TOMMY COOPER – 14th August, 2024

This was quite the challenge. Almost as far as we have ever ridden as a group and with a fair height to climb. Many thanks to Alex for “scouting” out the route following an old railway track. We took our time and met the challenge ! It turned out to be a really enjoyable ride, and reasonably cool and sunny.

In Caerffili we explored the “FFos Caerffili” market area and had some refreshments and food. This market is mostly composed of Sea containers carefully positioned together and with enclosed open areas to sit, eat and walk around. The overall effect is very pleasing, a totally clean fresh space with a lot of things on offer. They even had a toilet block split into separate cubicles.

We also visited the statue of “Tommy Cooper” – just for a laugh. And there we were, ready to go home “Just Like That “

The ride homewards was, of course, an absolute breeze. It was hardly any effort, sitting on our saddles and enjoying the slow gradient back down to Cardiff, feeling the cooling breeze rejuvinate our bodies.

Another memorable day and one to give us confidence to tackle a trip up to Pontypridd before Autumn arrives, legs willing.

Join us ! Don’t miss out on the fun !

LLANISHEN RESERVOIRS AND CAFE – LATE JULY, 2024

Just myself and Sean on this ride. We were told off for cycling around the Reservoirs ! Fortunately at our age we have a very long list of excuses available to stay out of jail. It’s a lovely nature reserve now and has a cafe in the middle. We later found out that we could have cycled directly from the main road into the cafe car park.

THE BAY/PENARTH/COSMESTON LAKES – 14th July, 2024

We had a lovely cycling day adventure on Sunday, 14th July. After meeting at Pettigrews Tea Rooms, we headed down the Taff Trail to Cardiff Bay and crossed the Ely River via the white pedestrian bridge into Penarth Marina. We then headed to the Barrage and took a right turning up a long long hill (which we walked) into Penarth.

We then decided to make a day of it and rode through Penarth via cycle trails to Cosmeston Lakes. After a 20 minute sit down and refreshments we then rode back a different way. We followed a bike trail, in the middle of beautiful countryside, which used to be an old railway line and then into country lanes which led us to the Merry Harriers pub. From there we dropped down to the Bay again and retraced our steps or should I say retraced our pedal strokes.

Join us next time ! Do not miss out on our fantastic adventures !!

NANTGARW POTTERY AND TEA ROOMS – 27th June, 2024

We had a great ride up the Taff Trail. Martyn showed us how to avoid the roads by picking a way along cycle trails. It felt like we were totally immersed in the countryside.

The staff were very friendly and helpful. Prices were very reasonable. We sat outside at the rear of the museum adjacent to the garden. Time just flew and before we knew it, it was time to leave ! Definitely, another visit is on the cards.

FOREST CAFE, TONGWYNLAIS – Mid May and 20th June, 2024

I know what you are all thinking – why am I displaying a picture of a group of Cheshire Cats here ? Yes they are all grinning and enjoying that fantastic place – Forest Cafe. A rural, organic group of timber buildings set in a Forest. And really friendly staff, good food and reasonable prices to boot ! Now you know the secret of the Cheshire Grin. This was our second visit this year

Our ride was about 40 minutes each way and mostly on flat cycle paths. Starting at Pettigrews Tea Rooms, Bute Park, we rode gently up the Taff Trail, appreciating the beauty of the river and trees that run alongside it.

Our journey ended at Forest Cafe, just beyond Tongwynlais. Such pleasant weather too. What a great day !

ST. FAGANS – THE VULCAN HOTEL – 26th MAY, 2024

Fantastic weather took us to St. Fagans through glorious countryside. We walked to and spent the entire time in the newly re-built Vulcan Hotel – a Cardiff icon ! The Amber Ale was very nice indeed as was the conversation. There was even sawdust on the floor which made the whole experience authentic. In attendance were Dave and Sue, Rob, Martyn, Chris, yet another Dave and Sean (not pictured). Some pictures below :-

THE BAY – OVER THE BARRAGE – Early DECEMBER and 15th DECEMBER, 2023

In early December we ventured down the Ely River Trail, down into Penarth Marina and across the Barrage. We had coffee and a great chat at the Norwegian Church. Rob, Sean and Chris were in attendance.

On 15th December we rode from Pettigrews down the Taff Trail, again into Penarth Marina and across the Barrage. We had drinks in the Mount Stuart pub. There were 5 of us this time, the more the merrier as they say. We had a great conversation and headed back just before the dark overcame us (I’m talking about the light, not our mood). Pictured from Left to Right – Rob, Joy, Sean, Stuart and David. There is NO Santa Claus in this photograph, despite rumours.

ST. FAGANS FOLK MUSEUM – 31st MAY, 2023

Delyth, who used to work at St. Fagans, suggested and showed us around Llwyn yr Eos Farm (Nightingale Grove Farm).  There was so much to see just at this one part of the Museum – will have to make another couple of trips before the summer is over to see the rest of the place.   It was a fantastic day ..  bright and sunny and quite warm in the sun.  It was wonderfull to see the animals there, especially the sow suckling 10 or 12 little piglets.

The ride was great, not too difficult at all.  it was challenging in a good way.  We travelled via several new bike lanes/paths in the Canton area.  The one behind the new estate off Paper Mill Road was especially impressive. Then we rode into Wroughton Road, along the river Ely path, into Bwlch Road in Fairwater then through the countryside to St. Fagans, glorious countryside !

All of us had a great time – some with iced coffees too – and plenty of conversation at our destination 🙂  We even got to practice a little Welsh !

In the picture, left to right.. Myself, Delyth, Martyn and Jan and enjoy the pictures of the little piglets too !

FOREST FARM / RADYR HYDROELECTRIC STATION / GLAMORGAN CANAL- EASTER, 2023

This turned out to be a very pleasant ride with a new member joining us.  Despite the numbers away over the Easter Period we still managed to muster 5 of us.  It was dry and not too warm – perfect conditions.  We extended our journey a little and went for a picnic to the Forest Farm Picnic Area.  Whilst we ate our Tuna sandwiches a squirel came up close asking for food, but we had no nuts. 🙁 .. We then continued to have a look at Radyr Hydro-electric station – there are picnic tables there too but we didn’t have any human food left to eat :(.  Our journey continued to the Glamorgan Canal .. a couple of ducks came close by asking for food, but again, we had no bread or bird seeds for them. 🙁 We have severely let the wildlife down on this occassion !  However it was good to get out and stretch our legs in such beautifull environments.

CARDIFF BAY – SPRING 2023

We had a great ride down to Cardiff Bay, weaving our way along the Taff Trail and visiting the Wetlands on the way. We ended with a drink, a meal and chat at the Weatherspoons pub. We talked a great deal about cycling and about the possibility of organising rides by taking our bikes on the train to Port Talbot/Swansea etc. and riding the along local trails there.

TYNANT ARMS – SPRING 2022

We had a very enjoyable gentle ride in early Spring to the Tynant Arms, Morganstown, Radyr. We met another u3a on the way .. walkers from Garth Olwg u3a I believe ? In the pub we had a very interesting chat, and some of us had a meal.

Some pics from our last ride to the Tynant Arms, kindly provided by Martyn :-