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.
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| 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
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
Features
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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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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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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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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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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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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... |
In the News
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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! |
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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. |
Out From the Archive
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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. |
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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. |
Sexy Bike Alert!
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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? |
Coming Next issue:
- Hirwaun & Brecon
- Castle Nos & More
- M&B Canal
- Usk Castle
