📔 Editor's Letter - April 2024
Here we go again!
Sometimes I read something that captures my very spirit. Thoreau's Walden is one, Kerouac's On the Road is another. Last week I read the simple quote; “Climb mountains not so the world can see you, but so you can see the world.” ― David McCullough Jr.
If ever a quote was needed in this age of social media and self-glorification, this one nails it on the head. Mr. McCullough used this line in the commencement speech for the 2012 graduating class of Wellesley High School and it is well worth taking a moment away from my simple blog to read the full speech for yourself; ‘You Are Not Special’.
If ever a quote was needed in this age of social media and self-glorification, this one nails it on the head. Mr. McCullough used this line in the commencement speech for the 2012 graduating class of Wellesley High School and it is well worth taking a moment away from my simple blog to read the full speech for yourself; ‘You Are Not Special’.
And all this allusion leads to why I publish this blog. This blog is not about me. This blog is not about what I'm doing or what I've achieved. The point of this blog is to show you... the person sitting there, looking at the computer screen, reading my diatribe, that you can get up off your butt, get on your bicycle and see the world for yourself.
When I first came to Wales I knew there was something special here, but "specialness" comes from spending time with a place, unfolding the layers of history to discover what created its unique character. To modify Mr. McCullough's line; "if everywhere was special, nowhere would be special". Specialness comes from an informed appreciation.
A Walden Pond moment at Parc Taf Bargoed, Trelewis
In This Issue
For my first feature of 2024, I'm keeping up this theme by staying close to home. 2+2 Parks & Trails is a short ride across the Sirhowy and Rhymney valleys following NCN Route 47 from Hengoed Viaduct to the lovely Parc Taf Bargoed. As well as being scenic and secluded, few routes run east to west here in the Valleys and this one is unusually flat and completely traffic-free.
I ventured a bit further for my second feature as I went south across the Vale of Glamorgan to the seaside resort of Barry Island. Barry Island Blast v.2 makes a circular run down the Taff Trail to Cardiff and then out along NCN Route 88 to Barry Island. I returned north along a new and unnamed route to Bonvilston and then Pontyclun where I joined NCN Route 4 back to Pontypool.
My third feature for this issue; Oakdale & Holly Bush Ramble highlights a special ride right here in our valley. It's a simple "out & back" ride that starts by heading down the hill to Blackwood, then turning north along NCN Route 467 as it snakes its way up the Sirhowy Valley to the sleepy community of Holly Bush, where I turn around and head back.
I ventured a bit further for my second feature as I went south across the Vale of Glamorgan to the seaside resort of Barry Island. Barry Island Blast v.2 makes a circular run down the Taff Trail to Cardiff and then out along NCN Route 88 to Barry Island. I returned north along a new and unnamed route to Bonvilston and then Pontyclun where I joined NCN Route 4 back to Pontypool.
My third feature for this issue; Oakdale & Holly Bush Ramble highlights a special ride right here in our valley. It's a simple "out & back" ride that starts by heading down the hill to Blackwood, then turning north along NCN Route 467 as it snakes its way up the Sirhowy Valley to the sleepy community of Holly Bush, where I turn around and head back.
In my departments for this issue, I've got three new entries I hope you find of interest. The first is a fantastic new Route to Ride; Bullmore Road. It's short, but sweet and definately worth riding. Next, I continue to look back at some of my favourite photos from the past in my latest gallery; Best of 2018, and I've started a new series which explores how I'd build a bike today. Be sure to check out my first entry in; My Dream Build - 2024.
I close out this issue with a couple of YouTube videos. The first is from my favourite bike brand and just a lovely reminder of why cycling is such a great thing; Brooks & Rivendell Bicycle Works. The second is from Velo Orange who has has started producing videos and this one touches my "retro-grouch" heart; Triples Are Great, Change My Mind.
I close out this issue with a couple of YouTube videos. The first is from my favourite bike brand and just a lovely reminder of why cycling is such a great thing; Brooks & Rivendell Bicycle Works. The second is from Velo Orange who has has started producing videos and this one touches my "retro-grouch" heart; Triples Are Great, Change My Mind.
One Final Note: Last year I discovered; Fred Hando. A Welsh writer, artist and schoolteacher who chronicled the history and folklore of Gwent in nearly 800 newspaper articles and several books between the 1920s and 1960s. Hando's modest goal was "to persuade readers to see the little places of a shy county". I've been reading a collection of his newspaper articles re-published in the 1980's by Chris Barber; Hando's Gwent. Check him out and see another reason why I love Wales.
I hope you enjoy my first issue for 2024 and continue visiting my little world of cycling adventures in Wales. As always, if you've any questions or topics you'd like to share, do not hesitate to contact me. I'd love to hear from ya!
Thanks again for your support & encouragement. Your readership means everything.
Cheers! - muse kidd
bikewales99@gmail.com
Thanks again for your support & encouragement. Your readership means everything.
Cheers! - muse kidd
bikewales99@gmail.com
