#365daysofbiking JournalRecent tracks
Wall of SilverFionn Regan6 hours ago
AiFionn Regan6 hours ago
Book of the MoonFionn Regan6 hours ago
Cape of DiamondsFionn Regan6 hours ago
Turn the Skies of Blue OnFionn Regan6 hours ago
Cormorant BirdFionn Regan6 hours ago
The Meetings Of The WatersFionn Regan6 hours ago
Under the Waves / TokyoFionn Regan6 hours ago
GlaciersFionn Regan6 hours ago
Hunting DogFionn Regan6 hours agoRecent Comments
John Siviter on An enduring history Kevin Lamb on Open day and night Susan Jones (nee Elw… on Miss Hall’s girls Gordon Garnett on Distant Hoofbeats remembered Gordon Garnett on Distant Hoofbeats remembered
Tag Archives: cycling
I have a Hanch
Here’s something odd I spotted today in Walsall, that I’d never noticed before. Cycling back from Caldmore on a samosa mission, I noted I was riding down Lysways Street. Near the Birmingham Road end, I noticed there was a Hanch … Continue reading
Posted in cycling, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Just plain daft, Local History, News, Shared media, Shared memories, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged Cycle rides, cycling, hall, Hanch, Henry Thorold, Highgate, John Stoneywell, Lichfield Lore, Local History, Longdon, Lysways, Silly, Staffordshire, street, Thomas Orme, Walsall
19 Comments
Anchor Bridge flooding: Halfway there
My recent efforts to find out who’s actually working on the flooding issue at Anchor Bridge, and what the situation is have come to nothing. Severn Trent have clearly been doing a fair bit of work, though, and the situation … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Anchor Bridge, bad drainage, bad drains, blocked drains, Brownhills, CCTV, Cycle rides, cycling, David Evans, Drain Survey, flood, Knaves Court, Local politics, New Photos, road maintenance, Severn Trent, Silly, standing water, Streetpride, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
1 Comment
Chasewater road closure – get your voice heard
Here’s a rather important one I missed. A couple of days ago, top chap Andy Dennis sent me the below photo, of the legal Traffic Prohibition Order posted on site at Pool Lane, Chasewater. You’ll remember that there’s been some … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged Andy Dennis, anglers, Anglesey Basin, angling, Brownhills, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Closure, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, fishing, Local politics, New Photos, permanent, planning, Pool Road, Redevelopment, Reservoir, Road Traffic Regulation, roadblock, Silly, Site Notice, Staffordshire, Vandalism, Wildlife
7 Comments
Filling a hole
The saga of road repairs and drains rumbles on. Reader Warren Parry, who wrote to Steve Sharma following my last post, had a rather interesting response, which Warren was kind enough to post in the comments to my last post. … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Anchor Bridge, bad drainage, bad drains, blocked drains, Brownhills, Cycle rides, cycling, flood, Glyn Oliver, Gully, Gully cleaning, Knaves Court, Lichfield Sreet, Local politics, New Photos, New ring road, potholes, Press Office, Reservoir, road maintenance, Sandhills, Shire Oak, Silly, standing water, Steve Sharma, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Warren Parry
4 Comments
Without due care and attention
Readers will no doubt be aware of my recent posts here about the state of the roads locally. Of prime concern has been the flooding at Anchor Bridge in Brownhills, but also the condition of storm drains and potholes generally. … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Anchor Bridge, bad drainage, bad drains, blocked drains, Brownhills, Cycle rides, cycling, flood, Glyn Oliver, Gully, Gully cleaning, Knaves Court, Lichfield Sreet, Local politics, New Photos, New ring road, potholes, Press Office, Reservoir, road maintenance, Sandhills, Shire Oak, Silly, standing water, Steve Sharma, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
14 Comments
Anchor Bridge flooding – some action at last?
