November 27th – In Telford, the skies westwards were foreboding, and eastwards more optimistic, but it was to be a terrible afternoon both in terms of work and the weather. The stark beauty of low sun and early winter cycleways was gorgeous, but the western sky wasn’t making idle threats and I would return home in a rainstorm, battling bad connections having had a terrible day.
Sometimes, the omens are not good from the start.
November 27th – Passing through New Street mid day, I was again struck by the contrast between the media hype of a reborn station, and the grim, badly maintained reality of the place itself. Those brick arches are probably the oldest remainder of the original station, and it wouldn’t surprise me were they to be Victorian. They should be made a feature, but they are decaying, stained and lie mostly unnoticed. Even some of the lights above them have given up.
Closer to the central area of the same platform, a gap in the above-platform construction lets the rain and wind howl in, concentrated and focussed by the angles and surfaces. No shiny cladding here, as it’s not outward facing. Just original 60s concrete and cheap white cladding.
A notice on the platform says ‘Mind the gap’ – the credibility gap is more hazardous.
November 26th – After the wet, grey and unpleasant morning, it was nice to see the day dry up with some blue sky visible at lunchtime. Great skies with high cloud, and a slight warmth on the breeze really made a change as I rode down into Wednesbury on an errand.
I’d like more of this. Looking at the forecast, that seems unlikely.
November 26th – Spotted in a works bike rack, this fine steed. A very decent bike, with very curious panniers on the front of the crossbar. They seem to be holding cells for the front light, but I must confess I don’t understand how they’re comfortable to ride with. If those were on my bike, I’d keep banging them with my knees.
Still, bikes are very individual and we all have different solutions for luggage and general carrying needs. Studying other people’s bikes is endlessly fascinating.
November 26th – Yet another wet, miserable commute, and I feel I must surely soon develop webbed feet. The squally, blustery conditions have now stripped all but the most stubborn remaining leaves from the trees and scrub, and revealed some interesting views not visible in summer.
Also revealed at Bentley Bridge was this fie display on moss on a hawthorn bush. There seem to be several strains and various shades. I’m curious as to why this particular bush, in this spot, but it is rather fascinating.
November 25th – Another good one for Bob’s big book of bizarre mechanical failures. A few weeks ago I bought new cycling shoes and fitted new SPD cleats – the small pieces of metal that lock into the pedals for better engagement in place of toe clips – as is normal. I nipped up the screws, and gradually adjusted them for best cleat position.
Riding to work this morning, it felt like my left side cleat was clogged with mud or debris, and I had difficulty engaging and disengaging. As I went on it became more and more tricky. Arriving, I inspected the leat and found it had come loose and was rattling freely.
I have never had this happen before and am very surprised.Potentially very dangerous, I’m glad I found it trying to clip in and not out.
If you use lipless pedals, check your cleats for tightness today.
November 25th – Spotted on a damp Darlaston canal towpath just after daybreak, this tiny toadstool. It was alone, and looked almost pristine – I have no idea what it is and would appreciate suggestions. Key is the dimple on top of the cap; this is a delicate and tiny orange-brown fungi yet was outstanding enough to catch my eye as I passed at speed, so I felt it deserved recording for posterity.
November 24th – Working very late, I returned sapped of mental energy. I got as far as the Black Cock Bridge before realising I’d not taken any photos. So, as an excuse to have a breather probably more than anything, I quickly took this.
It was indeed, a bright moonlit night. But the source of the curious light was a car on the far side of this precarious bridge.
I was glad to be homeward bound.
November 23rd – it’s been a while coming this year, but a hard frost took me by surprise. On the roads and towpaths, ice lurked, waiting to snach my wheels from under me.
I let a little air out of the tyres, and took it steady. I pondered whether it was time to fit the studded winter tyres gain…
November 23rd – It was a bitterly cold morning – or at least, it seemed like one after the unseasonal warmth of recent weeks. Cycling down to Darlaston on the canal, I was accosted by some familiar hoodlums.
This is the only family group of this year’s swans I think are sill together, most having joined larger local flocks. They looked in rude health though, and gave no answer when I asked if they were cold.
They soon lost interest when they realised I had no food…
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