Tag: cool

#365daysofbiking The sound of music:

November 20th – This is the coolest bloke I’ve ever seen on a commuter train. 

Bar none. 

We were sharing the bike space on a Birmingham commuter service. He’s on an urban flat bar; partially consumed coffee in the cup holder. He clearly works in something musical as he’s playing a small, portable electronic keyboard of the musical variety, and listening on headphones whilst reading sheet music.

He was playing the keyboard in total silence to the outside world, pensively and in the considered way someone might type an email on a laptop.

I’m not sure if he was learning music, marking it or writing it, but I have to say, you are a seriously cool man. Fascinating.

#365daysofbiking Stars of the fall:

October 17th – It was a beautiful crisp, clear evening as night fell, and I was pleased to see in the western skies the stars were out, just discernible beyond the trees.

I might not like this time of year that much, but the sunsets are well worth it.

June 30th – At Hints Ford, the water was cool and the air shady and still, and I spent a good 30 minutes just enjoying the relaxed, verdant scene and listening to water.

Sometimes, after a long ride, that’s all you really need.

I’ve been coming here since I was 12. It’s not really changed much, thankfully. This place is in my heart.

July 15th – Another joy of warm summer rides is the overspray from crop sprinklers. Often placed – sometimes I wonder if somewhat mischievously – so they spray into adjoining lanes, cycling through the cold mist is a delight.

Sometimes, it you can’t get caught by one directly, standing downwind can be just as rewarding.

Or maybe, just maybe, if the sun is shining, you can catch a perfect little rainbow…

August 29th – Never seen anything quite like this before. I was taking a lunchtime ride into Birmingham, and headed across Sutton Park to hit the Plants Brook cycleway into the city. At town gate, I came upon this curious, 3 wheeled chariot.

I’m assuming it’s electric, and it bears no registration (it occurs there could be a plate on the tailgate, which is down in the photos), although looking very moped-like with indicators and mirrors. It’s parked in a disabled bay, and from the design and rear door that doubles as a ramp, it’s clear that a normal wheelchair is propelled onto it, and the vehicle piloted using the moped-style handlebars without leaving the wheelchair.

Looks fun, actually. Never seen one before.