winter – Page 13 – BrownhillsBob's #365daysofbiking

December 20th – I keep passing this sign at the garden centre on the Chester Road near Mill Green, and as I passed it tonight, I realised that as with every year, it’s purpose had now all but ceased; few people will be buying the traditional nordman fir now, and so inexorably, the season is ticking away; One more day at work, then holiday, then on my return, a new year and nights that open out again after the winter solstice and shortest day, which occur the very next day.

Time marches on quickly for me these days, but this autumn, with the huge workload and long hours, has seemed particularly cruel.

I long for spring flowers, warm breezes and the sun on my face.

Soon be over the peak.

December 20th – In Shelfield, a reminder of the season. The holly, unlike the cotoneaster, is profuse this year, and every bush I see has the most perfect, shiny, plastic looking leaves.

The bright berries are cheering and a delight on a grey morning.

Only two days to go!

December 13th – On the canal near Bentley bridge, the gorse (or is it broom? I’m never sure) is coming into flower and bringing a splash of welcome colour ro a drab, damp landscape.

I love to see this flower – it carries me through winter and reminds me it won’t be long until spring flowers return. It also won’t be long now until the shortest day and once more, the opening out will commence again.

I can’t wait.

December 6th – Still cold, and again, a foggy, treacherous ride: I was at Telford early, and the cycleways were wet and dripping with water. The temperature was clearly rising and everything, every surface was saturated, including me.

I really hope this grim spell ends soon.

December 5th – A horrid day to ride, and even worse for taking photos. There was thick, patchy fog and the air was wet, and well below freezing. Every time I took the camera out, the lens fogged up.

The driving was mad, and as I rode down Shire Oak into Brownhills, I felt glad to be near home, soon to be out of the cold and horrible traffic.

Winter has arrived with a vengeance.

November 30th – Another beautiful, frosty and glass-hard morning, and again Jockey Meadows captivated me.

This wetland, separating Shelfield from Walsall Wood for centuries is an essential drainage band for the area and a haven for wildlife, as well as being a notified Site of Special Scientific Interest.

And I think Jockey Meadows are at their most beautiful on mornings like this.

November 29th – It’s time. The winter tyres, with tungsten carbide studs in the tread are back on the bike to hopefully prevent further spills this winter. Pumped up hard in normal conditions, Schwalbe Winter roll easily and quietly; let a little air out when icy and they grip beautifully, and run with a satisfying buzz.

Like many cyclists, studded tyres keep me rolling through the winter.

November 29th – A dreamy, icy, freezing morning that turned my breath to clouds of steam and air that hurt the back of my throat, all in glorious, glorious hazy sunshine. Utterly beautiful and it’s made me fall in love with winter again.

About time, too.

Jockey Meadows, between Walsall Wood and Sheffield were gorgeous, from the low mist to the horses grazing peacefully; I noted signs had been put up by local police requesting folk keep an eye out for wildlife crime, which is excellent. We all need to be vigilant.

The beauty continued into Walsall where the canals were the same as they ever were; a quiet, glorious commuting byway.

I’m so lucky to live here and be able to enjoy it.

November 28th – Although Victoria Park in Darlaston is beautiful any time of year, in winter it comes into it’s own.

Low sun, long shadows and morning quiet make for a beautiful oasis in the midst of humming industry.

A lovely short stop for a think on a bright, chilly morning commute.

November 26th – Out for an early spa and an errand to Aldridge, I passed through a grey, millpond still Catshill Junction. With it nearing December, and nobody around, this is a quiet, if bleak spot to take five minutes and contemplate the day ahead.

Still astonishingly plenty of colour in the trees from the late autumn, though.