VOLUME 02 | ISSUE 18 Quality of the Light

Autumn is here in all her dying glory. Wales of course, is draped in rain, but not without colour. Join me as I look back at some of my memorable rides from late summer and autumn of 2018.

Like Conrad's Heart of Darkness, set in Wales...

Distracted by procrastination...

Once again I am sat inside, avoiding the rain, wracking my head and heart to justify not riding. I should be out. What's a little rain, eh? However, I am looking at photos and scribbling little bits of diatribe. it's a perfect day for bloggin'.

I've put together three new features from my late summer and autumn adventures for you to check out. Plus, I've thrown in a new gallery of images to look over. I've even included a couple of older stories I dug out from underneath the bike shed.

To keep you well-informed and balance my biased opnions, I've got a couple of links to two of my favourite blogs. And of course, I've tossed in another sexy bike for you to gaze upon. I hope you enjoy this late issue and as always - thanks for stopping by.

Seeya down the road. Cheers! - cm

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Features

NCN Route 47 & Resolven Epic MY RIDES - This one is for the record book. Not the longest, not the hardest, but simply one of the most interesting rides I've made. It's a long read, but I hope you will enjoy it. ► Read more...

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Hirwaun & Brecon Loop MY RIDES - Some folks stay inside on a rainy days, but I just had the notion to get out on my bike regardless of the weather. Check out my ride becasue as it turned out, the weather made the ride that much better! ► Read more...

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Castell Nos & Aberdare MY RIDES - It was a dark and gloomy day as I made my way up the Rhondda Fach to Maerdy. Fortunately, the rain held off and I had a lovely and quiet ride through the valleys. ► Read more...

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Usk Castle GALLERY - The weather was looking dire once we reached Usk, so instead of cycling further on, John and I decided to play it safe and wander through the castle. Join us as we explore the terribly interesting and ecclectic Usk Castle! ► Read more...

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On the Web

Cycling About Eurobike 2018 Coverage: - Alex is at his best once again. Here's the link to his excellent roundup of the Eurobike 2018 show. There's a lot of interesting content and this guy knows his stuff.

Pannier Pannier Journal - Here's another site I visit regularly. Ride journals are very popular now and this is one of the best. Grab a cup of joe, sit back, and enjoy a long read.

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Out From the Archive

Llangynidr Commons & Sugarloaf Classic MY RIDES / 2017: Somehow I failed to post this ride last year. I'm quite proud of this one... it's a tough one, but full of wonderful Welsh scenery from the heart of the Brecon Beacons and the Vale of Usk.

Carreg Tegernacus MY RIDES / 2013: I found this route on just a whim. When I set out on the morning I hadn't planned on riding up the high ridge above New Tredegar and Fochriw, but as it turned out, what I discovered once on top was nothing shy of cool.

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Sexy Bike Alert!

Co-Motion Americano Perhaps the premier touring bike manufacturer in the US, Co-motion is well-known for their high-end spec. For 2019 they've raised the bar even further. Yes, they're pricey, but with the options of either a Rohloff or a Pinion gear system, these bikes are worth checking out.

VOLUME 02 | ISSUE 17 @ the moment...

It's August and blackberry season, time to bale hay. It's raining with typical British frequency, the temperature has dropped, and I'm sat inside. Our brilliant long-hot summer is moving behind us.

Summer oats under a late afternoon sky...

Heavy thinking...

August always puts me in a contemplative mood. Perhaps this stems from my "back to school days" of youth and the combined feelings of starting something new mixed with the melancholy of something else coming to an end. So this is where I am today; excited about fall, yet looking back over an outstanding summer of bicycle adventures.

I start off this issue recounting my wonderful summer with a short(ish) ride through several valleys both near and dear to my heart in; "Rhymney Meadows & Michaelston". I follow this with two further afield by exploring the rich diversity of the Brecon Beacons National Park in; "Gospel Pass Epic", and then I ventured east to England for my "Forest of Dean Epic".

Sometimes I just stumble across a great shot, but mostly I just shoot like a madman. Often too, I find that I have a large number of images from a single area that wouldn't make for a full ride report. And that, dear readers; is what I've got for you in three new galleries this month: "Chepstow to Caldicot", "Llantony Priory", and "Taff Trail to Brecon Recce, pt. 2".

In the News this month I've found some entertaining video of the Vaga Brothers exploring Wales followed by some rather sobering personal revelations about my goals. Plus, I've restored two great ride reports from 2014 and lastly of course, I've found another sexy bike for you to ponder.

So sit back and join me with a series of images and stories from the great summer we had in 2018.

