Today, we finally had some real winter weather. After the unseasonal warmth of Christmas, these last few cold, frosty, clear days have been a breath of fresh air for me. Yesterday, I watched the weather forecast hoping for snow. As it looked more and more likely, I prepared snacks, charged the cameras, warmed my waterproofs and checked the bike. Thankfully, the snow came, and I was off… and, as is usual when it snows, I headed for Cannock Chase.
Riding on studded snow tyres, I was able to cut through the snow, and Cannock Chase was a blast. The traffic on the A51 from Rugeley to Breretonhill was murder, though, and progress slow, but upon hitting the deserted back lanes of Longdon, I was able to open it out again. This was the first time I’d felt truly connected with nature and the bike since my illness over the new year. It was a great, tiring and challenging ride. For more of this kind of thing, my 365daysofbiking Tumblr journal is still running.
There were nine stags in total, with a group of hinds in the scrub behind. Cuckoo Bank, near the Cannnock Road, Heath Hayes, Staffordshire. 15:38pm, Saturday, 4th February 2012.
At times, the snow was really heavy. On the edge of the Hednesford Hills, I wondered if I should turn back. Hednesford, Staffordshire. 4:06pm, Saturday, 4th February 2012.
I’ve always loved the lighting on the buildings at Wolseley Bridge, Staffordshire. 5:34pm, Saturday, 4th February 2012.
The old railway line trail, Brownhills West, West Midlands. 3:07pm, Saturday, 4th February 2012.
There seem to be a few large herds of red deer about at the moment. i guess the hinds may be ready to give birth soon, and will be looking for suitable thicket. Heath Hayes, Staffordshire. 3:39pm, Saturday, 4th February 2012.
Parts of Cannock Chase were like a fairytale. At Parr’s Warren, there were no footprints and I was certainly the only cyclist to pass that way. Cannock Chase, Staffordshire. 4:36pm, Saturday, 4th February 2012.
The Wolseley Arms always looks such a welcoming, warm pub at night. I’ve never actually been in. Wolseley Bridge, Staffordshire. 5:36pm, Saturday, 4th February 2012.
What little light there was began to fail by the time I got to Rifle Range Corner. Cannock Chase, Staffordshire. 4:49pm, Saturday, 4th February 2012.
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Hi Bob
super photos..especially the stag do! Many thanks . David