GPX files now available as a zip file on the Attendees Page
I loaded all of the map information onto my Garmin 1050 approximately two weeks ago. Before moving forward, I wanted to confirm whether that version should still be current, or if there have been any updates that would require me to reload or refresh the maps. Please let me know if I should proceed with what I currently have installed, or if you recommend updating prior to use.
I'm struggling to load them onto my Garmin etrex 30x, it and the laptop are the same as I used for the 2023 rally without any difficulty.
May Ride postponed till June
All the electric pitches are taken for the National in August. However there is electric in the marquee to charge devices and I will probably be able to find a fridge. All evening activities in and around the marquee, so non electric is definately a good option, why not join us?
Is anyone else catching the Portsmouth to St Malo ferry on the 21st? I am going to cycle to Gouarec on the Friday if anyone else is doing that
The May Ride was a lovely sunny, blustery day - quite cool specially to start with. Malcolm G showed Malcolm B how to set up live tracking on WhatsApp so he could find us en route having first dropped Grace off at the Barleymow. A brilliant facility we had not been aware of. So 14 of us started from Chardstock and Malcolm joined us in no time at all!
We followed NCR 33 to Ilminster for 10 miles, stopping for coffee at the Kitchen on Silver Street, which is a very pleasant cafe. Then came 11 miles with three very serious hills (but the views are splendid) to reach the Barleymow Farm Shop and a very well deserved lunch.
The final four miles were largely downhill back to Chardstock, a cream tea and cake.
Riders were Malcolm, Kate, Peter, Jenny, Hannah, Rex, Vicky, Jeff, Paul, Nina, Malcolm G, Anita, Andy, Ed, and a guest and 16 for lunch including Grace
Malcolm and Kate Balston
Easter Meet 2026
One of our first Tandem Club Rallies was back in the early 1980s when Ian and I stayed at Gradbach Youth Hostel in the Peak District. The weather was very cold and we can always remember cycling along the Monsal Trail in the snow!
So rather than driving all the way up to the Peak District for dodgy weather at Easter we decided, as a Group, to spend Easter at Slimbridge – not too far to travel and possibly a bit warmer. Malcolm contacted the Tudor Caravan Park and created 4 separate cycling routes for the Easter weekend.
Unfortunately, shortly before Easter, Grace had a fall at home and was admitted to Hospital meaning that they would be unable to attend.
As all of the organisation had been put in place we were able to follow through Malcolm’s plans to run a successful weekend with different ride leaders to split the load.
On Good Friday Clive and Emma led the Group to Gloucester Docks. We followed the NCN network, including the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal towpath, to the Stables Café for coffee. We then continued to Gloucester Docks where there was plenty of places to eat. We returned via a slightly different route taking in Elmore. In the evening we all had a meal together at the Tudor Arms.
On Saturday Andy and Anita led the Group along the edge of the Cotswolds stopping at Tortworth Estate Farm Shop for coffee and cake. We continued to Thornbury for lunch where there was an Easter Fayre in the centre of the town. A flat ride back to Slimbridge past Berkeley Castle.
Malcolm had suggested a decorated Easter Window competition and so after the ride we walked around the motorhomes, caravans, tents and hotel windows to do our own judging. Saturday evening we went to the Slimbridge Village Hall and much to Nick’s surprise - there was a piano! We had various quizzes with Clive showing his great knowledge of airports then Nick spontaneously entertained us with a musical ‘guess the tune’ quiz – magnificent effort. Rick and Joan were voted the best Easter Window Display with their ‘Little Easter Bonnet Shop’ display.
On Sunday Malcolm had driven up to ride for the day and to organise the judging of the Easter Bonnet (Cycle Helmet) competition – campsite reception helped with the judging. Malcolm joined Duncan and Nicki on the longer hilly ride to Nailsworth while we led the rest of the Group on the relatively flat ride up to the Three Storeys Coffee Shop at Nailsworth and met up with Malcolm. A flat ride after coffee led us to the Fromebridge Mill for a lovely Sunday Roast eventually returning to the campsite back along the Canal.
