Post event:

 I am delighted to inform you all that the Merlin Ride 2010, was seen by the vast majority, as a complete success.  I know you endured weather conditions that were a significant challenge, however remember that you were not the only ones exposed to the elements.  Sometimes those who do less often give more.

I need to express my gratitude to the following:

The National Botanic Garden of Wales.  I believe that we have an outstanding venue at the Gardens and I look forward to working with them in the future.  Mr. David Hardy, Marketting Manager has worked very hard to ensure we were accommodated, with all our reasonable requests met. 

Dyfed Powys Police provided fantastic mobile policing support.  Without the support of Dyfed Powys Police the event would not be possible. 

Carmarthen and District Motor Cycle Club, who provided civilian motor cycle escort.  

Our feed station staff and marshalls who all got wet and tired, but without exception had a smile on their faces.  The reception team at the finish had all completed the Towy Ride, yet still had a smile for most of you.  Thank you Abergwili Talent.

Jane Davidson, Welsh Assembly Government Minister for the Environment.

Mark James, Chief Executive Carmarthenshire County Council.

Colin Charvis, Captain Wales Rugby Union Team, retired.

Our sponsors and yourselves.  

Photographs of the event will ba available in the next few days by access the below link:

http://www.edendigital.co.uk/galleries

'T' shirts for the event are available at a cost of £17.50 inc P&P.  Rear of shirt will have a photo of mass start and front our sponsor logos etc.  Choice of blue or yellow. To order contact me at:

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Lost property:

If anyone has found the below please get in touch:  

 grey montane waterproof jacket (in a small cricket ball sized bag) and his sunwise glasses (with a white rim).

Our Photographer is Paul Hughes.  Paul is very supportive of our event and provides his services free of charge, he also makes a financial contribution to Macmillan Cancer Support for every photograph purchased.  Paul is working hard to create the albums for viewing.  They will be available over next few days by access to below link: 

   http://www.edendigital.co.uk/galleries

We support Macmillan Cancer Support , Ty Hafan and Wales Air Ambulance, we also assist the below charities:

 www.brainstrust.org.uk

 http://www.tyhafan.org  

  http://www.tenovus.org.uk

Fusion are the Health and Fitness Clubs of Carmarthenshire County Council and are located at Carmarthen, Llanelli, Ammanford and New Castle Emlyn.  The sports facilities available are second to none and certainly worth visting now to fully prepare yourself for next years ride. 

HQ for the 2010 event was once again the magnificent National Botanic Garden of Wales, Llanarthne, Carmarthenshire, SA32 8HG.  The gardens provide a fantastic venue for our event.  Now is the time to revisit the garden with your whole family.

Working with Carmarthenshire County Council and Hywel Dda Health Board our intention is to raise the profile of cycling in Carmarthenshire, promote exercise and the benefits of a healthy life style and most importantly to raise money for the Macmillan Cancer Support and Wales Air Ambulance and other listed charities.  

The rides:

Towy = 23miles

Druid = 57 miles

Cothi = 70 miles

Merlin = 104 miles and is very hard with 17% hills

Towy 23.pdf  Druid.pdf  Cothi.pdf Merlin.pdf

Druid Ride 57 miles: a fantastic route, three feed stations with all the drama of crosssing over the Black Mountain (Brecon Beacons West).  This ride has a considerable following with riders times of around 3hours 15minutes.    

Cothi Ride 70 miles: Probably the best 70 mile ride around, beautiful scenary and enough climbing to suite most riders.  With three feed stations and High 5 everywhere.  Some riders returned very respectable times of 3 hours 30 minutes, but average was around 5 hours.

Cothi.pdf

Merlin 104 miles.  New route with another big hill, not for the faint hearted!  4 feed stations.  The ride gets very demanding along the A475 between Llanybydder and Llandysul, with several steep short climbs and very fast descents. This is between 60 and 70 mile point with gradients of 17%.  You will require a high level of fitness and be at your best to take this on. 'Are you good enough?

Below is PDF for Merlin Ride, however you must read this as a continuation of Cothi Ride from way point 5 (Llansawel Feed Station).

Merlin.pdf 

 Feeding Stations: 

Towy: 11 miles
Druid: 20, 38, 47 miles
Cothi: 20, 38, 52 miles
Merlin: 20, 38, 52, 80 miles

Garage, Pontamman

Common, Llangadog

Public park, Llansawel

The Coopers Arms New Castle Emlyn

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