It seems that after a very long time, someone is finally looking into the question of flooding that takes place in the High Street/Chester Road, just opposite Knaves Court in Brownhills. You’ll recall that over the course of a few … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Anchor Bridge, bad drainage, bad drains, blocked drains, Brownhills, CCTV, Cheap tat, Councillor, Cycle rides, cycling, David Evans, Drain Survey, flood, Knaves Court, Local politics, New Photos, potholes, road maintenance, Silly, standing water, Stephen Wade, Streetpride, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
2 Comments
Evil scum
I see from an article on the Express & Star website that a cycle charity in Wolverhampton. The Bike Shed, based at Bradmore Recreation Ground, had their premises broken into and five bikes and workshop tools stolen some time last … Continue reading
Posted in cycling, Environment, Events, Express & Star, It makes me mad!, Local Blogs, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged break in, Burglary, charity, crime, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Express & Star, Facebook, local blogs, stolen bikes, The Bike Shed, Twitter, Vandalism
6 Comments
Chasewater: The whining continues
I note from local news services including Licfield Live, the Express and Star and local free sheets that local councillors in Chasewtown and Burntwood are still attempting to make lame political points out of the closure of the dam road … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Express & Star, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Wildlife
Tagged anglers, Anglesey Basin, angling, Brownhills, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Closure, Cycle rides, cycling, Eric Drinkwater, Express & Star, fishing, Local politics, permanent, planning, Pool Road, Redevelopment, Reservoir, roadblock, Silly, Staffordshire, Vandalism, Wildlife
14 Comments
A request from Aiden MacHaffie
You’ll no doubt remember the story of Aiden MacHaffie, the unfortunate cyclist and parter of fellow blogger Linda Mason. Aiden, you’ll recall, had a nasty accident in Birmingham which wasn’t his fault. Aiden and Linda were thoroughly let down by … Continue reading
Posted in cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged Accident, Aiden McHaffie, cycle safety, cyclesafe, cycling, Facebook, Getting there, injustice, Linda Mason, local blogs, MP, police attendance, police failure, Radio WM, road safety, Silly, Twitter, West Midlands Police
1 Comment
Caldmore chameleon
It all went horribly wrong yesterday. Really, terribly awry. Bugger it. This should be a review and pictures of the Caldmore village Festival and the Road Rail steam event at Chasewater Railway. Neither went to plan. After plugging both events … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local music, News, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Anna Rogozińska, bikes, Brownhills, Caldmore Village Festival, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Railway, CVF, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Imran Azam, local blogs, Local politics, New Photos, Reservoir, Road Rail, Silly, Social media, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
7 Comments
Keep your eye out, folks. Lost GPS at Chasewater…
This is just a heads-up for people using Chasewater. Reader, Panoramio old-timer and good friend of the blog Facade66 has lost his GPS unit from his bike handlebars his bike at Chasewater this morning. Hi Bob, I went to examine … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Local Blogs, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Brownhills, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Cycle rides, cycling, Etrex, Events, facade66, GPS, local blogs, Lost, New Photos, Panoramio, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Wildlife
1 Comment
Road to nowhere
In a week when our local rag is trying to convince us that it’s still indispensable and the most trusted source for news in the area, this fine example of the local newshound’s art caught my eye. Yet again, the … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Express & Star, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Closure, Cycle rides, cycling, Eric Drinkwater, Express & Star, GR Thompson, Local politics, permanent, planning, Pool Road, Redevelopment, Reservoir, Silly, Staffordshire, Vandalism, Wildlife
1 Comment
Shire Oak to Chasewater in 4 minutes 27 seconds
Former Brownhills resident Porktora, now living in San Antonio, Texas where he works as a graphics designer, sometimes misses his hometown. Last weekend, when I posted some ride video, he commented how good it was to see the short canal … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Just plain daft, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Anglesey Branch, bike cam, Brownhills, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Cycle rides, cycling, PorkTorta, Reservoir, Ride cam, Sandhills, Shire Oak, Silly, Staffordshire, Twitter, Walsall Wood
8 Comments
Resolution for Aiden
I’m pleased to say that the sad case of Aiden McHaffie, covered here several times, seems to have reached a satisfactory resolution with apologies and other remedial action from West Midlands Police. Aiden himself wrote about it on his blog last … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Accident, Adrian Goldberg, Aiden McHaffie, cycle safety, cyclesafe, cycling, Facebook, injustice, Linda Mason, local blogs, Marcus Beale, police failure, Radio WM, Shaun Russell, Shuan Russell, Silly, The YamYam, Twitter, West Midlands Ambulance Service, West Midlands Police, WMAS
5 Comments
Velvet green
Although it’s been quite windy and cool of late, there have been some lovely, sunny days. On both Saturday and Sunday last, I managed to get in some excellent bike rides in around south Staffordshire. As usual, the GoPro camera … Continue reading
Plover drive
This is an important request from Graham Evans and Chasewater Wildlife Group. Conservationists and birders are very concerned at the moment about the safety of a delicate little ground-nesting bird that’s taken residence at Chasewater. Little Ringed Plovers are quite … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Local Blogs, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged birding, birs, Brownhills, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Cycle rides, cycling, Graham Evans, Little Ringed Plover, local blogs, rare birds, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Vandalism, Warning Signs, Wildlife
3 Comments
Still no justice from Aiden: Protect your arse and serve nobody
