Tag: pump

November 25th – A wee cycling tip for the road cyclists out there. I’ve recently had to replace my bike-mounted pump (I smashed the previous one when I came off on the ice a couple of weeks ago). One problem with frame mounted pumps is they accrue crud, so that when you come to use them, often they’re munged up.

One tip I pickled up off an old touring cyclist (if you use Presta or Woods valves) was the M5 screw in the pump head. Just take a 5mm metric screw, preferably stainless, and with the pump head relaxed open, it should be a comfortable push fit in the open port. 

This stops water getting into the pump body and corroding it, and also stops mud getting in where it has to be removed and stands a change of buggering up the tyre valve. Easy to remove with a nail, blade or Allen key, this tip makes those uncomfortable roadside repairs a bit more bearable.

Cycling wisdom, right there. 

October 24th – Passing Jockey Meadows on the way home, the clean up from the recent sewer problems near Bullings Heath is still ongoing, with tankers pumping our sumps and groundwater in series during the day. I noted as I passed a diesel standby pump dropped in a field, and pipeline equipment. It’s either for flushing, or pumping water out of the brook into the sewers for a while.

The work here has been protracted and involved, and the efforts taken to avoid damaging the local ecology with raw sewage have been dedicated and impressive.

Let’s hope all the issues are resolved shortly.

July 20th – I’m fascinated at the moment by continuing work going on at the sewage pumping station at Green Lane in Walsall Wood. Ever since last Easter, there has been work being carried out here sporadically; from tankers pumping manholes out to new pumps going in and old ones being removed.

I know there’s quite a bit of plant below ground here, presumably to pump the sewage up the hill to the sewage works, not 400 yards away towards Clayhanger. 

I noted this evening yet another pump awaiting installation in the little roadside compound. I have no idea what the problem is, but it’s fascinating watching the comings and goings to fix it.

So many ‘invisible’ services support modern life, it can be a surprise to see how intensively they’re maintained.

December 24th – An unusual if not unique thing for 365daysofbiking – a photo taken when I wasn’t on my bike; but it’s about cycling, so I figure it’s OK just this once.

I was in Derby for the day, and for once, it was better I was without the bike. I didn’t know what cycle security would be like, and needed to visit lots of places where it would have been parked in the open for long periods. On Christmas Eve, that’s not a good idea as someone unscrupulous may be looking for that last minute cycling gift..

As it happened, I needn’t have worried; in Derby they’re taking cycling seriously; outside the rail station astounding, secure double-deck weatherproof bike park. Dotted about the city, good quality Sheffield stands and even free to use bike pumps.

We need some of this love in Birmingham – I’ll be back, and next time, with the bike!