June 3rd – I found myself riding home through Walsall Wood and on through Brownhills in a gorgeous golden hour. The coos of Jockey Meadows were waiting at the gate, and keen to investigate me as I stopped to take their picture.
On the canal, the greens are still magnificent, and something about the light and water interacted and made the evening precious.
May 28th – I came past Jockey Meadows in the early evening on my way home, in bright but cold sunshine. As usual, I cast my eyes to the right to see if there was anything interesting over the fields, and spotted three red deer – two does and a stag, all yearlings I think.
Looking healthy and better now the moult is nearly done with, they weren’t too phased by me and continued to browse the meadow.
A joyous sight, and one I’ll never tire of.
May 23rd – I needn’t have worried. The first century of the year took place on a warm day that was overcast in the morning, but finished in bright, pleasant spring sunshine with little wind – ideal cycling weather.
The Peak District was as it ever was – beautiful, challenging and in the places I like to ride, surprisingly devoid of people.
A great day – more to come tomorrow on my main blog.
April 26th – Out late afternoon for a fast spin out to Hints via Canwell, Weeford and Shenstone. It was a gorgeous day with a grim north wind – but the sun and shade more than made up for it. I didn’t have much time to stop, but the oilseed rape was at full blast, and everything looked fresh and green.
I note with sadness that the magnolia at Hints Church -which is normally stunning – seems to have had a bad year, poor thing.
April 20th – And in Telford, all along the cycleways from Stafford Park to Hortonwood, blossom – of all varieties. A horrid job today that I really didn’t fancy, but brightened on the way by the most beautiful spring flowers, azure sky and warm sun.
Not bad for a Monday, really.
April 15th – Zipping over to Tipton and Great Bridge on a sunny spring afternoon in Moxley, closing the Black Country Route I looked right to see Moxley Church, marooned by urban development, but still presiding over the urban chaos beautifully.
A wonderful afternoon, and a joy to be out.
April 9th – Lambs, lots of them. The lambing must be in full swing, and as I headed to Hoar Cross today through Hanch and Tuppenhirst, I spotted these wonderful offspring. Not a bad day to be born, really.
It was the same throughout Staffordshire: Up at Dunstable, the sheep in the avenue was a timeless view I reckon hasn’t changed in centuries.
April 8th – Another long ride today, a gorgeous one too. The weather was wonderful, and I had energy in my legs. I headed out via Wall and Whittington, through Elford, Harlaston and Clifton to No Mans Heath, stopped for a breather in Appleby, up to Measham and back via Coton in the Elms, Catton and Croxall. About 70 miles, I reacquainted myself with some places I hadn’t been for years – including Honey Hill and Salt Street.
A great ride
April 6th – Out for a sunny afternoon ride, gradually getting longer as I get back into the swing of better weather. Down to Middleton, then up the canal through Tamworth, then out to Alvecote, Shuttington, Seckington, then back via Clifton, Lullington, Edingale and Harlaston. A fine ride on a lovely day – I even caught the sun.
I spotted this boater cat in Tamworth. He’s a big fellow who looks like he doesn’t stand for any nonsense.
March 30th – I keep banging on about this, but it is rather great. On a blowy but beautiful spring morning, I dawdled through Kings Hill Park. With every week of spring it gets that little bit more green, that bit more in bloom.
Today it was gorgeous. Can’t wait until there’s some leaves on those trees. Wherever you are, get into your local parks. Walsall’s people work hard to keep our open spaces looking great. Enjoy them while they’re at their most beautiful.
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