GSK Routes and Rides rolls into the Valleys
21st August 2006
GSK Routes and Rides visited Abergavenny on Saturday, amid the glorious rolling hills and valleys of South Wales.
The Abergavenny event was the second in the series of fun family cycling events, following a successful event in Nottingham.
Despite weather reports to the contrary, the day was warm and for the most part, free from rain and a small corner of the bustling Welsh town was descended upon by a throng of cyclists of all ages.
The event had everything for the two-wheeled family, from Go-Ride challenges, traffic-free lap challenges in Bailey Park, through to 12 and 22 mile on road challenges in the green and glorious hills surrounding the town.
We've had some great emails from people who took part. Here are just a few:
"Just thought I'd drop you a note to congratulate you and your team of helpers on a superb event. I have done half a dozen cycle sportifs this year including the Etape and your one was by far the best in terms of getting the whole family involved. My two boys have now completed their first event with Dad, my 5 year old daughter had her face painted, did 5 laps of the park and had to be dragged off the obstacle course and my wife Rachel was able to relax with all the children being involved." Philip, by email
"Enjoyed the weekend, did the 22 miler on sat and the Bronze on sun, enough for an old man of 58 +. I don't have a road bike, but was pleased with how it went on the mountain bike. I thought we were lucky with the weather, considering the forecast. As I came back into Abergavenny on the Sun, it just started to drizzle. I look forward to doing some more." Alan, by email
The next event takes place in Twickenham on 10th September. Enter online now!
Here’s the story of the day in pictures…
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| Above: A young rider gets some expert tuition from a WCU coach in the Go-Ride skills challenge |
| Below: The GSK girls walk the walk and talk the talk on the Lap Challenge around Bailey Park |
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| Above: Rob Hayles (right) and Julian Winn (centre) congratulate the lucky winner of a bike in the free prize draw. |
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Below: The 22 mile challenge ride got underway first...
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| ... with the 12 mile challenge following, attracting riders of all ages |
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| Above: A summer's day, bikes, families a Welsh town and, erm, a jazz quartet... |
GSK Routes and Rides rolls into the Valleys (continued)
21st August 2006
More pics from a fantastic day in Abergavenny...
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| Above: Bike Base 'Bike Doctors' were on hand for pre-ride fettling and also provided loan bikes for the day. |
| Below: What a great sight - cycling families checking in for the 12 mile challenge ride. |
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| Above: A pair of challenge riders refuelling |
| Below: Face painters and a bouncy castle added that essential kid factor |
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| Above: Routes and Rides youngsters eagerly anticipate the start of the Lap Challenge |
| Below: Young or old, small or large, the event had something for everyone |
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| Above: Martin Hawes thrilled the crowd with some trials action. |
If you like what you see and are in and around the London area on 10th September, why not enter the next event at Twickenham?