I have done a lot less cruising around this year, due to taking up golf again. But I have been out for a few runs, notably up along the Ogmore Vale and through Treherbert to a beautiful spot looking down on Hirwain and the Tower Colliery (the last working pit in Wales).

Below, I have put in two photos of the roads which may have those in S.E.England a little envious. The first is the view looking down to Treochy, famous for its choir, and the second is on the road going up to Hirwain common.

I took these on a ride two weeks ago, in the last throes of summer- oh those balmy days which won’t be back for 8 long, dark months.

I must say that as I get older, I appreciate the summers a lot more and resent the winters in equal measure. I think that, although I do enjoy the seasons and their particular specialities, I really would like to move to sunnier climes. Spain would be nice as they have a decent amount of hills to climb and ride up.

Sod the cold and rain, bring on the sunshine.