Seeya down the road. Cheers! - cm

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Features

Rhymney Meadows & Michaelston MY RIDES - I don't have to cycle far to experience the beauty of Wales. Check out my modest little ride through the Rhymney, Ebbw, and Sirhowy valleys that surround where we live. ► Read more...

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Gospel Pass Epic II MY RIDES - What started as a simple ride to Hay-on-Wye grew into something much, much bigger. Take a look at the first entry of my three-part feature on cycling the highest road in Wales. ► Read more...

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Forest of Dean Epic MY RIDES - I wish I had shot more photos from this trip, but the images I have only whets my appetite to return. It was a wonderful day and a pretty amazing ride which relects the fabulous summer we had during 2018. ► Read more...

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Chepstow to Caldicot GALLERY - NCN Route 4 from Chepstow to Caldicot is just a nine mile section out of the massive 432 mile route that crosses all of the UK. I finally compiled a few images to showcase why I like this one. ► Read more...

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Llantony Priory GALLERY - It's terribly easy to miss because you can't see it from the road, but if you're climbing the Gospel Pass - you simply must take the time to visit Llantony Priory. ► Read more...

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Taff Trail to Brecon pt.2 GALLERY - Whilst doing some preliminry research for my Taff Trail Project, I happened to capture a few images I thought worthy a small gallery. ► Read more...

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In the News

The Vaga Brothers: What is Wales? YOU TUBE - These fellas do a great job exploring our little part of the world. Plus, it's loads of fun, so check 'em out!

About Goals CHARTS - I set out to achieve some pretty big goals this year and whilst I've still a few months left, I'm taking the time to reflect on what I've learned so far.

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Out From the Archive

Penpont Campout MY RIDES / 2014: Somehow I had lost this post, but I came across the images whilst digging through my archive. I've rebuilt the report to recount one of my all-time favourite campouts and a truly magical place to visit.

Lady Windsor & Route 881 MY RIDES / 2014: I discovered this route just by chance and it holds a special charm for me as it was my first ride across the Rhigos. It's not the easiest ride, but it's incredibly rewarding as it takes you high above the Cynon and Rhondda valleys.

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Sexy Bike Alert!

Kona Sutra The 2019 Kona Sutra has most everything a cycle tourist could want with a touring bike - right off the peg. Disc brakes and through-axles are here to stay, so if I'm going to continue looking at bikes, I've got to get with the program... but damn, I miss the curved front fork. What are your thoughts?

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Coming Next issue:

• Hirwaun & Brecon
• Castle Nos & More
• M&B Canal
• Usk Castle

VOLUME 02 | ISSUE 16 Wonderful, Beautiful...

January is but a distant memory. Summer is here in its full glory and it is nothing short of fabulous.

It's a slow climb up to Shirenewton, but the views are exceptional...

Basking in a glorious summer...

I've been cycling like I've never seen the sun and taking time to write about it has been surprisingly difficult. However, I needed a few days off so I scrawled out some notes about a ride I made over not one, but two popular mountain passes in my attempt to do what the big boys do: "Twin Peaks; The Bwlch and Rhigos".

I've been slowly chipping away at a few goals as well. I achieved one of those BIG goals last week by completing my longest ride to date; 250k in a single day. Woohoo! Read about the details of my really long day; "A Record Ride".

But not all of my rides this past month have been about big climbs, setting records, or being "epic" (which I'm beginning to over-use, btw...). I made a very special trip that captures the essence of why I love cycling through the Welsh landscape in: Llangorse Lake. Closing out my features this month I have two new sets of images in my Gallery to share; Man Engine and Shirenewton to Usk.

Big things are happening for cyclists in cities across the globe. So I've chosen to focus a bit on urban cycling in this issue's In the News section. Firstly, I've a link to a fellow blogger and cyclist from Cardiff who writes great stuff and just happens to be very active in the local planning scene. Then I present an article in Wired that covers a broader aspect of urban cycling with its massive analysis of riding bicycles in very big cities.

I end this issue with a re-post of an archived report from 2015 when I first discovered the Newport Wetlands. And lastly of course, I've another sexy bicycle for you to gaze upon.

I hope you enjoy this issue. Thanks as always for stopping by. Cheers! - cm

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Features

Twin Peaks: The Bwlch & Rhigos MY RIDES - Not just one mountain pass, but two in a row! I've climbed each of these routes seperately, so I thought it would be interesting to give 'em a go back-to-back. ► Read more...

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Cardiff & Monmouth Epic: A Record Ride MY RIDES - I set a number of goals for 2018. I normally don't focus on distances, but I had a notion of cycling 150 miles in a single day. I achieved that milestone on July 5th. ► Read more...

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Llangorse Lake MY RIDES - People have occupied Llangorse Lake for thousands of years. There aren't many natural lakes in Wales, so as the largest; it has a unique character that you can feel. I just love going there. ► Read more...

