#365daysofbiking Sensations in the dark:
November 3rd – The Saturday closest to November the 5th is usually busier than Bonfire Night itself, and this year was no exception. Coming back from shopping in Lichfield, I was getting used once more to rural cycling darkness, and found Aldershawe Lodge’s lights charming in the darkness.
Further towards Wall though, a huge bonfire in a field, fireworks and the sound of fun, one of several on this windy, cold night ride home.
#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.
April 22nd – The late Lichfeldian touring cyclist and acquaintance Maurice Purser used to tell me you could see 7 spires/towers and/or churches from Pipe Hill. Maurice, who enjoyed such puzzles, had me scouring for months with binoculars in the mid-80s. What actually solved it for me was not careful scrutiny of the city skyline from high up here past Mickle Hills, but a map.
Maurice liked riddles especially if they were a bit misleading. At some point I looked at a map, and noticed that Aldershawe, the country house visible 90 degrees sunwise from this view had a private chapel. So whilst the riddle was correct, it was a bit cunning.
These days, Aldershawe is divided into smaller dwellings and you can’t see any of it from here for trees.
With a decent zoom on a reasonable day though, Lichfield’s churches, spires and rooftops still come alive, and a middle aged cyclist remembers this view as a young lad, with a leathery, weathered older gent telling tall tales of derring-do.
Wherever you are Maurice, may it be hawthorn free, the wind at your back, the sun on your face, and speed in your wheels. And a good cafe stop.
December 28th – Over to Lichfield to pick up some tickets. A beautiful sunset I wasn’t in a great place to catch – but from the corner of Market Lane in Wall it looked wonderful through the trees.
A better day. Perhaps things are improving at last. But still that abrasive, grinding wind.
March 14th – after a grey, murky day, a remarkably clear sunset over Aldershawe Hill and Springhill as I rode home from Lichfield down the backlanes. We’re entering now the spring period of great sundowns, and this one was gorgeous. I’m really loving this new camera, which really seems to perform much better in low light.
A great ride.
May 2nd – Returning from Lichfield via Aldershawe, I stopped to admire the oilseed rape here; there are acres and acres of it on the northern slopes of the hill down to Lichfield. But also, beautiful wildflowers too.
Don’t think I’ve ever known a spring this vibrant. It really is extraordinary.
October 6th – A run out to Lichfield, and a return at sunset. Coming over Aldershawe at Wall, I noticed the column of steam generated by Rugeley Power Station indicating there was little wind. The sun sank lazily, silhouetting the Brownhills and Cannock Chase horizon. Humpries House was a visible landmark, as were Castlefort and the eastern slopes of Cannock Chase. An angry looking black cloud hung central for a while, but didn’t deliver on it’s threat. This was a dramatic, beautiful evening. But it was cold, and the shivers in my back told me winter wasn’t far away.
December 22nd – It’s been a long time – not since last summer, in fact – that Ive featured a view of Lichfield from Aldershawe. On this slightly dull day, the Old Lady of the Vale still looked stunning, as did the fellow spires of companion churches all over the small city. This is a fantastic view which I love dearly, but it’s hard to conceive just how much it has changed since I was a kid. The superstore and houses in the foreground were all fields then. I feel old.
July 18th – A grey day that threatened rain constantly, but didn’t deliver. I’d been out to Leicester and crawled back from Lichfield tired and drained, over Aldershawe and down into Wall. Cresting the hill, I was struck by the view before me of the farmworkers terraces in Claypit Lane, and of the sweet, rolling countryside to the south, now turning a gorgeous medley of golds and deep, deep greens. I then remembered why I cycle.
Some days, you just need reminding.
July 16th – as the wheat ripens and awaits dry enough conditions for harvest, the countryside is lined by the memory of farm vehicles imprinted at planting time. I always marvel at this, the shapes formed are intriguing and sometimes perplexing. Looking toward Aldershawe Lodge near Wall, it won’t be long before this fine crop is harvested.
BrownhillsBob's #365daysofbiking 