Images

October 20th – Returning via Rushall Junction and Aldridge, I passed under this remarkable arch bridge on the Tame Valley Canal at Tower Hill. Named Freeth Bridge, it’s huge, big and awe-inspiring. It’s a fine example of the architectural surprises Birmingham tends to reserve for people who explore the city. This sight never fails to inspire admiration for those who designed and built it. I’ve still yet to pass over the top, I must get round to that sometime.

October 20th – My love for Birmingham’s canals has been well recorded here, but this to me is the essence of the city. This tunnel lies – largely unnoticed by those passing above it – beneath Proof House Railway Junction, to the north of New Street Station. The tunnel itself is functional, grubby and bleak, but is actually beautifully lit and is a veritable refuge in the heart of the city. The canals show you life from the back; old factories and yards mingle with scrubby wastes and the margins of city life. And they are charming and fascinating for it. All of Brum is here, and I love every brick of it.

October 20th – Today I found myself cycling into the Black Country to a meeting. Having finished in early afternoon, I sought something to eat in Great Bridge, which wasn’t easy as all the old style cafes seem to have closed down. Finding myself in West Brom, I pottered through the backstreets on my way to the canal, aiming to return via a leisurely run along the canal. Quite unexpectedly, I stumbled upon the Oak House, looking as beautifully incongruous as ever. There seems to be some renovation work ongoing, but I may be wrong. A gorgeous building. Must stop by and explore sometime.

October 19th – Returning home, once again battling a keen wind and what seemed like biting cold – although this will seem mild, soon – I noticed lots of new crops growing in the fields between Shenstone and Sandhills. This one was in Lynn. I don’t know what they are – probably winter wheat of some sort – but they’re providing a welcome, verdant distractions from the autumnal yellows and browns. It’ll be interesting to see how they develop and when they’re harvested.

October 19th – I saw this in Redditch today, and immediately thought of the cyclist who died yesterday on Dartmouth Circus in Birmingham. Cycling is, on the whole, a safe activity and such fatalities are relatively rare, but when they do occur, they focus the mind, and worry friends and family. I’d really like to see a Ghost Bike erected in this guys memory, if only to prompt public awareness. I didn’t know my fallen, fellow two wheeler, but wherever he is I wish him sun on his back, the wind behind him and speed in his wheels. 

Be safe, fellow cyclists, be safe.

October 18th – After pointing out yesterday that the cycleways and roads of the area would be hazardous due to wet leaf-litter, as if to confound me, today I noticed that Worcester Council – who look after Arrow Valley Park – had a street sweeper unit out to hoover up the debris. This is wonderful, and very effective. So unusual for a council to bother about cleaning places that aren’t on the public highway. A great thing indeed.

October 17th – I noticed today in Redditch that the leaf fall had started in anger. With the buffeting winds, there was a large amount of leaf-litter on the roads and cycle paths. This is fun and beautiful right now, but something to beware of when the rains come, as they are scheduled to this evening. The first significant rainfall and subsequent traffic will mulch nature’s debris into a slimy, soapy goop that can whip your wheels from under you. Fellow cyclists, beware of this treacherous, slippery and often unexpected hazard.

October 16th – I found myself cycling after dark tonight. This will happen almost daily as the nights draw in over the winter. Good lights – front and rear – are essential for being seen, and also to see by. I have a Hope Vision 4 on the front, and this is my field of view with it on medium output. It’s a good LED light which has seen a lot of use, and enables me to spot night time hazards before it’s too late. These vary from potholes to puddles and even animals like foxes, pheasants, rabbits and badgers. Riding at night is a visceral experience, but exhausting as the concentration required is huge.

October 16th – I was surprised and pleased to spot this large (but still relatively small…) wind turbine at Thatchmoor, near Lichfield. The actual location is hidden down a secluded, dead-end lane, but the machine is visible for some distance. It doesn’t seem to be in use yet, but I find it elegant, handsome and fascinating.