📔 Editor's Letter - December 2023
Happy New Year!
Today is December 31st. It's 3:00 am and I cannot sleep. My dreams were a mix of new ideas for the upcoming year and old issues I've not yet resolved. I laid in bed thinking of this letter and all that I wish to do, so here I am — sorting my thoughts, pecking at the keyboard, and scrambling to get my last issue of the year published.
It has been a strange year; difficult at times, yet very rewarding at others. The weather has been simply horrible; the wetest and coldest year I've seen. It has made getting out on my bike a struggle and my statistics reflect a disappointing performance.
However, during the year I published 11 new Ride Reports from 2022 and updated seven other reports from previous years. I created two new gallery collections; A Best of 2016 and a Best of 2017. I expanded my Routes to Ride section significantly with two new Beginner Routes and six new Regional Routes. Lastly, I brought back my 100 Mile Club page, despite not cycling 100 miles but twice this past year. (I had hoped to do more.)
It has been a strange year; difficult at times, yet very rewarding at others. The weather has been simply horrible; the wetest and coldest year I've seen. It has made getting out on my bike a struggle and my statistics reflect a disappointing performance.
However, during the year I published 11 new Ride Reports from 2022 and updated seven other reports from previous years. I created two new gallery collections; A Best of 2016 and a Best of 2017. I expanded my Routes to Ride section significantly with two new Beginner Routes and six new Regional Routes. Lastly, I brought back my 100 Mile Club page, despite not cycling 100 miles but twice this past year. (I had hoped to do more.)
Old Road, Pen-y-cae-mawr - May 2023
To get this issue started, my first Feature for this last issue of the year — is my also first ride report from 2023; Gwent Levels & Wentwood [explore]. I made this ride specifically for my Routes to Ride section and despite being a "work in progress", it's a pretty close version of what I hope to have as a final. I hope you'll take a look at this exceptional route and then go see it for yourself!
The other four Features in this issue focus on older rides I've recently updated to the new design. Specifically, I've been working on the reports from my Rides to Remember section to fit the larger layout. This rather tedious job involves re-editing the photos and expanding the text to better describe the routes. It's also a chance for you to see some of my more interesting rides from the past twelve years with a better presentation.
The other four Features in this issue focus on older rides I've recently updated to the new design. Specifically, I've been working on the reports from my Rides to Remember section to fit the larger layout. This rather tedious job involves re-editing the photos and expanding the text to better describe the routes. It's also a chance for you to see some of my more interesting rides from the past twelve years with a better presentation.
NCN Route 42, The Gospel Pass - 2016
Cefn Brithdir - 2013
The first; Clydach Gorge Classic is simply that — a classic from 2020 which deserves another look. Llangorse Lake Classic and Gospel Pass Epic are from 2018 and 2016 respectively, and are just as the titles say; classic and epic. Lastly, Carreg Tegernacus is an awe-inspiring adventure from over 10 years ago which deserves special recognition.
For this year's end, I've got three special pages which detail the good, the bad, and the optimistic: 2023 - Achievements, 2023 - By the Numbers, and 2024 - Goals. These pages should give you plenty of cycling nonsense to think about while you're not out on your bike!
For the Departments in this issue, I've the first two new regional pages from my newly expanded sub-sections in Routes to Ride; South East Wales and The Valleys. These are just the beginning of a much larger plan to further outline routes over the coming years.
As I mentioned above, I've a new gallery to inspect; Best of 2016. And of course too, I couldn't end the year without one last sexy bike for you to check out; the 2024 Stooge Rambler.
To end this issue, I've included links to a couple of cycling videos I discovered on YouTube which capture the spirit of cycle touring. They might inspire you as they do me.
As I mentioned above, I've a new gallery to inspect; Best of 2016. And of course too, I couldn't end the year without one last sexy bike for you to check out; the 2024 Stooge Rambler.
To end this issue, I've included links to a couple of cycling videos I discovered on YouTube which capture the spirit of cycle touring. They might inspire you as they do me.
I you hope enjoy this last issue for 2023 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
