tumblr – Page 111 – BrownhillsBob's #365daysofbiking

#365daysofbiking Blue

December 23rd – A ride out on a wet day on pre-Christmas errands: Getting game, cheese, mince pies and other bits and pieces in the pouring rain. On my way from Whittington to Lichfield, I came over the A38 junction at Hilliards Cross near Fradley South an on the otherwise unremarkable flyover, a flash of blue caught my eye. I stopped, backed up and spotted a blue plaque.

I’m not sure if it’s an official English Heritage plaque, but somehow I doubt it: but it’s a fascinating thing and a real bit of local culture.

The Ride to the Wall is a charity mass motorbike ride to the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, and you can find out more here – it’s a real spectacle and a great fundraiser for charity.

This journal is moving home. Please find out more by clicking here.

from Tumblr http://bit.ly/2rYePYs
via IFTTT

#365daysofbiking Leave a light on for me

December 22nd – Homecoming, late, and a ride around Brownhills before bed.

Finally, due to hard work by members of the local committee, the Christmas lights on the miner island, as well as those on Morris himself have been fixed, so just in time for the festive season, my favourite icon of home is bright and proud ant night once more.

A great thing to come home to. Thanks to all involved.

This journal is moving home. Please find out more by clicking here.

from Tumblr http://bit.ly/2V3DdVI
via IFTTT

#365daysofbiking Festive light

December 22nd – Returning to Leeds to get a bit of shopping and meet old pals for a meal, a wander thought the Christmas Market in its last hour was surreal and the city lights beautiful and fascinating.

I was captivated by the office block with the rotating messages in huge, illuminated lettering. I guess brutalist offices need love too.

Father Christmas was spotted making his way through the crowds at Leeds Station – I have no idea who he was, where he was going or anything – but he played it straight and had a lasting effect on my companion. Beautiful.

This journal is moving home. Please find out more by clicking here.

from Tumblr http://bit.ly/2Q2xawP
via IFTTT

#365daysofbiking Skylines

December 22nd – A pre-Christmas adventure to Harrogate was just what the doctor ordered. A fine Yorkshire spa town, in unexpectedly good weather.

Leaving early, and changing at Leeds, arrival late morning was swift and fun.

The place was quiet, which was surprising, but charming and a great day was spent wandering around, exploring and just taking in a varied and beautiful skyline.

This was a wonderful day.

This journal is moving home. Please find out more by clicking here.

from Tumblr http://bit.ly/2ApRpzV
via IFTTT

#365daysofbiking Trail blazing

December 21st – Summerhill motorway bridge on a dry evening is the ideal place to try long exposure photography, with the opportunity presented by the motorway below and also down the A461 from kerb level.

Today is a turning point: Not just last day of work for 2018, but the shortest day. Today, I have beaten The Suck – the darkening, grim winter commutes when traffic is bad and huge riding concentration is required. From today, the days will lengthen, sunset will get later and later and the driving will actually improve.

Regardless of the weather, the light will return and things will get better. Today was a turning point, and a very welcome one.

This journal is moving home. Please find out more by clicking here.

from Tumblr http://bit.ly/2SrP660
via IFTTT

#365daysofbiking Christmas cracker

December 21st – I came from work, then needed to head to Lichfield with a companion for some urgent Christmas shopping. Lichfield at 5pm on this Friday evening was quiet, peaceful and very atmospheric. Almost Dickensian, in fact.

The only troubling thing was those creepy Nutcracker figures dotted about town. I find their style unsettling and always have; I know they’re a traditional German thing but to me, they really are the stuff of nightmares.

Amplified to life-size and they are really quite unpleasant in my opinion.

Lovely photographic subjects, though…

This journal is moving home. Please find out more by clicking here.

from Tumblr http://bit.ly/2AiXYE2
via IFTTT

#365daysofbiking Quiet and bright

December 20th – A late night at work finishing off, then the Christmas party. I crossed Rushall Square junction late in the evening.

As ever, the lights were lovely and there was hardly anyone on the road, which was a bonus.

Christmas is feeling closer now…

This journal is moving home. Please find out more by clicking here.

from Tumblr http://bit.ly/2Sjcoel
via IFTTT

#365daysofbiking Berry sparse

December 20th – Back at work, I noted that the holly trees around the industrial estate where I work, normally heavy by now with a bountiful berry crop – were very sparse this year.

Still, there were enough red berries to feel festive. Bad news for the local birds though.

This journal is moving home. Please find out more by clicking here.

from Tumblr http://bit.ly/2AgdnVP
via IFTTT

#365daysofbiking Hanging around

December 19th – Spotted high above the street, steel erectors chat and dangle whilst working on the new Primark in Birmingham, seemingly oblivious to life below, and completely unaware of the fear such feats inspire in many of their audience.

The new store is what used to be the Pavillions shopping mall, and the conversion symbolises the malaise in these 80s temples to consumerism – so far Birminham has lost 4 – The Pavillions, City Plaza, Paradise Forum and Fletchers Walk. I find this shift in retail thinking interesting.

The aerial daredevils had safety gear, and were confident and clearly competent. But the lad dangling from the sliding support in the C channel: Looking at how that’s fixed, that’s a lot of confidence in someone else’s mechanical engineering skills.

My respect and best wishes to them. I respect anyone who can work at heights.

This journal is moving home. Please find out more by clicking here.

from Tumblr https://ift.tt/2CppZeM
via IFTTT

#365daysofbiking Never say never again:

December 19th – Recovery, and finally getting things done. Catching up with stuff, then Christmas shopping in Brum with good companions.

Every year I say I won’t do the Christmas Market again, but every year I do and I always fall for the lights, the pricey but tasty food and the atmosphere.

Birmingham is still changing as it has been since I first came here 40 years ago. I love this city. I adore it’s quirks and festive foibles.

A great evening rounded off with excellent saag paneer and lamb tikka on the Soho Road.

This journal is moving home. Please find out more by clicking here.

from Tumblr https://ift.tt/2PLYGih
via IFTTT