Tag: 365daysofbiking

#365daysofbiking Coo, gosh:

September 6th – I don’t know where they’ve been hiding, and they weren’t telling, but I was greeted at the gate to the water meadow in Green Lane by a nearly full compliment of coos, which numbered 9 I think (one remained stubbornly eating a bush some way off).

These lads, here to maintain Jockey Meadows by eating everything they can and churning up the damp soil will be here a week or two and are even tempered, healthy looking bullocks.

Nosey in the way only cattle can be, they came to investigate me but didn’t come too close.

A lovely sight.

#365daysofbiking A bit Woody:

September 5th – Good to see the singular Walsall Wood cygnet christened Woody has survived and thrived. This couple haven’t historically had large clutches of eggs and I was concerned this year to see just the one chick, late in the season.

It has however thrived and is now nearly the size of it’s parents, and they remain a tight family group.

A wonderful thing to see.

#365daysofbiking All misty wet with rain:

September 4th – A very wet commuteto work along the Goscote Cylceway on NCN 5 was actually far better than I would have expected, as the rain on on the hedgerows and berries lit them up and made them precious.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen a hawthorn harvest this heavy – from a distance the hedgerows and trees appear red.

Not a bad ride, despite the weather.

#365daysofbiking Ah, there you are:

September 3rd – I finally spotted them – 2 coos way off in the scrub of Jockey Meadows, Walsall Wood.

These young bulls are released to graze this Site of Special Scientific Interest periodically to maintain the meadow by eating the fast growing species and giving the slower, lower plants a chance. Their hooves chew up the soft ground and encourage new growth, and there is of course the fertilising power of the cowpat love they spread with abandon.

So far, I can see just two, far off in the tall grass and reeds. I look forward to meeting them at the gate soon.

#365daysofbiking A short run

September 2nd – I’m always amused to note the very British thing of Prince’s Park in Burntwood – theoretically the smallest park in the UK, although in fairness it’s a grass verge with three mature trees, railings around and a park bench.

I spotted the sign advertising the World’s Shortest Fun Run event here on Sunday 9th September at 12:30pm when the organisers will stage a mass run around this peculiar landmark for charity, hoping to break a world record.

It doesn’t get more British than that. I wish the participants well, and hope for a few record times for the purported 56 step run.

You can find out more here.

#365daysofbiking Falling slowly

September 2nd -I’m under the impression that water is being released from Chasewater at the moment for a dam inspection; but usually the water in recent years has been low at the end of summer. 

With the reservoir being kept so high these days generally, it seems to worry people when the level drops, but this was perfectly normal for years when I was younger.

It might not be great for the Watersport folks, but for lovers of the mini-beach at the north end of the dam it’s a real boon…

#365daysofbiking Back on track

September 1st – I took a bimble on the bridleway that runs from Claypit Lane by Aldershawe at Wall to to the old Watling Street by the Birmingham Road, which I haven’t done for years.

The fields on Harehurst Hill were being ploughed, and under the railway bridge, there seemed to be a fault in the rendering of reality…

A beautiful little green lane I’d forgotten all about.

#365daysofbiking Fixed in a Hole

August 31st -For the first time in years, I travelled down Hobs Hole Lane which runs from Aldridge down to the Chester Roa, and I’d forgotten just how beautiful the rolling countryside of Bourne Vale and Lazy Hill is.

I must get down here again soon. It’s a beautiful spot and we’re lucky to have it nearby, and I bet it’s lovely in autumn.