Jeff and Vicky led the Monday ride stopping in the centre of Berkeley at the Tea Rooms for coffee. We then continued up to the picturesque market village of Wotton-under-Edge for lunch in the sunshine and a quick photo outside the appropriately named 'Daisy Daisy' shop!, Back to the campsite at Slimbridge where a few people packed up and left
The rest of the Group met up again in the evening at the Tudor Arms for a final meal. A really good weekend, lovely routes and no rain while cycling!
Very many thanks to Malcolm for organising the weekend, checking the campsite and organising the rides. The Tudor Caravan Park is definitely to be recommended, campsite was well kept with friendly staff, lovely hot showers and clean toilets.
Lisa & Ian Warren
Regarding WiFi... I don't know whether the campsite has WiFi as we are staying in an AirBnb in the village. The accommodation details advise us that 'Fibre has not yet arrived in Gouarec. Wi-Fi is therefore still dependent on the mobile network. This sometimes makes it unstable, especially in high season when more people are connected.'
There is wifi on the campsite, the password is available from reception
The Boulangerie in the village is open on Saturday and Sunday but NOT on Monday! Cash only but there are 2 cash machines in the village on the main road.
Do you know if the local supermarkets (E.Leclerc PLOUGUERNEVEL ?) is open on Saturday afternoon and maybe Sunday ?
Thanks Johannes, was Saturday 9:00 to 19:30 and Sunday 09:00 to 12:30, Monday closed.
If anyone is in the supermarche and sees some plastic table cloth, we could do with 14 for the marquee tables
Bonsoir Gouarec travellers,
Registration at the marquee from 9:00 hrs
- The French emergency helpline for English speaking people is 112
- Wifi is available on site, the password is campingdegouarec
- The Boulangerie Le Bon Pain, (bakery) in the village is open on Saturday and Sunday (07:30 hrs) but NOT on Monday! Cash only but there are 2 cash machines in the village on the main road. It has a baguette vending machine.
- The English Epicerie (grocers) is closed at the weekend but open on Monday (bankholiday), 10:00 - 12:30 & 14:00 - 17:00 hrs.
- Epicerie des Halles - 08:30 - 12:30 & 15:00 - 19:00 hrs Sat (morning only), & Tue to Fri.
- It may be difficult to find a cafe stop on some of the rides, therefore make sure you have a backup with you (baguettes?) and plenty to drink.
- Friday's BBQ
- Suckling pig and potatoes from the food van - pay as you order
- Vegetarians. We have arranged a special Veggie BBQ, please book your meal on arrival or before Monday evening, cost €15 p.p. cash only. Menu:
- Corn on the cob with homemade Ranch or Tarragon sauce
- Boiled potatoes with yogurt and herbs sauce
- Mixed crunchy veg with wholegrain mustard or Asian Vinaigrette
- A seasonal hummus as beetroot & fresh goat cheese or smoked paprika & red bean
- veggie mushroom burgers
- Sourdough focaccia
- Communications: ideally join announcement group on WhatsApp, get yourself in the group with this link:
- https://chat.whatsapp.com/Ih7mmbEoqVu4n1e48GRvlC
- Or news on the rally page (email)
- Saturday evening welcome drink & cheese in marquee at 19:00 hrs. Bring a glass.
Neil, I can't for the life of me remember if Jill and I have applied for the National Rally . Much regret I have no record of having done so. Have we applied or not. Thanks.
Along the canal about an hour
The food-van should arrive around 18:30, we'll start the quiz around 19:30 so you can get your meal and eat it.
Photo competition, upload your photo here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/ZSc78NmNWnngvKqd7
If you fancy something different for your day off, you can rent a kayak form the campsite and paddle up the canal, or even hire Geoff's 2CV Citroën here: https://www.roadstr.fr/cars/citroen-2cv-1983-plelauff
Tomorrow's rides go towards the North-West on very quiet country roads. It is a bank-holiday so we are not sure what will be open! Make sure you have a backup plan!
On today’s route is Mark-Carhaix, it has a lake and “beach” area to cool off. It also has a bakery that may be open in the morning, not sure.
Tonight is cycle jumble, from 18.00 hrs.
Anyone feels like doing an article for the tandem club magazine?