PLEASE NOTE THAT ENTRIES FOR THIS EVENT ARE NOW CLOSED. A LIMITED NUMBER OF SPACES WILL BE AVAILABLE ON THE DAY AT A COST OF £40 CONTACT fundraising@sheltercymru.org.uk FOR FURTHER DETAILS       Join us at our first in-person Castles & Cathedrals Bike Ride since 2019!   It’s July. You’re fit. You fancy a challenge. And you love Welsh cakes and great coffee.

Castles & Cathedrals MONSTER RIDE! is for you.

This is a challenging ride up through the Rhondda valley featuring several, less familiar climbs along with the iconic Bwlch mountain (and its cheeky cousin, Mini Bwlch!). The route then drops down to the South Wales coast, passes three castles, runs alongside stunning views across the Bristol Channel over to the West Country, before winding its way home* through the beautiful Vale of Glamorgan.

80.2 miles. 5,885 feet.

Free Welsh cakes and excellent coffee available to purchase at the start/ finish line, plus three snack stops en route offering free refreshments..

Places are limited to 400. The first 80 riders to sign up have received a free bobble hat - perfect for summer!

 

 

*At Shelter Cymru, we believe everyone deserves a place to call 'home'. All funds raised via this event will enable our charitable work to continue, providing advice and support to those in housing need in Wales.

1 in 4 four people in Wales fear they will become homeless within a year. Home is everything. Help us protect it.

Diolch.

Info for Riders

We're aiming for an awesome day and rider safety is our priority.

There will be marshal points and signage en route. A printable map/description of the route will be available to download prior to the event. There will be medical emergency support, incident support vehicles and mechanical support. All this support will be professional but limited, so we ask that all riders ensure their bike is roadworthy, brakes are in good working order, carry basics spares, puncture kits etc and have familiarised themselves with the route and considered themselves fit enough to take the route on.

This is event is non-competitive. It is not a race and should not be treated as such. This is an open road event. All riders must obey the Highway Code at all times. The instructions of marshals must be adhered to. Please apply a positive collective responsibility during the event - be aware of other riders and road users at all times. Please ride no more than two abreast and make sure to single out on narrow roads. Please be careful group riding if you are not used to it – communicate with other riders and do not ‘cross wheels.’ Keep a safe distance from other riders. Please be careful to ride at your own comfortable pace down descents. The wearing of hard-shell helmets (conforming CE standard EN1078) will be mandatory. Triathlon/time trial bars, disc wheels or Tri spokes are not permitted.

All riders under the age of 18 will need a consent form from a parent or guardian who must accompany them on the day. No Under 16's.

Booking through British Cycling means we have Event Insurance. We strongly recommend that riders are covered by their own insurance policies.

Riders take part at their own risk.

It is important to refuel. ‘It’s better inside you than on your bike’ as the saying goes. So rehydrate and eat regularly. Snack stations will be along the route with free Welsh cakes, snacks, bananas and water. Plus excellent coffee available to purchase at the start and finish line. Please stop for enough snacks and fluids to see you through the event.

Jamie Baulch's time in Baulch v The Bwlch is only revealed after the event has finished.

There will be easy, free on the day car parking with an low-cost overflow car park nearby, if needed.

Covid 19 policy

If you have symptoms of Covid, or you know you have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid in the last 72 hours, please do not attend the event.

 

We look forward to seeing you for an awesome day!

Thank you for your support.