October 24th – Something out of the ordinary picked up by the ride cam as I hopped on the canal at Moxley on my way to Great Bridge on an errand at midday. 

Riding the canals, you get used to seeing rats occasionally, but this small one was absolutely frantic to get somewhere safe, and repeatedly tried to jump over the wall, but each time failed.

I understand people not liking them, but they really are fascinating creatures.

October 19th – Although I use the bike cam constantly, I stopped featuring video here because road cams are so common now I think they probably bore the pants off people.

But I’ve been thinking of late that I should start again – short clips showing positive things about riding.

Here, I’m about to tackle the Bescot Road island in Pleck, Walsall, and the importance or environmental awareness is key. A quick dive left and they pass, no delay.

Monitor not just your fore space, but to the left, right and behind you. And never relay on hearing. 

March 26th – It was a grim commute home. The morning had been fine, but cold. Leaving work fairly late, I thought I’m missed the day’s showers so left off the waterproof trousers. This was a mistake. As I headed home through Walsall, the skies darkened threateningly. From the first spots, to a freezing-cold, wind driven downpour. 

These shots follow the rain as I I rode into it, and were captured from the ride camera.

I got in soaked, tired and freezing cold. Spring, eh?

From November 6th – Walsall new ring road, Green Lane Junction about 5:10pm, Wednesday 6th November 2013. I didn’t feel it safe to stop as the guy behind was stuck to me like a wet T-shirt. This is far from unique driver behaviour here – get in the wrong lane trying to queue jump, then bugger everyone else trying to sort it out.

More of this run later.

Best viewed large by clicking on the youtube logo, and click on the wee gear symbol and select 1080 for best video quality.

October 20th – I went out in the rain. It was warm, but periodically very heavy. I headed for Chasewater, then to Hopwas Hays Wood to catch the autumn. As I crossed the old ranges, it began to rain quite heavily and my journey through the yellowing woodland was marked by the music created by water rattling off leaves. The track was muddy, and the downhills very fast; I’m still not used to the sudden drop after the gate.

This was a blast, but the mud and lack of grip made it quite challenging.

I have no idea where the dog that appears just before I enter the wood came from…

7th OCtober – Sorry, only just had time to sort this out.

This is a very close pass. He was agressive behind me at the lights, and didn’t appear to care how close he came. The back end was very close indeed. This actually scared me.

I cannot understand the necessity for such an aggressive manoeuvre, particularly at a junction where I have to be particularly wary of traffic from the filter at the left. I had full lights on at the time, and he pulled up behind me at the lights, so he knew full well I was there. Shocking.