WATCH IN 480 OR 72- HD - CLICK SETTINGS WHEEL BELOW RIGHT OF VIDEO Starting off from Hereford I head towards 'Hatterrall Hill' some 22 miles to the South West. I have left it late and it's 11.30 AM by the time I set off. From Grosmont it was yet more ascents and descents some of which I ran just to see how I was doing in the extreme sports department. After 15 miles I've still got it and if required I could run a few more and continue all day. A thought within is seeded. Perhaps I should train for an extreme event or two. The Black Mountains Challenge springs to mind. I meet Rob Denny at Grosmont fly fishing the Monnow. The former Chairman of the Monnow Rivers Association we had a good chat about fishing, conservation, swimming, the river and its wildlife and even did a little tracking as we walked beside its banks. With a brief meeting with some backpackers and some horses later I am energized by these interactions. The Black Mountains begin to come into view and these are new views and vistas I haven't experienced before. They are simply inspiring and as I near the mountains I feel I am at home. At the Skirrid Mountain Inn just outside of Pandy and Abergavenny further down the road I pop in for a coke. Inside I am surprised to meet an old friend/acquaintance from Hereford who is going into the Welsh Valleys to spend time with family. Shane White is a local chap from the City (Hereford) and we have known each other since we were teenagers. Surprised and happy to see one another we chat and get together with the rest of the gang/family and take photos. It was great to meet them all. Off now and I'm near Hatterrall Hill, which more or less signals the start of the 9 mile Whale Back ridge of the Black Mountains. What a ride as I approach the hill down this track that goes on for at least 2 KM. It's silent and without much movement and I love it as I pass one or two old dwellings. With my bike put to one side I look up at Hatterrall Hill and South where the stream of the Vale of Ewyas continues on its to the Monnow and there I imagine life's potential and the Sugar Loaf beyond, which I can't quite see. This is a magical place and for half an hour I sit and feel the brilliance of being alive. Amazing! Next Video: MUSIC - TRACKS I do not own the copyright to the music on this video. If the artists and or management do not resonate with the video I am only to pleased to remove the music. Thank you! Fleet Foxes - Mykonos Dar Williams - Go to The Woods Fleet Foxes - http://fleetfoxes.com/ Dar Williams - http://www.darwilliams.com/ ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Hereford Celebration - http://hereforthe.wordpress.com/category/hereford-celebration/ Monnow Rivers Association - http://www.monnow.org/index.php/news Skirrid Mountain Inn - http://www.skirridmountaininn.co.uk/ Visit Hereford - http://visitherefordshire.co.uk/ Abergavenny - http://www.abergavenny.org.uk/ Black Mountains Challenge - http://www.longtownmrt.org.uk/bbmc/

• published: 28 Oct 2013
• views: 5