You wouldn’t guess it from this website, but I like to think that I’m not that into nostalgia. However, recently various conversations {2} have led to trying to remember when I first/last went to a particular place on cycling holidays with Bicycle Beano {3}. Many of these were as a helper/crew member, so some might question whether they were real breaks! This list is edited from existing notes taken over the years (possibly one to two early trips missing).
Wye Valley: Ciliau, Erwood, Powys (1). August 1984.
Wye Valley: Maes Clettwr, Erwood, Powys (10). August 1985, July 1986, August 1988, August 1989 (date query), July 1990, August 1990, July 1991, July 1992, August 1994, July/August 1995.
Trericket Mill, Erwood, Powys (8). June/mid-summer 1998, mid summer 1999, May Day weekend 2000, May Day weekend 2002, June /July 2002, June 2004, June 2005, July 2006.
Canon Frome Court, near Ledbury, Herefordshire (6). May 1987, Whitsun 1989, August 1992, August 1993, August 1997, August 1999.
Poulstone Court, Kings Caple, Herefordshire (12). April 1992, Easter 1994, Easter 1995, May 1996, Easter 1997, May Day weekend 1999, May Day weekend 2001, August 2003, August 2004, August 2009, August 2011, July/August 2013.
Kinnersley Castle, Herefordshire (2): August 1995, August 1996.
Whitcliffe Farm, Ludlow, Shropshire (3). 1985, August 1991, 1993.
The Grange, Ellesmere, Shropshire (2): Late May weekend 2001, Jubilee weekend 2002.
Elan Valley Hotel near Rhayader, Powys (1). May 1998. Plus probably a second occasion.
Bicycle Inn (Neuadd Arms Hotel), Llanwrtyd Wells, Powys (1). August 1998.
Trigonos, Snowdonia (3). August 2002, July 2003, July 2005.
West Coast (Pen Rhiw), St Davids, Pembrokeshire (5): Whitsun 1990, September 1994, June 1995, July 1995, July/August 2000.
Also Somerset, 2015.
Total 55.
Most of these venues are no longer in use by Bicycle Beano, or able to provide similar accommodation, other than Trigonos.
Notes
- More photos (colour as well as black and white) to follow at some point – scanning negs is a task for a wet winter’s day. My Beano Times page also has a few.
- Conversations notably around what now appears to be an annual visit to Canon Frome for h-art week. Two regulars on LCC Sunday rides of old also happened to be holidaying nearby and called in for refreshments and a little culture at the same time. Good to catch up!
- Bicycle Beano has now been operating for 40 years in one form or another, pre-dating many other cycling holiday providers.