| Two wheels are catching on! |
|
|
| Written by Marguerite Shaw, 2005 | |
|
Page 1 of 2 It's a pleasure to see so many cyclists of all ages out and about, enthuses Marguerite Shaw. And whether you are a novice or long-distance 'pro' there are routes to accommodate your ability and staminaWoman's World - Administration [Joomla!]
Almost every area in the UK is now promoting cycling holidays and encouraging people to keep fit by spending quality time out of doors. But before you go spending a lot of money on bikes for the family, it is a good idea for first-timers to find a hire centre and have a couple of practice runs, preferably in the safety of traffic-free tracks. Our changeable weather means you are wise to set off with a waterproof jacket.Family stress can be minimised by taking plenty of snacks and drinks (water is much better than fizzy drinks) and by not aiming to cover too many miles at first. You also need a simple tool kit - and to carry all this, have a pannier or a bag strapped on a rear rack, rather than a top-heavy rucksack on your back. If a car journey has been made to the start of the ride, remember the driver, who doesn't want to be too tired to take the family home in safety. Eight pilot areas in Wales, where I live, are set to implement the Wales Tourist Board "Moving up a Gear" cycle tourism strategy, designed to encourage mountain biking, cycling breaks, family cycling and touring. Pembrokeshire has two 'cycle hubs', one at Newport in the north, the other at Saundersfoot in the south, with five routes from each of the two centres. These are intended for people who want to do something a bit more active and healthy than just sit on a beach, rather than for dedicated cyclists. NewportNewport was my starting point and I selected rides in different terrain to check out the routes. Three start from Newport, two from Fishguard. I found the maps (see "Further information") clear, easy to read and sturdy enough to withstand repeated handling. Distances are marked, steep hills indicated and if you wanted to diverge from the route, you could find the way along other roads.Route C, Preseli Hills, 32 miles Make no mistake about it, this area is very hilly! As I pedalled uphill for three miles at a stretch into a strong head wind, I reflected that circumnavigating the Mynydd Preseli needed both dedication and preparation. You need to pack sandwiches and drinks because it is not until reaching Crymych (20m) that you come across a café. Remote pubs are shut on Mondays. Any bike for this route requires very low gears. Be prepared to take a walk now and then and if leading a family, allow for many rests. Time allowance suggestions in the information booklet are optimistic - these times could only be achieved by an expert riding non-stop. CwmGwaun is a beautiful valley; snowdrops and daffodils were in bloom along the way and the banks alongside the lanes promised an abundance of flowers to come. Rosebush, highest point of the ride, used to be the centre of the slate quarrying industry, while more ancient human activity is marked by standing stones along the mountain road. A great ride. Route A, Standing Stones and Round Houses, 25 miles This combines a taste of Preseli with a visit to Castell Henllys, a reconstructed Iron Age Hill Fort. Route B, History and Beaches, 26 miles A circular route from Newport to Cardigan, this runs across easier terrain. Hilly nevertheless, it crosses an area of agricultural land and one of the highlights en route is the Welsh Wildlife Centre. St Dogmaels offers refreshment places as well as history alongside the Teifi, before the return journey high above the western coast. Ceibwr Bay is worth a diversion on the way back, a good place for a picnic. Spectacular views of much-folded sedimentary rocks along the coast to the north can be seen from here. Again, be sure to carry some food and drink. SaundersfootAcross the peninsula, we found our-selves in totally different terrain. Three of the rides start at the harbour in Saundersfoot, two from Pembroke. |
