Swansea is in for a big weekend of cycling as two major bike ride events are set to take place. The Gower Bike Ride and Swansea Gower Sportive will challenge riders on Sunday, June 25, along different routes suited for different abilities.
For nearly 40 years the Gower Bike Ride has been part of Swansea’s summer calendar. This year, there will be two routes of 12 and 35 miles for the developing cyclist or those who are rediscovering their love of cycling. Both routes are all on road and are said to be suitable for all types of bike. The highlights of the 35-mile route will include Welsh Moor and North Gower with just over 2,000 feet of climbing.
Swansea Gower Sportive, meanwhile, will include a comprehensive tour of the Gower Peninsula with a new route for 2023, featuring highlights which include Langland, Caswell, Welsh Moor, Rhossili, Port Eynon and Oxwich. The sportive is a total distance of 63 miles and over 4,000 feet of climbing for the experienced rider.
The Gower Sportive starts at 8am, and The Gower Bike Ride, which supports charity Ty Hafan, begins at 9am, with the starting point at The Secret Beach Bar and Kitchen in Oystermouth Road. The Secret will also be open for anyone wishing to purchase refreshments before the ride, and there are toilet facilities there. Registration opens at 8.30am following the departure of the Sportive riders, and participants will be required to wear a wristband at all times.
The route will be fully signed with 12 and 35-mile options. Marshals will be at the event and will help to ensure difficult junctions can be negotiated more safely, but they will not be there to stop traffic and organisers have warned riders they must obey the Highway Code at all times.
For those doing the 35-mile route there will be two refreshment stops during the event, at just before 10 and 30 miles. The first is at Pennard Parish Hall where you can stop for a comfort break and take on board extra liquid. This stop will be staffed by The New Gower Church. And at just over halfway riders will be the guests of Llanrhidian Primary School, where there will be water and snacks available, and the chance to have a bacon or vegan sausage roll. All profits are used by the school and they will only be able to accept cash. Flapjacks, bananas and water will also be available. At the end of the ride, organisers say participants will be able to relax with a wide range of food and drink available at The Secret.
Parking
The official car park is The Recreation Ground, Oystermouth Road, Swansea, SA2 0AU and will be free of charge. Other surrounding car parks are not free and are pay and display. This includes the car park at The Secret Beach Bar and Kitchen.