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Man Engine GALLERY - Ocassionally I volunteer as an Ambassador to Wales which often offers access to some unique and very engaging events. Man Engine was more than just an entertaining experience... it was friggin' brilliant! ► Read more...

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Shirenewton to Usk GALLERY - I've got a selection of images from this "new-to-me" route I discovered whilst training for my "Record Ride". I love this short route and now I've officially added it to my local favourites. ► Read more...

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In the News

Cities: Cardiff by Bike

It's interesting how cities address the ever-growing needs of cyclists differently. From New York to Seattle, from London to Amsterdam, they've all got unique infrastructures. This fella is active with those efforts in Cardiff and his blog reflects those efforts with great writing and photography.

Wired: The 20 Most Bike-Friendly Cities

Having lived in New York City during the 1990's, I know the full extent of how unfriendly a big city can be toward cyclists. Much has changed with regards to cycling since then and these twenty cites seem to be getting it right.

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Out From the Archive

Gallery: Newport Wetlands

2015 - I ran across these images whilst digging through my photo archive. Check out my first trip to this lovely nature reserve along the Gwent Levels during the summer of 2015.

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Sexy Bike Alert!

Jamis: Aurora Elite

I'm particularly biased toward this bike because my wife just bought one. As an entry level touring bike this is a dying breed. The spec, however; is spot on with a 9-speed Shimano Sora groupset, triple crank, bar-end shifters, 700 x 32c tyres, and even metal mudguards painted to match the frame colour. Sweeet!

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Coming Next issue:

• Tredegar & Bassaleg
• Rhymney Meadows & Michaelston
• Chepstow to Newport
• Penpont Campout
• Lady Windsor & Route 881
• How I reached my goal.

VOLUME 02 | ISSUE 15 Lovely, Spectacular...

This year started out cold and wet and completely miserable, but now it's turned into one of the most spectacular summers I've witnessed in Wales. And YES! I'm having some fantastic rides.

Peeking across Pontsticill Reservoir on a late May afternoon

Struggling with time...

It's Tuesday; I should be out cycling with the Kingfishers today, but it's raining and I'm a few days behind getting this post together. I'm feeling rather reflective as well, so it's a good time to write.

I'm starting off this issue with two big features. First, I have a report on a wonderful ride I made to Ogmore-by-the-Sea at the end of last month. Next I have my first instalment on the Taff Trail; Brecon to Pontsticill. And just to cap off my features this month, I've put together tow sets of images; one from Cardiff Bay and then the full set of images from Ogmore Castle.

I've got a couple of quick links to a pair of cyclists I think worthy of a read, followed by a review on the latest tech from Campagnola. Let the the opnions fly! Lastly, I've pulled one of my favourite routes out from the archive and yes, I found another sexy bike to check out.

I hope you enjoy this issue. Thanks as always for stopping by. Cheers! - cm

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Features

Ogmore-by-the-Sea Odyssey RIDE w/ GPS - I have been dreaming of this trip for several years. I took advantage of some spectacular weather on the late May Bank holiday to have a great cycling adventure along the Vale of Glamorgan. ► Read more...

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Taff Trail: Stage 1 MY RIDES - It's been a tough 'ole slog to get this thing put together... and this is just the first part! I've been working on this for nealy six months, but I feel that now I've got a sold working model. Take a look at my first version of this route descriptioon and tell me what you think. ► Read more...

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Cardiff Bay GALLERY - Sometimes ya just run across something exceptional. So it was on this lovely June day as I was passing through Cardiff on a training ride. I found that I had to slow down to shoot a few snaps. ► Read more...

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Ogmore Castle GALLERY - I put the full set of images I shot whilst wandering about the castle on my Ogmore-by-the-Sea Odyssey. Plus, I've added a new sub-section to my Gallery just for castles! ► Read more...

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In the News

New York City: Nigel Sylvester

I don't normally read about BMX bikes. However, I stumbled across this guy and I just dig him. I hadn't heard of a professional cyclist who is not competing? How does he do it? I dunno, but it is awesome!

Jonas Deichmann:
Living a meaningful life.

I just discovered this cat a few days ago and if you're interested in long distance cycling, you need to read this. His web site has great stories and excellent photograpy. Plus, I really dig his attitude on life.

Bikesoup: Road Disc Brakes

This site is now DEFUNCT

Debate is hot regarding disc brakes on road bikes. Personally, I think they are "over-tech" with the exception of use on mountain bikes. This detailed article by a wheel builder sums up the issue(s) better than any I've read.

