"Here be Dragons"

The 2008 route is similar to 07 apart from the relocation of the start finish venue to Pencoed. This means that the previous run out through Port Talbot is avoided. Instead a short ride across Heol-y-Cyw common sees the riders hit the first climb of the day The Bwlch, just 15 miles from the start. The Bwlch Mountain road is once again climbed twice, the second time on the return leg from the Afan Valley (the longest ascent of this mountain road). A new climb over Llangeinor Mountain will be the final ascent of the day on the run back to the finish.

The route takes in two classic UK category 1 climbs as used in the past on the Tour of Britain and the Milk Race. The ride winds its way along the former mining valleys of South Wales, (Ogmore, Rhondda, Swansea, Neath, Afan and Garw). The longer Gran Fondo route takes in a loop into the heart of the stunning Brecon Beacons National Park.

Essentially a more intense version of the 2007 ride, without the ride out to Port Talbot and no traffic lights to negotiate on the run in to the finish.

Feed stations with plentiful supplies of water, energy drink, food (bananas, & cakes), additional supplies will be held in reserve. Medical, mechanical support and toilets on route will also be available.





Medio Fondo 120km / 75miles

Start Pencoed College, from 08.00am. North on the A473, west B4280 Heol-y-Cyw, north A4061, Bwlch mountain road, A4061 Rhondda Valley, Rhigos mountain road (feed station). Hirwaun (180km split, see Gran Fondo), B4242 to Glynneath /A4109/ A4230 (Neath), B4287 Cimla (feed station), Pontrydyfen, A4107 Afan Valley, Bwlch mountain road (second ascent), A4061 Nantymoel, B4280 Heol-y-Cyw, A473. Finish is back at Pencoed College.



(Approx. 2300m of climbing).


Click on link to open Pdf of 120km route map: Dragon Ride 2008 120km route. map.pdf
 





Gran Fondo 180km/ 112 miles

As above route plus 65km additional loop. A4059 Penderyn, A470 (Storey Arms), A4215 Defynnog, A4067 (Cray Reservoir - feed station), Abercraf, A4221/A4109, Rejoin above route at Glynneath.



(Approx. 3000m of climbing).

Click on link to open Pdf of 180km route map: Dragon Ride 2008 180km route. map.pdf






Climb Statistics

Bwlch 1 (120 & 180km routes, approached from the south - Nantymoel)
Ascent - 800ft/243m
Distance - 3.1m/4.7km
Max% - 14 (steep section from clock tower at start, only a few hundred meters)
Ave % - 6


Rhigos (120& 180Km routes)
Ascent - 1000ft/307m
Distance - 3.9m/6.3km
Max% - 6.7
Ave % - 4.5

Cray (180km route)
Ascent - 591ft/181m
Distance - 5.9m/9.5km
Max% - 6.2
Ave % - 2.42

Coelbren (180km route)
Ascent - 387ft/122m
Distance - 1.5m/2.4km
Max% - 7.6
Ave % - 4.7

Cimla (120& 180Km routes)
Ascent - 472ft/145m
Distance - 1.7m/2.7km
Max% - 8
Ave % - 4.4

Bwlch 2 (from the west - Afan Valley)
Ascent - 1060ft/326m
Distance - 4.3m/7km
Max% - 8.25
Ave % - 4.57


Page updated 23rd May 2008