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Tucked along the shore of the Severn Estuary lay a string of unique nature reserves. Interconnected by flat, quiet lanes, this area is perfect for a casual day of cycling. Join me as I visit Magor Marsh on a Spring adventure along the Gwent Levels... ► Read more

FEATURES

NEW!

September 27, 2024

Llandegfedd & Llansoy [explore]

There are many different ways of getting to places in Wales. This ride was my first attempt to find a shorter and more direct route to the historic village of Trellech... ► Read more

bikewales Ride-O-Meter

MORE! Overall Details ►

2026 Stats

View 2026 Yearly Totals ►

NEW!

May 27, 2024

Pontypridd to Maerdy

It had been a few years since my last visit to Maerdy, so it seemd like a good time to check out the progress of the regeneration projects along NCN Route 881... ► Read more

UPDATED!

June 28, 2018

Twin Peaks: The Bwlch & Rhigos

I wanted to do something big and I got it! Check out my day of riding across the so-called Welsh Alps... ► Read more

UPDATED!

June 17, 2017

Hay-on-Wye & Hereford Epic

On my longest single-day ride to date was awesome; I left at 5am and finally returned home at midnight... ► Read more

DEPARTMENTS

Routes to Ride

NEW! NCN Route 469

Checkout the latest route added to my ongoing project to document every cycle route of the National Cycle Network in South East Wales... ► View: NCN Route 469

📔 Editor's Letter - May 2026

Hello Again!

Take a few moments to read a brief overview of what I've been up to and what's been going on behind the scenes. This is also my place to say thank you for taking time to visit my little blog... ► Read more

GALLERY

NEW! Raglan Castle

I've been photographing this castle from afar for over 15 years. Finally in 2024, I made a proper visit to explore this spectacular beauty up close... ► View: Raglan Castle

Sexy Bike Alert!

The Light Blue

Yes, you can buy this bike frame in 2026 and the price is shocking. I'm taking a break from my "Dream Bike Buid" to showcase this neo-vintage beauty... ► View: The Light Blue

ON THE WEB

Bosnia in Winter I England to India 3

Josh & Sarah Ride - Episode three takes our intrepid travelers through the mountains of Bosnia on their way to Montenegro. There's more gorgeous cinematography and engaging story-telling, of course. This couple never disappoints and I'm always excited to see their latest video. ► Watch video

How to Build a Bicycle Wheel

Park Tool - For 2026, I decided to learn how to build my own wheels. There are plenty of videos to watch, but I started with this one and I think it's a great beginning. It's not terribly long, but it provides a good overview from which you can explore the details more in-depth. ► Watch video

SADDLEBAG

► Where I cycle in Wales

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Noteworthy Cycling
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► View Back Issues

Previous Issue:

February 2026

Vol.10, No. 43

FEATURES INCLUDE:

Also updated:

Legendary Neath Explore
Land of Disovery: Llandovery

& The West Usk Lighthouse

Exploring the Gwent Levels: Part 1

In 2024 I stumbled upon a website where I discovered a wide array of interesting places to explore along the Severn Estuary. Join me on the first of my five-part series where I visit unique sites of the Gwent Levels. ... ► Read more

FEATURES

NEW!

March 19, 2024

Oakdale & Holly Bush Ramble

Once a busy train line carrying passengers, as well as hauling coal up and down the valley,; NCN Route 467 is a lovely re-purposed walking & cycling path and a local favourite!... ► Read more

bikewales Ride-O-Meter

MORE! Overall Details ►

2026 Stats

View 2026 Yearly Totals ►

NEW!

June 14, 2023

Middle Valleys Training Ride

Two common rides merged into a single report simply because I cycle these routes more than any others... ► Read more

UPDATED!

April 19,2017

Legendary Neath Explore

An epic day of exploring from Maesteg to Port Talbot. Up the Llynfi Valley and down the Afan Valley... ► Read more

UPDATED!

August 21, 2012

Land of Discovery: Llandovery

With loaded panniers and lust for adventure we set out across Mid-Wales...► Read more

★ FIRST OF YEAR SPECIALS ★

YEAR in REVIEW

2025: Achievements

An extensive recap of my
cycling achievements, my ride reports, the blog/website development, and even the weather!... ► Read more

2025: By the Numbers

An overview of my achievements over the course of the year, including distances, days in the saddle, elevation gain, and even overall time... ► Read more

THE COMING YEAR

2026: Goals

A bold set of plans for my cycling adventures including new places to visit, new routes to ride, new photography, plus camping!... ► Read more

DEPARTMENTS

Routes to Ride

NEW! Trevithic Trail

Check out the eighth installment to my Routes to Ride section. I'm documenting every route of the National Cycle Network in South East Wales... ► View: Trevithic Trail

📔 Editor's Letter - February 2026

Hello 2026!

