Tag: sun

May 16th – Second day running with a decent ride, although the weather was quite heavy going on the way back with a nasty headwind. The sun was out though, and I made a good average speed. 

I headed to Coton in the Elms via Lichfield, Whitemoor Haye and Catton, and returned via Lullington, Edingale, Harlaston, Weefor and Shenstone. Everywhere was green and springlike, and the countryside as beautiful as ever.

Try as I might, I still can’t get over the sight of horses in fly masks. I know they can see though them, and that otherwise, flies drive horses mad; but they do so look like wannabe equine superheroes.

A fine ride.

May 1st – Like an idiot, I left my camera at home this morning. I like the iPhone camera, but after the all-singing and dancing idiot box I’m used to, it seems very limited.

I left work earlier than usual, and on my way home shot over Shire Oak hill for a spin to Shenstone and back. The backlanes were glorious and sun bathed, and it really felt like spring out there.

I’ve missed this sort of thing in recent years. It’s good to get back to riding just for the hell of it.

April 29th – I crossed Kings Hill Park on my way back from a trip to the retail park at Junction 9, and caught sight of the two sisters of Wednesbury, looking gorgeous in the sunlit, clear air. Both are beautiful – a landmark for miles, I adore Church Hill in Wednesbury and love to see it on the skyline.

I make no apologies for featuring this beautiful view again…

April 27th – A short run of Black Country canal – from Pleck to Bentley Bridge, Darlaston, on the way to work in bright, but chilly sunshine. Mr. Swan was still drifting aimlessly, waiting for his partner to hatch their clutch; it’s nice to see he’s been ringed. Further up, the coots had already got chicks. Coot chicks are probably the most ugly-cute young birds this side of baby owls. Sadly, they were being stalked by a heron, so I don’t give much for their chances. 

Off Bentley Bridge itself, a great sky, mirror flat water and the feeling that spring is really on her throne.

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 – Now really back in the swing of it. A run to Hoar Cross via Rowley, then over Jackson’s Bank to Scotch Hills, Dunstall to Barton, then on the canal at Efflinch to Fradley Junction and back through Lichfield. 

A classic ride I used to do loads, but got out of the habit of. 

Nice to see the wind turbine at Rowley, and the Trent and Needwood Valley were as gorgeous as ever. Odd that I’ve never noticed the broken wind pump at Handsacre before.

The golden hour at Dunstall and Alrewas was extraordinary. A fine ride.

April 6th – East Staffordshire was positively glowing on a sunny, warm spring afternoon; the rolling countryside, spring flowers and greening countryside was gorgeous.

These views never grow old – and I couldn’t resist Clifton Campville and Lullington for Pedro Cutler. 

I’m rediscovering this countryside again. It’s still gorgeous. Summer is going to be brilliant.