Autumn always depresses the hell out of me until I see the colours and the beauty.

This is a special ride cam for long term reader Trev in Oz, whom a little bird tells me enjoys these lots. Go on then, just for you old chap… hope all’s well in the Antipodes.

I’m still, after several decades, exploring Cannock Chase. Since getting wonderfully lost around the quarries near Bevin’s Birches last week, I’ve developed a thirst for spots I’ve not been before. Yesterday, I cycled in what felt like very autumnal conditions across the Chase from Gentleshaw Common to Pye Green, dropping off the conventional Marquis Drive route lots. After the descent from Castle ring, I hung a left, crossing the Rugeley Road, over by the golf club and rediscovered Rainbow Hill to Moor’s Gorse.

I haven’t cycled Rainbow Hill for 20 years of more, and forgive the trepidation in the downhill. I top out at about 40mph and the stingers at the bottom as I dodged the barrier weren’t nice. Legs like a relief map of the Andes.

For the best video quality, click on the little gear symbol in the bottom right of the video box and click the highest number that will play on your computer. Resolutions up to 1080HD high definition are available.

This video is shot realtime at normal speed.

The music is unusual for me: jazz. I don’t normally do much jazz, and I suspect [Howmuch?] will be disgusted, but Twatter mate and sharp witted music fan @BillyTheBez put me onto the excellent Neil Cowley Trio on Friday and I’m liking them lots. This is a track called Fable.