Take a few moments to read a brief outline of what's new for this issue and what's been going on behind the scenes. This is also my place to say thank you for taking time to visit my little blog... ► Read more

GALLERY

Caldicot Castle

Photographed in 2017 and updated to coinicide with my Gwent Levels project, this castle is easily accessable and well worth a visit... ► View: Caldicot Castle

Sexy Bike Alert!

Dream Build: Part 3

Write some descriptive text that flows across four lines and displays no longer than as shown in this rather wordy diatribe... ► View: Dream Build: Part 3

ON THE WEB

Austrian Winter | England to India 2

Josh & Sarah Ride - The adventure continues as this lovely couple travel through Austria during the height of Winter. Of course the cinematography is gorgeous, whilst the narration and story-telling is exceptional. I enjoy watching their videos and look forward to each new one. ► Watch Video

51 Year-old Raleigh Restoration

Bikespeeds - He's back! I've got another video of this old-school mechanic working on yet another old-school bicycle. I think this type of YouTube video is starting to get traction because it illustrates the simple beauty bicycle repair once embodied. I love this stuff. ► Watch video

SADDLEBAG

► Where I cycle in Wales

► Subscribe to Bike Wales

Submit your email address to receive updates... ► Read more

► Email Bike Wales

Do you have something you'd like to share with us?... ► Drop us a line

Noteworthy Cycling
Blogs & Websites

Read about the hardware and software we utilize to present this blog... ► Read more

► View Back Issues

Previous Issue:

December 2025

FEATURES INCLUDE:

Bannau Brycheiniog
by Cycle

A five-part touring adventure across the Welsh national park

Sustrans created this unique route sometime around 2016 and from that time on, it has been on my bucket list. In June of 2023 and after seven years of dreaming, I finally had the opportunity to make the most of a wonderful mid-summer adventure. ► Read more

FEATURES

NEW!

November 09, 2023

Newport Wetlands & Sea Wall

Outside the coastal village of Nash lies a surprising nature reserve unlike any other found in the UK. This fascinating gem showcases a unique wildlife habitat well worth a cyclist's visit... ► Read more

bikewales Ride-O-Meter

MORE! Overall Details ►

2026 Stats

View 2026 Yearly Totals ►

NEW!

November 05 & 15, 2023

14 Locks, Newport, & Sirhowy Park

Two common rides merged into a single report simply because I cycle these routes more than any others... ► Read more

NEW!

July 18, 2023

Eastern Valleys Loop

PART 2: Join me on the second part of this scenic loop through South Wales as I cycle down the Rhymney Valley following NCN Route 468 to Bargoed Woodland Parc...► Read more

UPDATED!

September 27, 2015

Explorer Day 2015

The weather was fabulous, the locations were brilliant, and everyone had a great day out on their bikes... ► Read more

DEPARTMENTS

Charts

NEW! 2025 Walking

Starting in January my wife and I began a regular walking routine around our village. So far — it's been brilliant! Take a quick look at our progress.. ► View: 2025 Walking

📔 Editor's Letter - December 2025

Happy Holidays!

Take a few moments to read a brief outline of what's new for this issue and what's been going on with Bike Wales behind the scenes. This is also my place to say thank you for taking time to visit my little blog... ► Read more

GALLERY

NEW! Best of 2021

We were finally allowed to travel again and I made the most of it. Of course I took my camera as this extensive gallery will attest!... ► View: Best of 2021

Sexy Bike Alert!

Dream Build: Part 2

The Brakes - In the second installment of building a dream bike, I look at a selection of brake calipers and levers for (dare I say it?) rim brakes!... ► Read: Article

ON THE WEB

Cycling from England to India

Josh & Sarah Ride - This adorable young couple had been talking about and planning an around the world bicycle trip for several years now and they have fianlly hit the road. Their story telling is brilliant, the production is top notch, and I think you just might like their personailities as much as the video itself. ► Watch Video

1981 Claud Butler Restoration

Bikespeeds - This old-school mechanic runs a traditional bike shop out of Suffolk, England and I like his attitude. The restoration showcased is astonishing, yet his approach is simple and straight-forward. Whether you work on bikes or not, this video captures some "old-skool" ideas that often seem lost in todays world of cycling. ► Watch video

SADDLEBAG

Where I cycle in Wales...

Subscribe to Bike Wales

Submit your email address to receive updates... ► Read more

Email Bike Wales

Do you have something you'd like to share with us?... ► Drop us a line

Noteworthy Cycling
Blogs & Websites