2019 was the last year we ran a full season of social rides. To see what that used to look like, see the poster below. Our social rides are more ad hoc, initiated by the ride leader and announced via our email newsletter and/or Facebook page.

There is a constellation of groups, from sporting clubs to looser groups who run social rides in the area. Among these are:

Think Like a Mountain run inclusive gravel and off-road rides alternating between Abergavenny area and the Forest of Dean. The emphasis is on connecting people and place. Highly recommended.

British Cycling’s UK-wide Let’s Ride programme includes local rides led by Jeremy Pearce, often focusing on industrial heritage. Read a free online guide to up of one of his favourite rides (36 miles, largely traffic-free).

British Cycling’s Breeze programme offers fun, free, inclusive led bike rides for women across the UK. Check the website for what’s happening locally.

Chesters Wine Merchants run an informal weekly ride during the summer, usually on a Thursday evening, returning to the wine bar for a glass or two.

Monmouthshire Wheelers is a local club that runs excellent 30-mile no-drop Saturday social rides from Usk and faster paced 50-mile Sunday club runs starting in Usk, Magor, Chepstow and Monmouth.

Monmouth Tri Club runs regular social and training rides starting in Monmouth.

Abergavenny Road Club runs regular cyclocross training sessions for adults and children, and an annual Reliability Ride in early spring, at which guests are welcome

 

Sunday 12 May: Watermills of the Borderlands

A tour of historic local watermills open for National Mills Weekend. 30-35 miles north into Herefordshire on country lanes. Organised in collaboration with the Angel Bakery. Picnic lunch (supplies available on the day from the bakery).

Ride leaders: Jack Thurston and Trevor Kent

 

Sunday 19 May: Around the Skirrid

A circumnavigation of Ysgyrd Fawr, Abergavenny’s Holy Mountain, on very quiet country lanes. 20 miles. Picnic lunch and possible pub stop.

Ride leader: Sam Charrington

 

Sunday 9 June: Clydach Gorge

A family-friendly traffic-free ride up the railway line path to the Clydach Gorge for a picnic lunch by the lime kilns. 10 miles.

Ride leader: Philip Betson

 

Sunday 14 July: Abergavenny town loop

A short spin around the town on ACG’s 8 mile town loop. Half day, suitable for children who are comfortable riding on quiet roads.

Ride leader: Richard Lewis

 

Sat/Sun 3/4 August: Llangenny campout

A ride around the back of the Sugarloaf to Llangenny for camping and pub supper. Very family friendly. 20 miles.

Ride leader: Adam Hayes

 

Sunday 18 August: Blackberry Run

Up the railway line cycle path to seek out the best blackberries in Wales. Picnic lunch. 15 miles.

Ride leader: Jack Thurston

 

Sunday 1 September: Nant-y-Bedd Garden

A ride 0ut to the Grwyne Fawr valley and a garden visit of the wild and beautiul garden at Nant-y-Bedd (£5 entry). Picnic lunch.

Ride leader: Jack Thurston

 

Sunday 15 September: Alternative Usk

Another way to Usk, a 25 mile loop on quiet Monmouthshire lanes, a few hills. Riverside picnic lunch (bring swimmers!)

Ride leader: Trevor Kent

 

All rides are free to join. The pace is gentle and nobody is left behind. Meet at 10am at St John’s Square (outside the Post Office).

For more details nearer the time check the ACG Facebook group.