I've been fortunate living in Mid Wales to have been able to cycle for the last 8 years. Riding up and down Country Lanes, and reaching summits that have produced stunning vistas, has been of great joy.
Recently I purchased a new Bike. It's a Trek 7.5 FX, and has made all the difference in covering greater distances. I can pound up the Hills better now, than I could on my old Giant Rincon Mountain Bike. I was amazed at just how much easier cycling was up Hills than had previously been the case.
Several days ago, I undertook a 50 mile Bike Ride along the A44 from the coastal and University Town of Aberystwyth, to the Village of Llangurig in Powys.
Although the main Road is not the easiest of routes due to heavy traffic, it did afford me the opportunity of traveling through some beautiful scenery.
Cycling through the Cambrian Mountains is known as the "Desert of Wales". Due to this utterly stunning part of the UK, it is wild and remote. Towns are few and far between.
Boring it could never be. The route I cycled, passed the Forestry Commission Center at Bwlch Nant Y Arian. It's where the Red Kite Birds are fed, and many are seen flying around. There's a wonderful Cafe there to stop off on route, and sample the delights of it's beautiful natural environment.
Bwlch Nant Y Arian also provides one of the best Mountain Biking Centers in Wales. There are designated trails for Mountain Bikes and Walkers. It's a place where you can embrace the Elements, and hardly encounter another Soul.
The whole of Mid Wales provides a freedom, but also an isolation to totally get away from the hustle and bustle of the modern World. There is no better way of discovering it than on a Bike. It can be done at your own pace. Being in a hurry, is not the way to enjoy the scenery. Making the effort and taking your time is.
Cycling up Hills and Mountains, may appear discouraging to some people who would consider it too much of an effort. The truth is cycling attracts all ages, and levels of fitness..
Having the right Bike as I found out, make's all the difference too. It's no use buying a cheap Bike if you wish ride 40 Miles, and it doesn't fit you properly. That can be a "medieval torture on Wheels". Cycling is supposed to be fun, and can afford you many a wonderful adventure. It's viewing life at a different pace.
The American Author Ernest Hemingway once said, " it is by riding a Bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best, since you have to sweat up the Hills, and coast down them. Thus you remember them as they actually are, while in a Motor Car, only a high Hill will impress you, and you have no such accurate remembrance of country you have driven through as you gain by riding a Bicycle".
Steep gradients can be challenging, there's no doubt about it. There is one long Hill I know of at a place called Aberffrwd. It is a Beast of a Hill, and many a time I've had to walk up it. Either it was too much effort on my previous Bike, or I was put off by encountering the occasional Vehicle driving up or down that particular Country Lane. It became a better choice to walk up it. Putting no end of strain on my Calf Muscles, I was still encouraged to keep going, because at the top, the view was stunning. In that respect and due to the need to preserve your energy levels, it's best to follow the Cyclists motto, "park your pride and push".
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