Carten 100 2012

[Flapjackman]

I confirm I would like a room and breakfast, I don’t mind who or what I share with, as long as I can keep my bike with me! I had an email from Carten yesterday confirming that all the riders packs, shirts, route, numbers etc. will go out early next week so should be with us for the weekend. I’m also up for the cycle there as long as you don’t mind waiting for me!

[Sweaty Eds]

I confirm that I am cycling up on Friday and would like a room.

When Mat G first mentioned it, I thought he was kidding about cycling up over the Beacons, now I know him a little better, I realise he isn’t. In all seriousness, unless I have misunderstood the geography of the Beacons, I think I will struggle to cycle back from Cardiff if I have arrived by that route.

In fact, I have been experiencing a recurrant nightmare in which I am picked up by the Carten broom wagon. In my exhausted state I fail to realise that the wagon is actually a delivery van from a local award winning butchers. Once I am on board and away from prying eyes, Seamus appears and forces me into a mincing machine. That week’s roadkill special in said establishment is Sweaty’s Kidney pie. AAAAGGHH!! Obviously, I wake up bathed in sweat.

I would hate anyone not to fulfill their weekly suffer quota because of me so might it be an idea to offer two routes, one mountainous and, maybe, taking in some areas where you might be in danger of an apache ambush or catching leprosy, say, and one more sedate route via, perhaps, a church fete or garden centre tea rooms, or, at least, following the very acceptable SUSTRANS route.

I will go along with the consensus.

I will, of course, be bringing a sponge.

[Morganite]

All

Here is the long awaited route to Cardiff. I have taken Bloomfield as our starting point, we head to Princess Gate, Tavernspite, middle road to LLandowror. Main Road St Clears, Carmaarthen,on the B4300 LLanarthney, out at bottom of LLandilo towards Ammanford, Pontardawe, Neath, Cimla hill, out at the bottom of the Bwlch, over the top, Treorchy, Tonypandy on A4119 all the way to Cardiff.

It is 101 miles 4800 ft climbing the only big climb is over the Bwlch which is steady and nothing to worry about

Here is the link http://bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=387044

The route back is 106 miles and 3000 ft climbing

[ValleyMan]

Andrew

I confirm Kim and I would like a room.

The thought of a Sweaty’s Kidney Pie (with perhaps a few ‘sweetmeats’ thrown in for good measure) is almost making me salivate (forbidden fruits and all that!)

In terms of the route, what are we doing after lunch?

[Sweaty Eds]

After lunch on what day?

The route looks great, I love that road through Llanarthney. I’m really looking forward to it.

I’m working next weekend and busy on Wednesdays so I’ll see you all on the morning of the prologue.

[Clover]

Hi Andrew

Room and breakfast for me please.

Sorry I have not been able to attend the Sunday rides, Work Work and no play at the moment.

[Morganite]

Now having spent a week with Ian and knowing his intake of food, i propose the following stops.

Liz Bakery in Narbeth before we leave. then a stop in the Alpha in Tavernspite. Little chef in St Clears then on to McDonalds in Carmarthen, then we will have an ale stop in Golden Grove inn,LLanarthney, then to Great Western in Ammanford,probably to unload some of this food, i am sure Ian will have is big thick book with him to read on the toilet. then on to Pontardawe, we have to stop here one for Andrew, The Butchers Arms. then to the Pump House in Neath, now there could be a problem as the next stop is the Burger Van on top of the Bwlch, i have not been above to contact them yet to see if they do Veggie Burgers. we will miss Treorchy as we will be running out of time, on to Tonypandy stop in McDonalds, just incase we have not had enough McDonalds another stop in LLantrisant, then on to Cardiff, there will be a number of places we will be passing on the way in, so we could stop in at least 3 or 4 places to keep Ian going.

[ValleyMan]

Huw, thanks for planning the route to suit my grazing habits, but rather too many McDonalds for my taste (however, they do chips). In the circumstances I will probably be able to skip breakfast…

[Morganite]

We will plan to leave Bloomfield at 9am, anybody who needs bags taken to Cardiff if they can be dropped at Ian and Kim house the night before, we can collect them first thing Friday, or bring them to Bloomfield. Thanks

[Morganite]

Weather looks good for Friday at present and scattered showers Saturday, if on Friday there is heavy cloud when we get out of Neath we go to Port Talbot and pick up the Carten route to Cardiff.

I will keep you updated as the week develops 😆

[Andrew_Wright]

I cycled from Clunderwen to Bridgend (90miles) on Saturday. Sadly strong headwind all the way and route not suited for road bike. The intention was to cycle to Cardiff but cramp got the better of me.

Clunderwen-Bridgend

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/174919216

Good luck!

PS Anyone doing the Tour of Pembrokeshire instead?

Andrew

[trevaughan]

For those staying in the Premier Inn in Cardiff, they do a Meal Deal for £22 which includes a 3 course evening meal with a drink (beer, wine or soft drink)plus a breakfast.

See you all on Friday!

[Legaleagle]

For those not staying in the Premier Inn, is there a suggested meeting time and point before the start? It is going to be hard to spot individuals if everyone is wearing the same top

[Morganite]

Hi

All anyone wanting bags taken to Cardiff, please drop off with Ian by 7.30 Thursday Evening or bring them along Friday morning to Bloomfield 8.45 for 9 get away

Weather looks good

[ValleyMan]

I assume you all know where we live. If not, about 3/4 mile along Valley Road (turn right at Narberth Bridge towards the Grove, but keep right just after the junction – follow sign to Coarse Fishing), look out for Kim’s sign (Osteopath Clinic) at the side of the road.

[Author]

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