#365daysofbiking Farewell wellfare:
September 16th – The rain steadily increased, and I headed up the gorgeous Cross o’ th’ Hand lane to Farewell, where I called in at the church in steady rain.
Farewell church, possibly dating back in part to the 1400s (some say earlier) is gorgeous and the rain enhanced the sad beauty of the roses in the graveyard.
A sad day punctuated with great beauty.
July 8th – A pleasant 38 miler in the evening sun, relaxed and gentle around Chasewater, Lichfield, Whitemore Haye, Fradley, Alrewas and Yoxall rewarded me with a gorgeous golden hour.
In the soft light, the ripening wheat at Farewell glowed in the evening, and I realised that within 10 days or so this crop would be harvested.
It seems early this year – but we have had a lot of sun. I wonder if this weather continues, shall we face an early autumn? I sincerely hope not!
February 18th – A day off and a ride into Staffordshire on what was a bitterly cold but bright spring day. I was testing some modifications to the bike, so only took in a loop of Farewell and Fradley, and was sadly cursed by the p*nct*r* fairy, but it was a fantastic ride with some great sights.
If you’re contemplating riding the canal between Hanch and Fradley, take a mountain bike. It’s hard going.
That dog starting at the duck is my hero.
September 7th – An early escape from work, so I went for an afternoon bimble in the sun. I hadn’t got long, so just up to Chasewater, then up through Burntwood to Farewell, over to Lichfield and back through Wall and Lynn.
A lovely day with beautiful light. Could this be an Indian summer? I do hope so!
June 21st – At Stonywell, between Farewell and Longdon Green, my attention was snagged by a bright red flash as I sped past. Doubling back, I found a rare treat: a field of oilseed rape overcome by bright red poppies.
It’s beautiful, and stunning. I love the countryside of Staffordshire – it’s always surprising.
January 4th – I’ll be perfectly honest here – I felt lower than a snake’s knees; the black dog was truly upon me and I’d been trying to ignore it for days. I’ve no idea why, other than stuff just wasn’t going well generally, but I did what I always do when life gets the better of me: I got out my cyclic antidepressant and rode it hard.
I rode over to Farewell on a journey that started sunny, but ended dank and misty, but it was enjoyable. Although cold, there were signs of life and colour in Farewell churchyard that pleased and encouraged me; and the winding icy lanes were a challenge.
The old holloway of Cross o’ th’ Hand Lane was as dramatic as ever.
Coming back through Wall, the church and Roman remains were excellent stopping points as ever. My mood wasn’t completely lifted, but I felt a lot better.
March 29th – I left Lichfield and the madness of the crowds as soon as I could, and took a leisurely line through Beacon Park, past the brook and the willows, currently in bud. From there, I took Cross in Hand Lane to Farewaell, then hopped over to Burntwood and back home via Chasewater. A great afternoon in sandals and shirtsleeves, and some great spring sights in the hedgerows and fields, crowned by a stark but beautiful sunset.
Spring really is here now, and this was the last night of darkness until the end of October, a spring, summer and autumn away.
Opening out – I love it.
August 26th – Cycling down through Stoneywell, near Farewell, I stopped to look at an unharvested field of wheat. The grain was ripe, and the ears starting to blacken. I wondered if the crop had been abandoned, then heard the noise of a combine harvester in the next field. I guess it all grinds to flour the same…
July 21st – At Farewell, the advancing season is indicated in the landscape. Fields of very nearly ripe wheat, oilseed rape and barley stretch for miles. They aren’t quite ready yet, but are not far off, and even in this misty-grey humid evening, they were beautiful.
July 15th – It was, on occasion, a bright sunny day. But it wasn’t warm, and when the sun went in, the chill was evil. I was cycling in the evening, and my journey to Yoxall, Barton and the Trent and Mersey river section at Alrewas was beautiful, but challenging. I was in shorts and cold; my energy low, and I bonked. (That’s where you need food, and you suddenly flatline. Runners call it ‘Hitting the wall’). Still, the countryside was as gorgeous as ever, and it reminds me to keep grazing and stock up with snacks before I leave for a long ride.
BrownhillsBob's #365daysofbiking 