Greenwich Cyclists
Third awaytime
Wild Wales Bala Weekend: Friday 22-Tuesday 26 August 2003
Like?: This weekend is like any of our rides, just turn up and go. Sort of. But this is a bit more complicated so some pre-booking is needed. Open to everyone. Paced for all. An adventure. Exploring, fun, sociable, supportive, open minded, equal. Come for the whole time, or less, or more. You don't have to take part in any of the rides etc, but they'll be interesting and a great way to see the area. But remember, we're a voluntary group that looks after each other, but we're not a hyper-supportive tour company.
Where?: Bala is a small town, in Welsh-speaking north Wales, on lake Bala, with a lovely road round it in the south of Snowdonia National Park. Roberts Cycles is a serious shop (01678 520252), and the cinema is open on Saturdays, and there's only one pub among ten that gives a cold croeso to English speakers, I'm told. The lake is seductively swimmable....but don't harass the gwyniad, a very rare herring that got trapped in there in the last ice age, and that's unique.
When?: Some of us will travel up on Friday 22 August, and back to London on Tuesday 26 August. (Train details below). But you can join us whenever.
Get there?: We get the train to Ruabon and ride the 25 miles to Bala. Trains from Euston. Book in advance via Virgin. 08457 222 333. www.virgin.com/trains. Weekend returns at around £30 if booked at least 2 weeks in advance. Bikes £3 extra each way. Ask about group and railcard discounts too. Booking these trains is a pain, regard it as part of the adventure. Oh, and the trains take only 4 bikes each.
And then?: The weekend away is centred on the Wild Wales Ride. That's a tough, optional and extremely hilly (you will need all the low gears you can cluster) all day circular ride in gorgeous Snowdownia scenery starting and finishing at Bala on Bank Holiday Sunday 24 August. It's organised by the local branch of the CTC (national Cycle Touring Club). The route is well supported with signs, mobile mechanics, food stops and a minibus to pick up
them that needs a lift. But that bus might take ages for get you.
About 12 of us entered in 2002, and 6 finished. It was a hard day, but wonderful. This year it's 82 miles and there are shorter options. It costs £8 to enter and has been a regular event since 1984 and is limited to 500 cyclists. See www.wildwales.net
for more details. You'll need to enter the ride in advance via that website, entries are open now. Please make sure you put Greenwich Cyclists against the club bit of the form. There's a prize for the biggest group.
The long weekend:
Friday: travel to Bala. Early evening shortish ride. Eat. Pub.
Saturday: leisurely 11amish start all-day ride locally. Perhaps to the coast via the wonderful Blaneau Festiniog steam railway down to Porthmadog. Back around 6pm. We'll party somehow. (It's all optional, remember).
Sunday: the Wild Wales Ride. See the Wild Wales website as above. Ride at your own pace. We'll fix a great post-ride recovery evening and compare our slate momentoes.
Monday: touring ride somewhere. Perhaps round the lake for a trip on the Bala lake railway. Some hired a sailing boat last year.
Tuesday: back to London
Or just turn up for some of the time.
Sleep. Where?: it's a Bank Holiday weekend and everywhere will get booked up in advance. So book. See www.balawales.com for bed and breakfasts etc etc.
The Wild Wales website lists accommodation too.
Last year we block-booked bunk-house beds at the £8.50 a night Old Coach House, a big old lakeside farmhouse 1.5 miles out of Bala. Breakfast is extra. It was fun but basic. 01678 520 738 or via the website above.
This year we're treating ourselves to a hotel in central Bala. £20 a night for B&B in a shared room. The White Lion Royal Hotel. 01678 520314.
http://www.welsh-historic-inns.com/white-lion/index.php
Greenwich Cyclist Karen Servadie is handling our reservations, so do go through her: karen@servadei.co.uk or me if you have problems.
The helpful local Bala tourist office is on 01678 521021.
What to bring?:
You know what you need for a weekend away, but the following are essential too:
a bike that's in good condition. As on our usual rides, we can sort out basic problems that occur on the road, but don't expect a free service from us. If your bike needs work doing to it, new tyres or whatever, do get that done first
a pump, patches and a couple of spare inner tubes that fit. Tools too if you have them
layers of clothes to cope with possible rain, heat, cold....
a sense of humour
a mobile phone - but service is patchy up there
Who does what: unless you've agreed with me otherwise, you book your train, accommodation and Wild Wales entry direct yourself.
Costs: you'll need to buy your train tickets, accommodation, food, drink and living expenses and pay the entry fee for the Wild Wales ride. There's no membership or other ride fees to pay.
Other questions: to me please.
Barry Mason
Co-ordinator
Greenwich Cyclists
masonb@supanet.com
www.greenwichcyclists.org.uk
020 7232 0444
07905 889 005
31 March 2003
bala2003