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Thursday, March 08, 2018

What a difference 30 miles away makes



I cycled 4 miles to catch the train to Rhymney, 30 miles away  and then cycle home as this was part of the route we were leading some cyclists over later in the year.  Hardly any snow locally.


But 30 miles away a different matter .






It seems that most of the snow was on the cycle routes as it had almost gone from elsewhere.  


This is the Winding house cafe and Community Centre along the trail



There is an exhibition of the wheel and engine used to bring the miners and coal back up from the depths of the mine.




After tea its back onto the trail heading south.



A good fun day out in good weather and the only snag was for me was a chain braking on a steep hill.  Managed to fix it ok though as I always carry a few spares links.  

12 comments:

  1. Wow...a really long trip by bike! The snow seems to be lingering at least you didn't let it stop you from going forward with your ride. A chain break can mean a wreck hope you didn't fall, good you had a fix with you! My dad worked for a coal mine in KY but he was not a miner he was a truck mechanic and he worked on the trucks that hauled the coal...that was back in the 1940's! The weather here is playing the Devil lately when its clear its a cold bitter wind, and when it warms up it rains..so there is no good day! Today it's wet n cold with clouds! I call bitter cold the 40's as with the dampness it is bone chilling! It should warm up some but in the 20's tonight.

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    1. We now have no working coal mines left in Wales, they were all closed in the 1980/1990's and no other industries came to the area. Whole communities were destroyed. Environmentally the south Wales valleys have reverted to what they were about 100 years ago and are very green, but the cost to the working population was high. The mine closures could have been handled much better but at the time we had a government that cared little for the miners.

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  2. Looks like a fun ride there Dave - as long as there was no ice about (not so keen when it's icy!) and everyone was dressed warmly, as where that snow is lying it looks very chilly in the photos.

    It's amazing how the weather can vary over comparatively short distances isn't it.

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    1. Luckily Mick not much ice but as you know you still have to take care as us oldeies dont bounce well!!!

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  3. Winding gear, once seen everywhere!
    That route will look a lot better in the summer sunshine.

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    1. Yes Mr A relics of a past era, and the routes are beautiful. We are so lucky here.

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  4. After looking at these pictures, I've said it before and I'll say it again...Dave, YOU are my hero. Goodness you are an amazing person. Thanks for sharing your love of your country and your love of biking.

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    1. Wanda thank you very much. There has been a review of cycling and the elderly and its found that there are huge benefits for the elderly in keeping active. I'm just very very thankful that I can keep doing it.

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  5. I love those winter captures, since it is my favorite time of year :)

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    1. Its always nice to see snow but I'm also pleased when it goes as it causes so much disruption in the UK.

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As you have taken the time to read my blog and comment then whenever possible I will always reply. Thank you. Dave