Tag: 365daysofbiking

August 28th -This is one of my favourite canal runs anywhere – from the junction by the ICC (Old Turn junc.) to Aston junction. Fast, technically tricky (cobbled sections very challenging, to say the least), often busy with people and other cyclists. When relatively unobstructed, as on this quiet, sunny Sunday Evening, it’s a joy to the heart. Only brief edits of the boring bits – whole journey only takes a little over 7 minutes if you crack on.

August 28th – I’ve noticed that social media has been rather quiet on the subject of the Overstrand being demolished since the deed was done. The hated former restaurant, crossing High Street, Walsall, blocked the view of the church for several decades, and we all hated it. The demolition was awaited and much talked about. However, after the work was complete yesterday, I realised something – as did most of the observers – that removal has only highlighted the poor town planning that gave birth to the aberration in the first place. The view of the church is only unblocked from a few very specific angles, and from the church itself, just reveals more concrete.  The view from the bottom of the marketplace is unchanged, with the staggered nature of the street still blocking what would be a fine aspect. We’ll need to wait longer for that to change, as there’s a new Asda shed in the way of that one, amongst other things.

August 28th – Urban riding can be surprising to people who’ve never considered it before. Our towns and cities are surprisingly green, and even concrete jungles can be fascinating places. The panorama of Paddock, from Church Hill, Walsall, demonstrates this, as does the one from under Spaghetti Junction. So much to explore, even in the depths of the city. All joined together by our fantastic cycle network.

August 28th – Afternoon saw me again investigating national cycle route five, cycling into Walsall to see what the marketplace looked like without the Overstrand, then down through the Sandwell Valley and onto the canals through Brum. For a lark, thought I’d try my hand cycling up the treacherous cobbles of Church Hill to St. Matthews. Hardly Paris – Roubaix, but I was fairly pleased with myself…

August 27th – A slightly windblown day of showers and patchy sun. The harvest now mostly complete, the fields have got their autumnal cloak on; bare earth, stubble and huge straw bales are the order of the day. Even the potatoes, formerly lush and verdant, are dying off and yellowing. Here at Home Farm, Sandhills, summer’s cauldron seems to be distinctly off the boil now.

August 26th – It’s been a while since I did a gratuitous heron post. Followers of this journal will know that I adore herons in all their dishevelled, scatterbrain glory. I find them comical, beautiful and fascinating. Yesterday, I saw five, mostly around Aldridge and Park Hall. Delightful birds, including the juvenile, which I suspect is the same one recently observed by top wildlife togger Zksby.

A poster on my main blog recently claimed that you couldn’t get close enough to a heron to throw stones at one – a practice I’ve sadly seen some anglers involved in – which must be evidence of an ingrained fear of fishermen at work. I was within a few meters of all of these fine specimens.

August 26th – Depressingly for me, Autumn is clearly now upon us. Elderberries are darkening and the scrubs and hedgerows are thick with them, leaves are turning and haws, conkers, rose hips and acorns are all ripening. Ryecroft cemetery looked particularly autumnal, as did Park Hall. I always find this bank holiday depressing, although soon I will get into the swing and beauty of the season, I always feel like summer is over on this last long weekend. 

August 26th – Lunch in Pelsall, followed by a run up cycle route NCN 5 through Goscote, Walsall and Delves to the Sandwell Valley, then back on the canal. Although it was mostly raining, it was a nice ride and a good opportunity to clear my head. Passing The Railway pub in Pelsall, I noticed a banner hanging on the gable end wall imploring me to ‘Come and try our new salad cart’ – whilst I support the enterprising nature of the invitation, can’t help but think it’s missing the target market. I can honestly say I’ve never felt the urge to try any salad cart, anywhere…

August 25th – in an attempt to lift the darkness, I headed over Clayhanger Common to check out the view of Shire Oak. It’s an interesting view, and demonstrates the wide range of ages and styles of house that make up this quiet, residential end of Brownhills. This view is only possible due to the mound sculpted during the reclamation of Clayhanger Tip, where I stand was one a cutting full of brackish, dirty water.