Bike Wales West challenge

By Gerry McManus

Sunday October 1 will mark the third in this year's Challenge Bike Wales series backed by the Welsh Assembly Government and Welsh Cycling and organised by The Events Group. The event will consist of three rides of 32, 52 and 109 miles respectively which all start and finish in front of the National Waterfront Museum of Wales in the centre of Swansea. The 32 mile (51.5km) Bronze ride starts at 11am taking in Gowerton, Llanmorlais, Burry Green and Pennard.

The 52 mile (83.7km) Silver ride starts at 10am taking in Clydach, Pontardawe, Ammanford, Gorseinon, Llanmorlais, Burry Green and Pennard. The 109 mile (175.4km) Gold ride starts at 9am using the Silver route up to the Brynamman area and then sweeping away into the Black Mountains before descending to Llandog, Llandovery, Rhandar-Mwyn, Pumsaint, Llandeilo and Gorseinon before rejoining the Silver route back to Swansea. The routes have been specially selected by local cyclists on quiet roads in the lush countryside, and the views from the tops of the climbs will be spectacular, weather permitting.

All events will have computer-chip timing and finishers will be ranked within each category. All finishers will receive a BikeWales Certificate of Achievement to remember the day. There will be plenty of support along the way with a mechanical support service, medical support, drinks stations and a 'broom' wagon for those who can't quite make it. Entry forms are available from www.bikewales.org