Thursday, 8 August 2013

Capel Dewi (B4300) alternative cycle route

Following the closure of the B4300 near Capel Dewi for major road/river bank repairs (affecting part of Route 47 of the National Cycle route) below is a map of an alternative route.

The closure is due to be set in place until March 2014.


Thursday, 25 July 2013

Tour of Wales - A charity ride by Alex Williams



I have been cycling seriously for about a year now, having joined Towy Riders in May 2010. When I first started at towy riders I was very unfit, but now I'm a lot fitter and have lost 5 stone from taking up cycling. I very much appreciate all the advice and support that I have received from the coaches at Towy RidersThis has been very valuable.


Ive done a number of sportive events, the latest being the Merlin ride 105 mile sportive. I rode it in 6hrs 15mins which I was pleased with. When I did my first sportive The tour of Pembrokeshire I rode the 80 miles in 10hrs in the pouring rain with strong winds on my cyclocross bike. With my mum following in the car incase of problems.


These experiences have enabled me to take on the bigger challenge of riding round wales. I decided that I wanted to fund raise for a charity called Scope. I think that everyone including disabled people should have equal opportunities in life. By sponsoring you can help provide support to disabled children and their families. Scope provides practical support - from information services to education and everyday care.

 

To get ready for this ride I have been going out with towy riders group rides 3 or 4 times a week, also I have been riding with Lee and Wayne Jones regularly which has been a great help and I've enjoyed the company. I also decided that I needed a training plan and Carlos at Pembrokeshire Bikes sends me training plan every week.


I will be starting my ride around wales on Sunday 28th July. I will be leaving Carmarthen park at 9.00am and heading to Caerphilly. Hefin Evans will be riding with me for part of day 1 to keep me company. I will be riding on my own till day 5 and 6 which I’m hoping for some company from west wales cycling, Lee and Wayne jones will riding with me on the last day.

 

http://connect.garmin.com/course/4051494


Day 2 - Im riding to Newtowwhich could include a few hills.

(90 miles)


http://connect.garmin.com/course/4051533


Day 3 - I’ll be riding to Mold which looks likely to be bit flatter.

(90 miles)


http://connect.garmin.com/course/4051566

 

Day 4 - Riding to Porthmadog around the coastline and through Snowdonia.

(90 miles)

 

http://connect.garmin.com/course/4051598


Day 5 - I’m riding to New Quay a nice easy day

(97 miles)

 

http://connect.garmin.com/course/4051624


Day 6 - I’m riding to Carmarthen one last hilly day. Lee and Wayne Jones will be joining me for the last leg.

(116 miles)


http://connect.garmin.com/course/4065992

 

Scope would very much appreciate any sponsorship you can give

 

You can sponsor me at : http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/alexxcyclingmad



Tuesday, 9 April 2013

Welsh XC MTB Series - round 3 practice

I am looking to set up a chance to go and practice the course for the next round which is in Builth Wells on Sunday 21st April.

I have spoken to Matt Page and he is available to lead a group around on the Saturday afternoon before the race - I suggest that we meet at 12pm. If you are interested please let me know ASAP on carwyn.towyriders@gmail.com

Wednesday, 13 March 2013

Savoury Ride Snacks...

I recently discovered from a friend of mine a fantastic recipe and method for a savoury ride snack. The idea came originally from Garmin-Slipstream's team physiologist, Dr. Allen Lim. So, if it's good enough for a Pro Team then it's got to be good. Besides, I just fancied a change from the usual oat Flapjacks and the energy bars that I usually consume whilst on a long ride. They taste great and I've had no issues with digestion on a ride following consumption.



Ingredients (for 9x9 tin)


2-3 x fresh eggs.
1 x (dry) cup sushi rice (approx 200g)
3 x slices bacon.
2 tbs Soy sauce.
Parmesan cheese (Optional).
Salt to taste (Optional).

Method

1. Scramble and cook eggs in frying pan, breaking them up thoroughly into small pieces then set aside.

2. Thoroughly clean through the rice with water. Cook the rice according to directions (Only use Sushi rice otherwise the cakes won’t hold together). I found that the Sushi Rice I made took approx 30 mins to cook. For the 200g of rice I used approx 300ml of water (there was no requirement to drain the rice as the water gets fully absorbed).

3. Fry bacon or pancetta in frying pan over a medium heat until done (thin-sliced pancetta crisps up very quickly, so watch it carefully) – if using bacon, blot thoroughly on paper towels.

4. Crumble pancetta or bacon into small pieces and fold into rice along with eggs. Add soy and parmesan to taste.

5. Transfer to a shallow baking pan (9×9) and, using a spatula, firmly press down on mixture. As an option I transferred the pan to the grill just to brown off the top which then provides a nice crisp texture. Let cool, cut into bars sized portions to slip into a jersey pocket and wrap in foil. Refrigerate.

Start with smaller batches like this until you know how many cakes you can eat in a few days of riding. It's best to consume within 3/4 days!!


VARIATIONS: Try omitting the bacon and cheese and creating a “sweet” rice cake using honey or fruit jam instead of soy sauce. Experiment, have fun.