Bicycle Beano Cycle Tours -Wales



Bicycle tours exploring the peaceful lanes of Wales and the Welsh Borders of England - the land of magic and enchantment on the western edge of Britain. Totally brilliant bicycling vacations with the accent on delicious vegetarian cuisine, relaxation and enjoyment. Bicycle Beano Cycle Tours is Jane Barnes and Rob Green. We have had 18 years experience organising bicycling vacations (or cycling holidays as we call them in the UK) in Wales and the Welsh Borders. We offer a choice of 3 or 7 day guided on-road trips, from May to September. Between 15 and 30 people on each trip makes for sociable cycling, with moderately-paced routes to suit all abilities. CONTACT US FOR 2004 DATES AND RATES SNOWDONIA BEANO - 7 days The Snowdonia National Park and Lleyn Peninsula, in the north west corner of Wales, is a wild mixture of Celtic culture, coastal spectacle, and dramatic mountain scenery. A deeply romantic region where mountains plunge to the ocean; isolated beaches are touched only by driftwood; and where Europe's oldest language can be heard in daily use. Our base, in the beautiful Nantlle Valley, is the perfect location for exploring this richly diverse area. To the west is the gently undulating Lleyn Peninsula, with its network of ancient lanes rarely more than a few miles from the ocean. To the east are the rugged peaks and deep river valleys of the Snowdonia National Park. We stay in a superb residential centre, in the most fantastic setting imaginable. The views up the Nantlle Valley (roughly pronounced Nant-clay) to Snowdon are unsurpassed. Eighteen acres of gardens, woodland and meadows run down to the centre's own lake - great for swimming, boating or an after-dinner stroll. The organic garden provides our vegetables for the week. Accommodation is in comfortable bedrooms for 1, 2 or 3 people, either en-suite or with shared facilities (please state choice on reservation form). Our routes are surprisingly flat considering the proximity of the mountains. What little climbing we do is rewarded with fantastic views. On our bike-free day you can either visit Portmeirion (where the cult TV series The Prisoner was filmed); go up Snowdon; cycle to a nearby beach; or just laze by the lake. WEST COAST BEANO - 7 days The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, on the west coast of Wales, has one of the most spectacular coastlines in Europe - wide sandy bays, dramatic sea-cliffs, and secluded coves. An ancient and powerful landscape steeped in Celtic and Arthurian legend; and dotted with pre-historic burial chambers and standing stones. Tantalising glimpses of the sea are revealed as we cycle along quiet lanes to picturesque fishing harbours, sandy beaches where we can swim, and towering cliffs pounded by Atlantic breakers. We visit the Preseli Hills, source of the Stonehenge blue stones; the Gwaun Valley, where New Year is still celebrated on 13 January; the Blue Lagoon; and the vast sweep of Newgale beach. Our base is the historic cathedral village of St. David's - the smallest 'city' in Britain. We stay in a fine Victorian house, which overlooks a wooded valley. A pleasant lane leads from the house, past the 12th century cathedral and ruined Bishop's Palace, into the village - perfect for an evening stroll. The surfing beach of Whitesands Bay is just a ten-minute bike ride away. The house was once used as a priory, and is now a comfortable residential centre. Its secluded garden provides most of our organic vegetables, and is regularly visited by badgers. Accommodation is in simple but pleasant bedrooms. There are lots of single rooms, and the 2-person rooms have either comfortable bunk beds or double beds. On our bike-free day there is an optional boat trip (extra) around the RSPB wildlife reserve of Ramsey Island - "the experience of a lifetime ". The 'Greenpeace-style' inflatable craft enables us to venture inside the sea-caves, a favourite haunt of basking seals; under the highest cliffs in Wales with their colonies of nesting sea-birds; and play with the porpoises in Ramsey Sound. In the afternoon there is a chance to explore the mediaeval streets of St. David's, and go for a walk along the cliff-tops. Essential Information 1 What we provide. 5 Getting to the Beanos. 2 Bike Rental. 6 Who is Bicycle Beano. 3 Children's prices. 7 Subscribe to Our Mailing List. 4 Who comes on Beanos. 1: What we provide Delicious vegetarian meals - buffet breakfasts, evening meals, and tea & cakes after the rides (lunch not included in price). Organic produce is used whenever possible - the Snowdonia, West Coast, May Day, and Ellesmere venues all have their own organic gardens. Accommodation. Detailed daily route sheets including written instructions, marked maps, and other useful info. Cycling guide/helper and back-up. Bike tools and basic emergency spares. Evening divertissements such as volley ball, juggling bits, unicycle, table tennis, board games, library etc. Plus lots more. 2: Bike Rental Quality Dawes hybrid bikes can be rented from PedalAway for £65 per week, or £35 for 3 days, including delivery. To reserve your bike, contact PedalAway by e-mail (info@pedalaway.co.uk) or phone: 01989 770357. They will need to know your height, sex, type of frame required (diamond or open) and which Beano you are coming on. 3: Children Under 18-year-olds must be accompanied by an adult and have good road sense. The following discounts apply for children who share their parents' bedroom and are attached to an adult's bike: 60% discount for 3 to 5-year-olds, 20% discount for 6 to 12-year-olds, babies free. 4: Who comes on Beanos? There are usually 15 to 30 people on each tour, depending on the size of the venue. On average there are equal numbers of women and men. Most bring their own bikes (touring, mountain, tandems etc). 60% of Beanoers have been before. All ages and cycling abilities welcome - as long as you can cycle a minimum of 20 miles a day without falling apart, you will enjoy a Beano. 5: Getting to the Beanos We will send you travel information etc. Most people come by car - if you can give another cyclist a lift, please let us know. Our venues are within cycling distance of a railway station:- Snowdonia Beano: 19 miles from Bangor station (bus link). West Coast Beano: 16 miles from Fishguard or Haverfordwest stations (bus link to St. Davids can carry bikes, or your luggage while you cycle).