📔 Editor's Letter - October 2023
Welcome back friends!
Time is a devil! I have worked diligently to get this issue out, but much like the July issue; it has taken much longer than I envisioned. I don't know how I created six issues last year? I dare say that I'd like to get one more out before the New Year.
I want to start this issue by pointing out a man who did much to record and highlight the unique beauty and character of this small part of Wales; Fred Hando. I'm not going into his biography here (look for that in the future), but I want to say that discovering him was a significant event for me in 2022. I am in awe of his work and whilst challenged by his footsteps, I am equally inspired to carry on portraying a love for this country.
With that said, as I was detailing the specific cycle paths that line these majestic valleys, I began to ask myself; "what would Fred do?" I soon realised that the routes I was documenting often bypass the very places where the people actually live.
I want to start this issue by pointing out a man who did much to record and highlight the unique beauty and character of this small part of Wales; Fred Hando. I'm not going into his biography here (look for that in the future), but I want to say that discovering him was a significant event for me in 2022. I am in awe of his work and whilst challenged by his footsteps, I am equally inspired to carry on portraying a love for this country.
With that said, as I was detailing the specific cycle paths that line these majestic valleys, I began to ask myself; "what would Fred do?" I soon realised that the routes I was documenting often bypass the very places where the people actually live.
Broad Street, Blaenavon - October 2022
So begins my cover story for this issue; "Getting to Know the Valleys". This is my first attempt at turning inward, away from the lush and rolling hillsides, to take a closer look at the small towns and villages that make up the valleys of Gwent.
Looking out over Sirhowy Valley from NCN Route 47 as it passes through Sirhowy Country Park
For my second feature, I set out with my camera on a late Autumn day to document NCN Route 47 as it passes through Sirhowy Country Park. It's quite nearby our home and I feel very fortunate to cycle this short route often. I hope too, that my colourful images inspire you to see it for yourself, whether you are cycling or walking. The park is simply stunning.
NCN Route 49 along the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal, north of Llangynidr
Also this fall, I began planning a long trip across the Brecon Beacons National Park. For my third feature, I cycled north along the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal, looking for camping locations for what I envisioned would be the first leg of an epic adventure. Check out some of my surprising discoveries and unfortunate mishaps in; Talybont-on-Usk [ explore ]. It was quite a day!
Much goes on behind the scenes with this little blog. I am constantly fiddling with bits to either improve the functionality or update older features to the new(ish) design.
Case in point is the navbar! Did you notice that I've remodeled this tool to allow for a thrid level of navigation? Under My Rides, then Ride Reports by Year, you will see another level pop out with each specific year listed. This functionality will provide faster access to older features going forward. I'll be rolling out this new "trick" for other sections going forward.
Then, in my Routes to Ride section I've created a page to allow new routes to be added specifically by location, as well as by ride level. This feature will allow me to include routes in Mid-Wales, West Wales, and North Wales as I progress over the next few years.
► View: Routes to Ride / South East Wales.
As I continue to update my older reports to fit the new layout, I'm also revisiting many of my older image galleries. For this issue I've re-edited my favourite photos from 2017. I hope you'll agree that sometimes, bigger is better!
► Take a look at: Best of 2017
I'm always on the lookout for steel touring bikes, but honestly... they're getting harder to find unless you want a custom build. I stumbled across this British-made beauty over the summer and think she's worth a mention. Caution though, the listing is for the frame only (future feature alert!)
► Check out: Singular Peregrine
Case in point is the navbar! Did you notice that I've remodeled this tool to allow for a thrid level of navigation? Under My Rides, then Ride Reports by Year, you will see another level pop out with each specific year listed. This functionality will provide faster access to older features going forward. I'll be rolling out this new "trick" for other sections going forward.
Then, in my Routes to Ride section I've created a page to allow new routes to be added specifically by location, as well as by ride level. This feature will allow me to include routes in Mid-Wales, West Wales, and North Wales as I progress over the next few years.
► View: Routes to Ride / South East Wales.
As I continue to update my older reports to fit the new layout, I'm also revisiting many of my older image galleries. For this issue I've re-edited my favourite photos from 2017. I hope you'll agree that sometimes, bigger is better!
► Take a look at: Best of 2017
I'm always on the lookout for steel touring bikes, but honestly... they're getting harder to find unless you want a custom build. I stumbled across this British-made beauty over the summer and think she's worth a mention. Caution though, the listing is for the frame only (future feature alert!)
► Check out: Singular Peregrine
And as always I've included links to a couple of cycling related videos I think you might find of interest.
I you hope enjoy this issue and continue visiting my little world of cycling adventures in Wales. 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 all your support & encouragement. Your readership means everything. 🚲
cheers! - cm
bikewales99@gmail.com
I you hope enjoy this issue and continue visiting my little world of cycling adventures in Wales. 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 all your support & encouragement. Your readership means everything. 🚲
cheers! - cm
bikewales99@gmail.com
