VOLUME 04 ISSUE 04 The New Normal

As we enter the fourth month of government mandated closures and social distancing, some areas of restriction are being slightly modified. However, cycling through the valleys feels quite different from several months ago.

Strange days indeed.

So far in 2020, we've had the wettest February ever recorded. We had the warmest and driest May ever recorded in the UK. And then in March we were introduced to a world-wide pandemic which has involved mandated lockdowns of most everything, social distancing rules, and limitations on travel to no more than 5 miles from your home. These precautions have suddenly brought an end to our so-called "normal life".

However, beginning 01 June, the restictions were modified and in particular, riding distances have been "unlocked" (Read more). The good news is that we can now cycle as far and long as we would like. The unfortunate news is that the weather has been miserable. June was much wetter than May. I didn't get out on my bike nearly as much as I would have liked.

For this issue I've got three simple rides to share. I've continued exploring the village in the report; "Alley Cats". I then went further afield with a very common ride I make to "Newport and Cardiff". And for the last feature I have a very special recounting of an event I created for Parkinson's UK; "55 for 55 Remembrance".

I hope you enjoy my blog. Stay Safe!... and as always, thanks for stopping by.

Seeya down the road! - cm

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Features

Alley Cats

MY RIDES - As I continue to stay local, I've a second ride where I focus my attentions to the little places I've not seen before. It's a super short ride loaded with photos from Oakdale and nearby.
Read more...

Newport & Cardiff Loop

MY RIDES - This was my first long cycle in several months and heading down to Cardiff Bay was quite a strange experience. Despite the lack of people wnadering around, the views were exceptional.
Read more...

55 for 55 Remembrance

MY RIDES - It's been five years since my event to raise money and awareness of Parkinson's disease. Take a look at some of the images whislt I recount the memories of my epic 55 for 55 event.
Read more...

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DEPARTMENTS

Dawes Galaxy Update

Gear - With over 50,000 miles on her, my Dawes Ultra Galaxy has been the workhorse in my stable of bikes. I cannot say enough about her dependability and comfort. She ROCKS!
Read more...

2020 Solitaires

Charts - With the easing of the lockdown, I have been able to start making some longer rides. See how the mileage add up in my Solitaires Chart. View chart...

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On the Web

Bwlch Mountain Road

Wales Online - It's one of the most legendary climbs for cyclists in Souteast Wales. Read about the history of this iconic road along with some fascinating photos. It's great! Read more...

Leo Rogers is Unstoppable

YouTube - Crazy-lookin', but damn impressive. Inspiring without a doubt. This fella deserves recognition for expanding the realm of cycling and what it can do. Read more...

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Out From the Archive

Blaengarw & Nant-y-moel

2016 - In 2016 I spent two days exploring the valleys west of where I normally ride. It was great fun and I want to back this summer. So, check out the second ride of my two day event exploring the Rhondda Valleys. Read more...

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Sexy Bike Alert!

MASI - Gran Criterium Moderno

I'm loving this bike. In my opinion, it has the perfect setup using some modern componetry, yet maintaining a vintage look and it's 100% Italian. I give this bike a 10! Check it out.

VOLUME 04 ISSUE 03 The Lockdown Continues

It's been two months since the lockdown began on March 23rd and the future of cycle touring is looking bleak.

Enjoy the weather... in your back garden!
The weather has been simply stunning for the past month; warm and sunny most every day. It's been great to get out and cycle so often after being trapped inside due to the cold and rain for most of December, January, and February.

But now due to the Covid-19 lockdown, my distances have been resticted to roughly 20 to 30 miles on average as I continue to stay within a 10 mile radius of home. (Read the restrictions.)

This limit has made producing content rather challenging. However, I've been forced to explore my local area much more closely and it's been rewarding to discover some new areas and routes nearby.

Stay Safe!... and as always, thanks for stopping by.

Seeya down the road! - cm

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Features

Three Little Climbs

MY RIDES - I've been staying close to home, but this doesn't mean that my cycling has gotten dull. I've developed an interesting little route that provides both challenging climbs and some lovely views.
Read more...

Ground Zero

MY RIDES - Take a look at some of the images I captured as I wandered around our village. I also tootled around our neighbours - staying within the 10-mile lockdown limit.
Read more...

Ogmore-by-the Sea Odessey

MY RIDES - Originally posted on the Ride with GPS website, I finally got around to adding it to my blog. Surprisng too, because this is one of my all-time favourite rides.
Read more...

