September 7th – Hopwas Hays Wood. A downhill from the north tip I’d not done before. Difficult, unexpected, exhilarating. I’ve pussyfooted around with this damned bad foot too long. Time to wig out.
I’ve also not done any ride cams for ages, and have a bit of a project on the boil. More later.
This is filmed real time, max speed about 35mph. Music the gorgeous “Close Behind’ by Calexico. In the western classic I’ll never direct, the hero and heroine ride off into the sunset to this music.
August 17th – A spin through a damp Brownhills wasn’t feeling terribly picturesque, but as I sped down the cycle route that follows the old railway line from the canal to Engine Lane, I noticed how green and lush the vegetation was, how perfect the track, the light.
Even dull days can be beautiful in their own way.
August 9th – Cycling around the common around the location of the now long-gone Brownhills West railway station, for the first time in weeks.
What can I say, but ‘Challenge accepted!’
I held it, but only just.
June 1st – Thrashing the daylights out of the bike up on Gentleshaw Common, looking for some lost local history whilst about it, I came upon this gorgeous display of apple blossom. If the bees get busy and summer feels kind, there will be an incredible crop here. Stunning.
August 13th – A spin round Chasewater and a particularly fine, uninterrupted blast on the traffic-free bike route between Chasewater Heaths Station and Pool Road, at the north end of the dam. This is just a fraction of the great, family-freindly cycling to be had at Chasewater. Ideal for the nervous or those just not fancying road cycling, there’s cycle hire available on the south shore. Just watch out for pedestrians, loose dogs and obstinate red deer.
June 28th – Taking a shortcut through Wall to the A5… a little-known byway called Back Lane runs from Wall Lane to Market lane. Normally clear, an irrigation pipe now crosses it barring normal traffic. It’s now beautifully overgrown with grass nearly 3 feet high. On my right is a field of broad beans. On Market Lane, I gently pass the parked car blocking the top of Roman Walk and into Wall Butts. A lovely summer run on a fully loaded bike that rolls downhill well….
The soundtrack is the beautiful ‘Letter to Bowie Knife’ by Calexico.
April 20th – A trip down the woodland path over the Shropshire Union Canal, just near to Brewood. A great spot to walk or ride, it’s well worth a visit. Brewood has some great cafes and pubs, and Chillington Hall is nearby, with loads of great history.
BrownhillsBob's #365daysofbiking 