A new challenge ride. Head over the Severn Bridge, into Chepstow and join the new Wye Valley Greenway through Tidenham Tunnel (1080m long). We’ll stop at the Filling Station Cafe, next to Tintern Abbey. After re-fuelling we’ll ride up the lovely Anghidi Valley before descending to St Arvans and back over the Bridge. The route home has an optional second stop at Coffee#1 in Chipping Sodbury for those needing a top-up.
Please note we are NOT allowed to use lights in the tunnel, due to the roosting bats! The tunnel is dimly lit, similar to the Bath Two Tunnels. Remove your sunglasses just before entering, keep left and ride slowly. Please be aware of other cyclists and walkers in the tunnel.
The Greenway has a smooth, well-prepared surface between Chepstow and the tunnel. The tunnel itself is tarmaced inside, but the mile long section after the tunnel is a bit rough in places. We tested it (when wet) on 25mm tyres and it was fine, just ride slowly and enjoy the views as we approach Tintern Abbey via the old railway bridge.
Please note that attendance of this ride requires advanced booking for COVID track and trace purposes. Please use this simple booking form using the name you are registered with in Rider HQ. Please complete the form for each member wishing to attend.
The form is a mandatory for all riders, so we can make our rides as COVID safe as possible for all of us. Your cooperation to complete this in advance of the ride will help the start go smoothly and will be much appreciated.
The Club’s Covid Risk Assessment can be seen here.
Any issues with the above process can be directed to leisureride@chippenhamwheelers.org.
A note about Challenge Rides:
All riders should be comfortable with the challenge of riding longer distances. It’s intended to ride the routes at a steady pace, so the group can stay together. If some people prefer to ride faster and/or if there are sufficient numbers we’ll split into separate groups. All participants should be competent and completely self-contained, carrying tools, tubes, spares etc, and enough food/drink/money to see them through the day. There is no back-marker, and no route sheet. Everyone is advised to familiarise themselves with the route in advance and to carry relevant maps and directions (paper or GPS, or both!). Lights are recommended on the longer rides, in case it’s getting dark at the finish.