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Out From the Archive

Cordell Country
Heritage Ride

2013 - I was given the novel "Rape of the Fair Country" when I first moved to Wales and it had a profound affect on me. I created this circular route as part of my Wales Heritage Series back in 2013. Join me on a scenic and poignant ride through the South East Valleys.

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Sexy Bike Alert!

Salsa: Marrakesh Deore

Salsa offers a unique combination of gravel and touring componentry. I love the 9-speed Deore drive train, Cowchipper handlebars, and Brooks saddle. They also offer a version with straight handle bars... pretty interesting stuff. Take a look and tell me what you think.

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Coming Next issue:

• Rides: Caldicot to Oakdale
• Rides: Llangorse Lake
• Rides: Twin Peaks - The Bwlch & Rhigos
• Charts: Goals; How am I doing?
• Gear: TRP Brake Levers Review
• Gallery: Man Engine
• Gallery: Shirenewton to Usk

VOLUME 02 | ISSUE 14 The Happy Cyclist

Spring finally arrived and the weather has been glorious! Everything has seemed to bloomed overnight. I've been out riding and taking pictures and I've had some great cycling adventures.

Spring blossoms along the Taff Trail near Nantgarw

Something to Look Forward To...

So to start this issue, my lead feature covers a trip I made up over The Bwlch in late April. It's one of my favourite longer rides "out west" and covers some amazing scenery. I follow that report with my second big Spring excursion: Grosmont & Skenfrith Epic. I had yet another day of fantastic weather and I cycled my longest ride year-to-date.

The next three features for this month take you to my Gallery section where I've been busy editing photos. First I've got a selection of images from or my Taff Trail project; Brecon Recce. Then I've got some photos I finally edited from a trip I made last year to Caldicot Castle. And then lastly, I've got a small group of Random Finds I uncovered whilst poking through my massive squirrel's nest of image folders.

Mr. Crankshaw has cast his usual dispersions toward new cycling technology with a little rant about the latest Campagnolo groupset. While I did some basic tyre & wheel work for you to gander. I found two more rides from 2014 to update in the "Out from the Archives" and of course, I found another lovely bicycle to gaze upon.

I hope you enjoy this issue! cheers - cm

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Features

The Bwlch RIDE w/ GPS - This ride might look familiar if you read my report "Nantymoel & Bassaleg Super 8" from this past February. This time, however; I took advantage of the wonderful spring day by climbing the long way over the Blwch. ► Read more....

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Grosmont & Skenfrith Epic MY RIDES - This ride kicked my butt. Not only was it the longest I've made this year, but more significantly; it had the most climbing! Take a look at my epic ride through some of the hidden parts of Wales. ► Read more....

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Taff Trail to Brecon pt.1 GALLERY - I finally made a trip to Brecon for my Taff Trail project. Here are a few pics from that day. I'm pretty excited too because the project is starting to come together. ► View gallery...

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Caldicot Castle GALLERY - Last year I made a trip to Caldicot just to visit this exceptional castle. I then proceeded to forget about posting my photos. Whilst digging through my backup folders, I found 'em! It was a great find for a great day out. ► View gallery...

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Random Finds GALLERY - Editing phtos is a full-time job for the kidd. Despite his best efforts, he loses track sometimes. I found these amoungst the "squirels nest" of folders he has piled about. Let me know what you think. ► View gallery...

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In the News & New Gear

Campy 12-Speed Group Set

Okay. I admit that I'm a "retro-grouch". And I concede that I don't care much about racing or racing bikes. But Jeezus! Is there really any need for a 12-speed groupset or more importantly, is there any real value at £3,000? Check out this review from Cyclist Magazine and tell me what you think?!?!

New Tyres & Old Rim

After nearly 8k, I finally put a new set of tyres on my trusty steed. The Schwalbe Duranos were excellent and I rode a full year on them (almost 8k miles). Yet, I am excited and curious to see how these new Continental Gatorskins compare. Plus, I had a little incident with a split rim...

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Out From the Archive

St. Michael's Surprise

2014 - I'm still digging up rides from my early days cycling in Wales. Check out this lovely little ride I made with the Kingfishers back in August of 2014.

Gelligaer Adventure

2014 - And I've got another one from August of 2014. This time I was out with the "Green Ladies"; a local cycling group back when Sustrans had a hub in Caerphilly.

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Sexy Bike Alert!

Breadwinner: Continental

Steel lugged frame? Check. Down-tube shifters? Check. Rim brakes? Check. Non-aero brake cabling? Check. Steel fork with rake? Double-check! What kind of freaky bike is this? It can't be new. Oh but it is, my friend.

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Coming Next issue:

• Ogmore-by-the-Sea Odyssey
• How am I doing?
• Getting to the Core?
• New/Old Camera