December 26th – The signal box on the preserved railway ay Chasewater Heaths is wonderfully authentic – because up until a few years ago, this signal box stood monitoring the level crossing that existed at Hademore, near Whittington in Staffordshire. 

When that line was expanded to four tracks and the signals upgraded, the level crossing was replaced with a bridge, and the box transferred to Chasewater Railway. I’ve actually spoken to the signalman at Hademore whilst waiting for the barrier out on a ride many times. It’s odd to see it here.

Never went a bundle on the colour they painted it, either; it was always white, not orange.

December 25th – I passed Oak Tree Farm near Stonnall, and although the farmyard was deserted, I was pleased to note many of the ducks and a couple of sows had survived the Christmas purge. 

Dozing peacefully in it’s sty, the sow will never know of the other pigs in blankets being fussed over in homes nearby.

Extra points to the cheeky robin who seemed to be looking for lunch while the tenant was asleep.

December 25th – A ride on Christmas morning is traditional, but rarely this much of a challenge. I left in steady rain as conditions were looking to brighten a little, and I rode fast on muddy, wet rounds around Stonnall, Footherley, Hilton and Lynn. The surface water was copious, and following the recent storms, there were mud and marbles everywhere.

Still, as I rode it dried out, and the absolute solitude was wonderful. You’ll rarely see the roads so peaceful.

Here’s to a break in this awful weather.

December 24th – Back on the bike in Brownhills, I had to pop up to Walsall Wood on an errand at tea time. I stopped on Anchor Bridge to try and capture the lights on the new flats there – not brilliant, but it conveys the frenetic last-minute traffic and bright lights.

A little bit of electric night in Brownhills.

December 24th – An unusual if not unique thing for 365daysofbiking – a photo taken when I wasn’t on my bike; but it’s about cycling, so I figure it’s OK just this once.

I was in Derby for the day, and for once, it was better I was without the bike. I didn’t know what cycle security would be like, and needed to visit lots of places where it would have been parked in the open for long periods. On Christmas Eve, that’s not a good idea as someone unscrupulous may be looking for that last minute cycling gift..

As it happened, I needn’t have worried; in Derby they’re taking cycling seriously; outside the rail station astounding, secure double-deck weatherproof bike park. Dotted about the city, good quality Sheffield stands and even free to use bike pumps.

We need some of this love in Birmingham – I’ll be back, and next time, with the bike!

December 23rd – After a long weary haul up Shire Oak Hill with a heavy saddlebag full of goodies, I paused at the top to take a picture of the reborn again Shire Oak pub. Refurbished extensively, it’s a different pub to the one that closed here in late summer. Lots of work has been done in and outside. There’s a new, sage-green paint job. I love the exterior lighting.

Most of all, it looks warm, welcoming and busy – it’s good to see a local pub saved for once.

December 23rd – Christmas starts here for me, really – as I finished work today. It’s been a long haul, this Autumn. After a good Indian summer, it all went horridly wrong and it seems to have blown and rained they rest of the way here.

I sped from work on very quiet streets, in a chill, but not cold night air. I had an errand to run to Lichfield, and on my way back, paused on the motorway bridge at Summerhill to try a long exposure like the one I failed at in Pelsall earlier in the week. This time, it worked.

This is a 30 second exposure; note orion clearly visible in the sky. I’m pleased with this, and it feels sort of Christmassy.

Merry Christmas and a happy and peaceful new year to all my readers and friends.

December 22nd – Crawling back up Shire Oak Hill, into a headwind and driving rain. The traffic is very odd this week, as it’s quiet, but has frantic bursts as people return from shopping or whatever. The driving is a tad odd. This week is sort of a netherworld, almost a holiday but not quite; it’s like Britain just has a skeleton crew on.

And still this rain. You know what I want for Christmas? Some keen frosts, some snow and a bloody fine dry spring.