BrownhillsBob

#365daysofbiking Resprung

February 23rd – With such fine weather there was nothing for it but to head out on a long ride.

Starting with a call to see the splendid, sun-worshipping crocuses at St Anne’s Cemetery in Chasetown and the deer in Church Street Park next door, the ride took me up through Chorley, Stoneywell, Longdon, the Ridwares, Blithbury, Abbots Bromley for cake and a rest, the up to Newborough, Hoar Cross, Hadley End and back via Lichfield.

The discovery of the old Trent footbridge and tunnel from the canal to Mavesyn Ridware was a wonderful think. It’s a lovely spot.

An absolutely gorgeous 52 mile rode, then ended in an ethereal mist that really gave an interesting tone to the evening.

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#365daysofbiking The colour of spring

February 22nd – I just new the sunset was going to be good – so with an errand to run in Chasetown, I hopped up to Chasewater, the better to catch it.

I wasn’t disappointed.

I love the deep blue skies we get at dusk at this time of year, and catching the golden light over the dam was a real treat.

This early spring is really refreshing this year. I hope it doesn’t;t come to an abrupt end…

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#365daysofbiking Oh so thirsty

February 22nd – Returning from work a little earlier than usual and in daylight, I spotted this splendid calico cat taking a drink from the canal near Humphries House.

One of the best things about spring is the re-emergence of the feline population, usually all cosy indoors in the cold.

I hope I meet this one again – it seems quite a character!

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#365daysofbiking Sleeping silence

February 21st – I’d been in Lichfield meeting friends, and came back late in the mild evening. Cresting Shire Oak ready to roll down the long hill into Brownhills, the quiet interested me.

Shire Oak junction was dark, the pub shut and almost eerily somnambulant. There was little traffic and nobody around.

Always strange to see such a usually busy junction deserted.

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#365daysofbiking Sun worship

February 21st – We are currently enjoying the most remarkable good weather for February, and in Kings Hill Park the spring flowers are coming on well, with the crocuses and snowdrops showing well, miniature daffodils just coming out and even the normal daffodils presenting the first early arrivals.

A sight like this on the way to work is just what you need. This good weather has been so good for me. Just in time.

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#365daysofbiking Surface tension

February 20th – As I headed home to Brownhills on the canal, my attention was snagged by the noise from the Lindon Road, and then I remembered that it was being resurfaced overnight.

With my love of machinery, I couldn’t resist taking a look.

The dust, noise and spectacle were fascinating, and I love how the road surface is recycled into new tarmac.

The operation is a well-practiced, highly co-ordinated ballet of trucks, machines and people each with their own task.

A captivating sight.

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#365daysofbiking An unassuming house

February 19th – Passing through Shelfield on the way home, I noted that the Four Crosses pub was looking warm and inviting as it usually does, but is still, several years from its renovation not carrying any signage to tell anyone it’s a pub at all.

The pub, partially converted to bedsits, has always been a popular, traditional local, but like many pubs, suffered for lack of business. Following a period of closure it was purchased and renovated.

It remains a popular and well thought of traditional Black Country pub.

I’m not sure how not having any kind of sign helps with the business, though.

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#365daysofbiking Proud defender

February 19th – The feisty little robin that a spotted a couple of weeks ago in the treetops near the embankment by Scarborough Road canal bridge in Pleck, Walsall is still singing his heart out and battling for his territory.

I love how determined he is. Nothing stops him singing for long. He’s on a mission.

I hope he finds a mate soon, because he’s certainly earned one!

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#365daysofbiking Tapping the ether

February 18th – There was a remarkable sunset, apparently, which I missed as I was in a windowless industrial unit. However, leaving I just caught the tail end of the bright sky behind the Kings Hill phone mast, silently tapping the ether for the hundreds of phone calls and data packets it continually relays for the community around it.

I love the mystery and appearance of radio masts.

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#365daysofbiking More to it than that

February 18th – Returning from a work trip to Stafford, I got off the train mid day at Coseley, to ride back to work. On the station platform there, there was a poster advertising cheap returns to … Coventry.

These three pictograms are apparently what the City of Coventry has to offer.

Well, the cathedral’s in a bit of a state, can’t find the penny farthing hire and as for nude women riding horses…

Can a city sue? Asking for a friend.

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