Brecon to Monmouthshire Canal. 200 years old on 8th February 2012. This event is to celebrate the 200 years that the Canal has been in existence. The canal boats, of the waterways have seen many a person walk on by, but now bikes are able to ride the towpath as well.
On the 19th of May 2012 we have planned with Cycle businesses from Brecon, Abergavenny, and Govilon in conjunction with British Waterways and Brecon Beacons National Parks a Cycle ride for 200 people. One person for each year the Canal has been flowing gently down the valley to the sea at Newport.
We have 3 start points one at The 14 locks centre at Rogerstone, near Newport, another at Gilwern, near Abergavenny. Our family ride starts at Henderson Hall in Tal-Y-Bont on Usk. On the ride you can use whatever bike you wish. The route will take in many different surfaces. The first section is mainly tarmac canal side paths, then on out into the countryside and onto the gravel towpath, grass lined verges and countryside beyond. Trees line most of the route with wide ranging views across the patchwork of fields. Towards Brecon the trail narrows and at times can be muddy.
The Organisers suggest the best suited bike for this ride is a Mountain Bike and that while this route is pretty flat, It is quite a distance to pedal, there is little chance of a downhill rest. So please take it at your own pace. We have created staggered start times to allow longer periods to allow for slower riders to cover the distance and hopefully reduce congestion on the route for other towpath users.
You will need to be in a team of 2,3, or4 for this event. If you are under the age of 18 you will also need to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. You will need to plan for yourself and your equipment to be picked up from the end of the event and while on the event you are responsible for the repairs to your own cycling equipment. We will have trained staff available to help out if time is available.
If you wish your support vechile can meet you at one of the Public houses along the route for lunch. If riders in your team wish to change and allow someone else to ride the route for a bit that’s ok to. But if you
have problems and the group needs to retire you will need to inform the organisers and or course marshals. While we have no problems with people stopping at Public houses along the route anybody in an unfit state to ride a cycle, will be asked to leave the event.
You are more than welcome to say over in Brecon for the night and cycle back the next day if you wish. There is a wide vartity of accommodation available in Brecon. Camping to Castles its your choice.
Please note that no vehicles will be able to stay at either of the start points after the start of the event.
Funds over and above the costs of the event are being donated to the Brecon Mountain Rescue Team to help with their running costs and the replacement of their Emergency Vehicle. It s hoped to raise from the event and extra sponsorship a sum in the region of £3000. After the expense of the event all profits and donations from the event will be given to this worth while cause.
The 30km and 60km routes have an entry fee of £25.00 per person, this inculdes a bun, beer and banana available at the Coach and Horses in Llangyndir, and a BBQ with the organisers at the end of the ride in Brecon. For the family route its £10.00 per person and you are also welcome to join in on the BBQ. We have created a sponsorship form to help you raise the entry fee through your friends and family, please download the sponsorship form from the website below.
Of course there will also be a New 200th Canal Cycle Ride Tee Shirt for you to wear as well.
On route if your really lucky to be in the right place at the right time you will also be in to win one of 2 Macpac Insulated 2ltr Hydration back pack, and a Macpac Tuatara ruck sack all being Donated by Green Dragon Activities. We also have a cycle cleaning kit being donated by Cycle-Tec of Builth Wells.
At the end of the ride in the Canal Basin in Brecon you will be able to join with the Organisers in a BBQ for a burger or sausage and refreshments provided at the completion of your Canal Cycle Ride
This is an interesting ride. If taken at your own pace and at the distance suited to your fitnesses it can be a challenge. We welcome you to join this Cycle ride to celebrate the 200 years of the Brecon to Monmouthshire Canal. We trust you will enjoy yourself with your friends.
Online registration available.
If you would like to raise your entrance fees by sponsorship then please download this form. Canal 200 Cycle RideSponsorship form or as a family all of the same address (Tal-Y-Bont Start point only)please use the Family Sponsor form
Start point 1, between 11 and 11.30am 14 locks centre, Rogerstone, To see Click here
Start point 2, between 12.30 and 1pm Gilwern, Abergavenny, To see Click here
Start point 3, between 2 and 3pm Henderson Hall, Talybont on Usk, To see Click here
Organised by
Green Dragon Activities of Llanwrtyd Wells, Bikes and Hikes of Brecon,
Treads and Trails of Abergavenny and Hopyard cycles of Govilon.