GROUP EVENT Gospel Pass Epic

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Few rides truly deserve to be called epic. Ask anyone and they'll agree that climbing the Gospel Pass is one of those rides.

The weather was spectacular and everyone was excited. The fellas had spoken of this legendary ride for years and we were finally going to ride it together. Little did I know that this would also one of the last big events I was to share with the Kingfishers.

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Overview - Gospel Pass Epic

Distance: Distance: 102.1 miles
Elevation:+ 6489 / - 6489 ft
Duration: 15:38:13

The plan was for all of the Kingfishers to meet at 7:30 am in Abergavenny. From there we would cycle north to Llantony Priory where we would begin the climb. Once over the top, we would drop in to Hay-on-Wye and return via Talgarth, Crickhowell, and back to Abergavenny in one big loop. Easy-peazy. ▼ Jump to Summary

Oakdale to Abergavenny

The other Kingfishers loaded their bikes in the back of their cars and drove to Abergavenny. I, on the otherhand - rode my bike.

I left around 5:00 am cycling up Sirhowy Valley to Tredegar, acoss the Heads of the Valley to Brynmawr, and then down through Clydach Gorge to meet the fellas in by the castle car park.

I've cycled this route several times and because of this (as well as, the early morning...) I didn't take any photos.

Abergavenny to Hay-on-Wye

For the entire ride to Hay-on-Wye, we followed NCN Route 42. Thanks to Sustrans, the route is well-marked and despite the many turns through town, it is easy to follow.

However, once out of town on Old Hereford Road the route becomes quite a climb with one brief section hitting a lung-busting 17% incline. Needless to say, I didn't get any photos until we were well out of town.

The first notable landmark is Church of Saint Martin in Cwmyoy. Often called the most crooked church in the UK, it stands twisted and bent from a series of landslips. It's up their on the hill, but we didn't stop today.

A few miles further up the road, we did take the time stop at the next interesting church; St Mary's Chapel at Capel-y-ffin. Set along side the road under a thick canopy of trees and with room for no more that 20 worshippers, this small church exudes charm and has a fascinating history.

But we didn't tarry too long and had to move on. We still had the big push ahead.

And push it is indeed. Not only steep, but it seems to go forever.

I stopped to catch my breath and take a few quick shots. Looking back (above) and looking east (below). That's a road leading down to a very remote and isolated farmhouse way out over there.

It's stop and start for me and taking photographs is a practical excuse. It's three miles from Capel-y-Ffin to the top but it feels much longer.

Then fianlly we were over the top! The climb seemed to never end, but the views were simply incredible and well worth the effort.

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Summary - Gospel Pass Epic

This was a wondeful adventure with the Kingfishers. The weather was sunny and warm with hardly any wind (which could have been a real issue as we crossed over the top of the pass!)

Because I chose to cycle to Abergavenny, I had to cycle all the way home after our climb. Needless to say, it was quite late when I finally came in through our back gate. But, it was a great, great day.

Thanks as always for stopping by.

Cheers! - cm

Report Card
Ride Name:	Gospel Pass Epic
Start Date:	Sun. Aug. 14, 2016
Starts in:	Oakdale, Wales, GB
Departed:	7:17 AM
Distance:	84.7 mi / 136.31 km
Elevation:	+ 6314 / - 6313 ft
Max Grade:	13.2%
Duration:	13:06:03
Move Time:	08:28:49
Stop Time:	04:37:14
Max. Speed:	33.5 mph
Avg. Speed:	10.0 mph
Weather:	clouds, sun
Temp:	19°c / 66°f

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SOLITAIRE Llangynidr & the Vale of Usk

Join me as I recount my trip from 2016 when I first put together a large circular loop covering the Brecon Beacons and the Vale of Usk.

 

The moors of Llangynidr Commons...

 
Note: I'll forever be indebted to Tim John for pointing out the route over Llangynidr Commons. Now it's one of my favourites and quite possibly my most photographed. Thanks Tim!

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Overview - Llangynidr & the Vale of Usk

Distance: 80.6 miles
Elevation: + 5802 / - 5802 ft
Duration: 10:37:50

This ride ties together some of my favourite areas into one big loop; Llangynidr Commons, Crickhowell, Sugarloaf Mountain, the Vale of Usk, Newport, and the Sirhowy Valley. It's massive and expansive. The scenery is diverse and stunning. It's also a route that I now make at least once a year. It's a "classic". ▼ Jump to Summary

It's a slow and steady climb up to Llangynidr Commons from Beaufort and Garnlydarn, but it's well worth the effort. Along with giving yourself a much needed breather, it's worthwhile to stop on occasion to just look around.

Traffic is generally very light and if you wait a few moments, you can snap a few pictures without a car in sight. The wind is all that I can hear.

The Black Mountains are to the right (east) whilst I continue north, this is the beginning of the Brecon Beacons. I've travelled roughly 18 miles from our home in Oakdale.

There's a lay-by worth stopping at the summit. Put your bike down and just walk around. A short walk either left or right of the road offers spectacular views. It is thought that the piles of rocks are prehistoric cairns dating back thousands of years.

The ride down to Llangynidr races for three spectacular miles. It's hard to not "just let it go", but on days like this, with views of 360°, I just gotta stop!

And then you're down... just like that. Turning right on the main road (Cyffredyn Rd.) heads east toward Crickhowell.

The scenery is much more rural now that you're down in the valley floor. The road is very narrow as it runs between the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal and the River Usk. Also, it can be quite busy during rush hour, so you need to plan your ride carefully.

The Crickhowell Bridge crosses over the River Usk into town. The bridge is well known for being the longest stone bridge in Wales and more oddly as having a 12 arches upstream whilst having 13 downstream. (I need to go back and get more photos!)

Leaving out of Crickhowell, the route turns east and begins a steep climb over to the next valley.

Views at the top of the ridge look down the valley toward Abergavenny. Then the road turns and drops steeply at a 25% grade down to the village of Llangenny.

The route heads north out of Llangenny following the Genny River for the next five miles in a wide curve along the base of Sugarloaf Mountain.

The road is rolling with some steep sections, but it's incredibly quiet and isolated. The valley is pristine and feels untouched.

The few houses you pass are far from the road. All you really see is one pasture leading to the next, again and again.

I stopped at one point and happened to spot this sculpture through the hedge. Had I been moving, I'd have never seen it.

The lanes are incredibly quiet. If there is a car coming down the road, you can hear it long before it reaches you. Also, this view of the Skirrid from the west is unusual.

It's just a perfect day and this is a perfect route.

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Summary - Llangynidr & the Vale of Usk

At nearly 6,000 feet of elevation gain this is one of my more strenuous rides. However, it's a great route for just getting away.

I made this ride again in 2017 which and I've another version that's worth checking out; "Llangynidr Commons & Sugarloaf Classic".

Thanks as always for stopping by.

Cheers! - cm

Report Card
Ride Name:	Llang & Vale of Usk
Start Date:	Thu. May 05, 2016
Starts in:	Oakdale, Wales, GB
Departed:	9:36 AM
Distance:	80.6 mi / 105.3 km
Elevation:	+ 5802 / - 5802 ft
Max Grade:	11.4%
Duration:	10:37:50
Move Time:	07:49:20
Stop Time:	02:48:30
Max. Speed:	38.6 mph
Avg. Speed:	10.3 mph
Weather:	clouds, sun
Temp:	21°c / 70°f

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