A new sporting event looks set to be added to the local cycling calendar after the Kilgetty Bike It 100 cycle challenge was declared a resounding success by the organisers and participants.

40 entrants (20 in the 100 mile event and 20 in the shorter 72 mile option) took part in the event which was held on Saturday, September 19.

Organiser Norman Mason said that the idea for the cycling challenges came about after the annual Carten (Cardiff to Tenby cycle ride) was understandably postponed and then cancelled due to the Coronavirus pandemic this year, and with many entrants for Carten already booked to be transported to Cardiff for the event alongside Narberth Travel, he realised how disappointed many were after dedicatedly training for such an event, as well as Ironman Wales to then find them cancelled, it was a challenge that many were pleased to take up, and the limited entries were soon filled up.

Starting (and finishing) from Kilgetty Community Centre car park at 7 am for the 100 milers and 30 minutes later for the 72 milers, the non competitive events followed strict Covid regulations as set out by Welsh Cycling.

The routes (with over 7,000 and 4,700 ft of climbing respectively) took the entrants down as far South as Carew before tackling the challenging but scenic route (using B or back roads wherever possible).

The two events stayed on the same course until Crymych where the 100 milers turned for Eglwyswrw before going as far North as Blaenporth returning through picturesque Cenarth Falls onto Newcastle Emlyn and back to Trelech where they were rejoined on the route by the 70 milers who had cut across from Crymych through Tegryn to then all take the homeward route through St Clears to Kilgetty via Red Roses and Ludchurch.

Entrants from mainly Pembrokeshire but all over South West Wales varied, from past and future Ironman competitors to many social club riders tackling for some their longest and by far toughest cycle, but everyone had a big smile at the finish when they picked up their treasured commemorative mugs to remind them of their achievement, and many took to social media to give praise for the event’s organisation.

Praise went to the challenging but scenic routes (with over 80 marker signs to make sure everyone stayed on course even if their navigation systems let them down); the support sweeper cyclists; and back up minibus support.

Outrider Roy James also did a sterling job in radio contact throughout making sure everyone were safely negotiating their way around.

With the CoronavIrus pandemic halting Narberth Travel’s plans to this year launch their new Hike It Bike It programme (with several walking and cycling events planned) Norman said it was at least satisfying to get one Bike It event completed in 2020 and as many entrants commented, at least their training was not all wasted after completing this tough but memorable event.

Hopefully The Kilgetty Bike It cycling challenges will continue without so many restrictions on numbers and socialising in 2021.