Author: BrownhillsBob

I told the truth - but told it bent. Wandering around bemused and ranty since 2007.

#365daysofbiking Time’s Arrow:

December 4th – Once again in Redditch, I passed through Arrow Valley Park on a grey, unclear and cold afternoon. 

It was interesting to note the final vestiges of colour on the trees around the lake, and I was intrigued by the sailing club, as I don’t think I’ve ever seen a boat on the water here. I guess I just pass by at the wrong time – the club itself looks like a lovely facility.

The lake itself is also home to a remarkably large variety of waterfowl, presumably,y enjoying the peace undisturbed…

#365daysofbiking Tree cheers:

December 3rd – I was pleased to note on my way home from work that Rushall Christmas Tree – bought and paid for by the community – has had the lights switched on and it looks just gorgeous.

My compliments to all who have worked to provide this tree. It is beautiful.

Merry Christmas, folks!

#365daysofbiking Fruitless endeavours:

December 3rd – Spotted in the rain from the canal at Bentley Bridge: Ripe, delicious-looking eating apples rotting off the branches of the tree that fruited them, which is on a piece of edge land between two factory yards on the far side of the canal, both sites derelict. 

The tree and the ground out stands on appears unreachable to all except maybe those in a canoe or boat.

Which is a shame, as I bet the crop is lovely.

#365daysofbiking Highly evolved:

December 2nd – For the second time in two days, I was out without a camera, and reliant on my phone. On my return I had to nip up to Walsall Wood, so conducted an experiment and took a favourite shot from Anchor Bridge.

This is a phone photo.

I find the quality of this astounding – I know well of course that the clever bit here is software overcoming the huge hardware limitations of a tiny camera. But the quality from my iPhone is astounding.

An image of this quality from a phone even 5 years ago would have been unthinkable.

The evolution of technology is remarkable.

#365daysofbiking Rainbows in the dark:

December 2nd – A session of intensive and long overdue bike maintenance dragged on until sundown, then a thrash onto Cannock Chase, specifically Rainbow Hill.

It was warm, quiet, and there was a gentle drizzle. Owls and deer called in the darkness, and rabbits and badgers scurried from my light.

A surprisingly enjoyable blast.

#365daysofbiking Up the junction:

December 1st – Out without my camera, I crossed Streets Corner junction which is still subject to protracted works for junction improvements. It’s nearing completion, however, and the thing is taking shape now.

Massively delayed by issues with gas mains underneath, resurfacing should take place this week and hopefully it may all be open properly for Christmas.

#365daysofbiking Springtime:

November 30th – I wondered how long it would be before this set of Rockshox forks suffered the notorious ‘sticky lockout’ problem. A year, they’ve been fine, the control on my bars reliably allowing be to make the suspension solid on road, then active on rough terrain at the flick of a lever.

Usually, it’s as simple as a corroded cable. Not this time. The damper gate appears to be failing.

Spares on order, and for now, a spring and a cable tie to assist the mechanism over it’s reluctance.

This must be the fourth iteration of these forks, all excellent on the whole, but all suffering lockout issues.

Time for a redesign, SRAM…

#365daysofbiking A new muse:

November 30th – Passing Walsall Arboreetum on the way home I noticed that it was open – so I popped in for some night photos.

Sadly, they didn’t work out too well, but it turns out that Walsall’s premier park is now open every evening, and it looks like I have a new muse.

I will return.

dry-valleys:

“There is, probably, no word of the human vocabulary which brings a greater crowd of thoughts to the educated man’s mind than that blessed word library; for a library is one of the greatest causes, as it is also one of the greatest results of man’s civilisation”– George Dawson, at the opening of the first Birmingham Central Library, 1866.

“This great library, which is the biggest library in Europe, has educated the people of Birmingham for decades and it will continue to enlighten future generations.

“As one said, a room without books is like a body without a soul.

“And I say ‘a city without a library is like a graveyard.”

Malala Yousufzai, legendary adopted daughter of the city who like me came to Birmingham and fell in love, albeit in a slightly different way, opening the current incarnation of the library in 2013.

The library has existed in several forms since 1866, when the back to backs were still lived in and Joe Chamberlain had yet to become mayor, and th present building  dates from 2013.

From  the wonderful secret garden on the library roof, you can revel in views like the BT Tower, constructed in 1967, and the skyline of the city and further afield including (8) Turners Hill.

From  July 2016 and (2,4,7) December 2017, and from below in July 2016, (9, 10) the town hall, opened 1834.