Riders set to saddle up for return of festival
A FIVE-DAY festival of cycling will return to Swansea and Gower’s roads at the end of this month – and take on routes a little further afied.
After the success of last year’s event, CTC Swansea will stage their second festival of cycling over five days, from Wednesday, May 29 to Sunday, June 2.
As with last summer’s festival, the programme will consist of three rides each day, with routes ranging from shorter, flat rides all or mostly on cycle paths suitable for those who have recently taken up – or returned to – cycling, and families with young children, to moderate rides over longer, hillier routes aimed at more experienced cyclists, to tougher rides with plenty of climbing intended for riders looking for more of a challenge.
Some of the rides will take in the wonderful scenery of the Gower peninsula – the UK’S first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – but this year the festival programme will see some rides venture further afield to take in some of the stunning coastline and hills of Carmarthenshire, Neath Port Talbot, Powys and the Vale of Glamorgan.
A spokesperson for the CTC Swansea & Gower Cycling Festival organising committee said: “Our rides are not sportives or races, with the emphasis being on the social side of cycling, with most rides being ridden at a relaxed pace, giving people time to take in the beauty of the countryside, and to chat and make new friends along the way.
“All rides will feature regular stops to regroup at junctions and the top of climbs, breaks for coffee, and, for longer rides, a lunch stop.
“Each ride will have a specified ride leader, a back marker and one other support rider. As with our regular club rides, we adopt a ‘no drop’ policy, meaning no rider gets left behind.
“Cycling is recognised as benefiting not only our physical health, but also our mental health. Being on a bike gives you time to think, enjoy nature, and the spectacular views.
“We have an enthusiastic and dedicated team of volunteer ride leaders ready to welcome you to Swansea and Gower, and share with you their knowledge and experience of our wonderful cycling routes.”
For information on how to get involved, visit www.cyclinguk.org/ group/page/swansea-gower-cyclingfestival-2024