Glyncorrwg's new café

Glyncorrwg Ponds is to take another step towards becoming the hub of mountain biking in the Afan Valley with the opening of the new Dropoff café. Occupying the upper storey of the new mountain bike centre (above the Skyline bike shop), the Dropoff promises "an aching-leg friendly combination of sofas and table and a good value wholesome menu". And real coffee. The centre is located close to the start points of the popular White's Level and Skyline trails.

It'll also be packed with various 21st-century accoutrements, including plasma screens showing bike videos and (eventually) live footage from the trails, and a broadband wireless hotspot. The new facilities will add to the shop, showers, campsite and jetwash to put all the key elements in place. Dropoff partners MTB Cymru and Yucca Media don't intend to stop there, though - there are plans for "fully-featured biker-friendly experience[s] including accommodation, race events and music/DJs".

One of the best bits, though, has to be the huge balcony. Sit up there and you get a view of the final descent on the Skyline trail on the other side of the river flowing past below. Not a bad place to sup a coffee... There'll be a fully-fledged website at www.the-dropoff.com any day now. The Dropoff itself is open for business...