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DEPARTMENTS

Abergavenny Castle

Gallery - I visited Abergavenny Castle last year to take photos for my Gallery section, which oddly enough; I never published? Take a look at some of the shots and tell me what you think. Cheers! View...

2020 vs. 2019

Charts - As my miles began to accumulate, it's worthwhile to compare how I'm performing over the previous year. Check out how I'm doing in my updated chart for 2020. View...

Bikes & Rides

CHARTS - This year my cycling stable has grown to inlcude three bikes. Now I need to specify which bike I ride for each adventure. Here's how I've started. View...

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Out From the Archive

Maerdy & Treherbert Tour

2016 - Back in 2016 I explored the valleys west of where I normally ride. It was a great couple of days and I'm thinking of going back this summer, if the lockdown ever eases? Meanwhile, check out the first ride of my two day event exploring the Rhondda Valleys. Read more...

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IN PRINT

Lost Lanes Wales

Books - I just picked up this book having stumbled across the author's other titles on cycling in England. Of course, this stikes a chord with me in particular due to this blog and my attempt at much of what this fella has already achieved. It will be an interesting read and I'll get back with a review later. Read more...

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Sexy Bike Alert!

Temple - 2020 Fast Tourer

It's getting harder to find traditional steel frame bikes using rim brakes. I stumbled across this beauty earlier this year. I sure hope they keep making frames like this. Take a look and let me know what you think. Check it out.

VOLUME 04 ISSUE 02 Lockdown!

2020 is proving to be a difficult year. Just as I was starting to make some progress on my riding in March, the UK government, in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, put the nation into a "stay-at-home" lockdown.

Time to Stay at Home...
Certainly not what I desire, but a completely understandable approach to addressing the pandemic. And most importantly, it seems to be working.

Last year I had the flu twice and both times it was surprisingly intense. I've never experienced flu symptoms so severly. Is is my age? Was it a particular strain of virus? (Probably, a bit of both.) I have no clear idea, but I was knocked out for a month each time. And to be perfectly honest, I don't want to catch anything like the Corona virus.

I still have a lingering cough which I attribute to hayfever (another ailment I had not experienced until moving to the UK). So I feel a bit vulnerable and despite my wife's insistance that I'm not being safe - I am doing my best. I am keeping a safe distance from everyone and not really going out - except to ride!

Stay Safe!... and as always, thanks for stopping by.

Seeya down the road! - cm

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Features

Before the lockdown began, I was was starting to log some decent rides. The weather had suddenly turned for the better, I felt confident in my health, my physical strength, and my mileage was slowly picking up. Plus!, I had finally put new wheels on my Dawes.

I've outlined a few of my longer rides from March below. I've remodeled my charts section and I've even got a new feature in my Gear section you might find of particular interest. I hope you enjoy this issue.

Clydach Gorge Grand Classic

MY RIDES - This is one of those rides I wish every cyclist in Wales could make. I've ridden the route at least 20 times and it never ceases to amaze me. It's a Welsh classic.
Read more...

Goytre & Bettws Newydd Loop

MY RIDES - It's a modest ride, but one which showcases the heart of the Vale of Usk. As I worked to increase my mileage, I've been focusing on my favourite rides.
Read more...

Rhymney & Fochriw Loop

MY RIDES - I'm very fortunate to have several hills nearby that provide wide open views into the surrounding valleys. The trick is that it's quite a climb to reach the top!
Read more...

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DEPARTMENTS

2020 Yearly Totals

Charts - Yeah, I'm crazy about crunching numbers and I've been busy playing about in Google Sheets. Check out some of my snazzy graphics along with some modest figures in my Charts section.

Lizzie Rolls Again, Part II

Gear - I would have never thought 40 years ago that I would be writing about my Trek, but here I am and I cannot emphisize enough how excited I am to have her back on the road.

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On the Web

Her First Bikepacking Trip

YouTube: I've had Alee on here before. He's one of my favourites to follow. Now he's gone on an adventure with a friend and produced a charming little video.

Camp & Go Slow

YouTube: I ran across these fellas in the video and dig their approach. They're a small start-up with some great connections. Also, if you read my blog, you'll recognise Path Less Pedaled. Always a big fan of his work.

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Sexy Bike Alert!

Kona Swift Rove

Probably the bike I'd buy if I were in the market. Certainly a couple of questionable parts (hydraulic brakes!)... but otherwise, for an off-the-peg bike, this one is outstanding. Tell me what you think... Check it out!