I note with some concern that fellow cyclists Aiden Mchaffee and Linda Mason are still struggling to get any action out of West Midlands Police following Aiden’s dreadful accident in Birmingham last March. Aiden has been regularly blogging events, and regular … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged Accident, Adrian Goldberg, Aiden McHaffie, cycle safety, cyclesafe, cycling, Facebook, injustice, Linda Mason, local blogs, Marcus Beale, police failure, Radio WM, Shaun Russell, Shuan Russell, Silly, The YamYam, Twitter, West Midlands Ambulance Service, West Midlands Police, WMAS
7 Comments
The joy of cycling
Hi folks, sorry, Ive been a bit busy this week, but I’d really laughed when I saw this poster. It’s been circulating on a few cycling blogs and social media. I think it’s excellent. Sadly, it was never used by … Continue reading
Posted in cycling, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, News, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged Airside, Cycle rides, cycling, Jamie Wieck, mayor of London, Momentum Mag, New Photos, poster, Silly, Social media, TFL, The Joy of Cycling, The Joy of Sex, Transport for London
Leave a comment
Some days catch the light like diamonds
It’s been an odd spring. After the warmth and almost summer-like weather of March, April was a cool, wet disappointment. Spring has sneaked in under the wire, everything gently inching ahead, afraid to make itself noticed. Nature is holding it’s … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Cannock Chase, Chasewater, Churches, cycling, Environment, Events, Features, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Shared media, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Canal, Castle Ring, Chase Teraace, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater Railway, Cycle rides, cycling, Deer, Engine, Fallow, Hayfield Hill, Locomotive, Longdon, New Photos, Oilseed Rape, Panoramio, Penkridge Bank, Ramsons, Rifle Range Corner, Rugeley, Rugeley Power Station, Sailing, Staffordshire, Stonywell, Tadpoles, Trent Aqueduct, Wild Garlic, Wildlife
9 Comments
And here is the moos…
The cattle at Chasewater, introduced to manage the north heath, are great. They are really beginning to feel at home now, including harassing cyclists. This one attempted to eat my tyre and disc brake. Nothing to do but wait until … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Just plain daft, Local media, News, Shared media, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Chasewater, Chasewater Wildlife Group, cows, Cycle rides, cycling, north heath, Reservoir, Silly, Staffordshire, Wildlife
1 Comment
Clear waters rising
The water level at Chasewater – as well as other questions – continues to fascinate. It seems I’m not the only one gazing on the waterfront – there’s another contender, top reader Andy Dennis. Following my musings last weekend on … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged Andy Dennis, bad weather, Boat, Brownhills, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Cycle rides, cycling, deluge, drought, Lichfield District Council, New Photos, Rain, refill, refilled, Reservoir, Silly, Staffordshire, storm, Twitter, water shortage, Wildlife
3 Comments
Street life
It seems difficulties with roads, drains and the like have come to the fore lately. From the atrocious situation at Anchor Bridge, in Brownhills, where the new, flagship development of Knaves Court is regularly bathed in mud and slurry, to … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Anchor Bridge, bad drainage, bad drains, blocked drains, Brownhills, Cycle rides, cycling, David Evans, flood, Knaves Court, Lichfield Sreet, Local politics, New Photos, New ring road, potholes, Reservoir, road maintenance, Sandhills, Shire Oak, Silly, standing water, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
5 Comments
Where have all the flowers gone?
I know i’ve covered this on my 365daysofbiking Tumblr journal, but this issue deserves as wide an audience as possible. On my way through Shelfield this morning, I noticed that Walsall Council had been mowing the grass verges along the … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, cycling, Environment, Events, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, News, Shared media, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Wildlife
Tagged blind, Cycle rides, cycling, daffodils, destroyed, grass cut, greepspace, Mow, mown, New Photos, Panoramio, Shelfield, Silly, Vandalism, verge, Walsall, Walsall Council, Wildlife
11 Comments
Rain dances
This evening, like yesterday evening, I visited Chasewater. The day’s rain had ceased. I noted yesterday on my 365daysofbiking journal that I think the water level has increased about 500mm in the last week, and I was interested to see … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Express & Star, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Wildlife
Tagged bad weather, Brownhills, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Cycle rides, cycling, deluge, drought, Express & Star, New Photos, Peter Rhodes, Rain, refill, refilled, Reservoir, Silly, Staffordshire, storm, Twitter, water shortage, Wildlife
14 Comments
Come on in, the water’s lovely. Not.
I just thought I’d drag the issue of the standing water at Anchor Bridge, and Walsall Council’s response to it, into the light again. Following last week’s post on the subject, council officer Glyn Oliver replied to my concerns here … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media
Tagged Anchor Bridge, bad drainage, bad drains, blocked drains, Brownhills, Cheap tat, Cycle rides, cycling, David Evans, flood, Glyn Oliver, Knaves Court, Local politics, New Photos, potholes, Reservoir, road maintenance, Silly, standing water, Steve Sharma, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
9 Comments
Cycling safety: Justice for Aiden, plus Linda on Radio WM
Just a quick note to point out that Aiden McHaffie, the keen cyclist currently nursing a broken wing after being involved in an accident in Birmingham, seems to be receiving some justice at last. On Monday, I offered my opinion … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged Accident, Adrian Goldberg, Aiden McHaffie, cycle safety, cyclesafe, cycling, Facebook, injustice, Linda Mason, local blogs, Marcus Beale, police failure, Radio WM, Shaun Russell, Silly, The Plastic Hippo, The YamYam, Twitter, West Midlands Police
9 Comments
Are they listening?
I note with interest that someone appears to be listening down at Chasewater. Earlier in the month, I complained about the new anti-vehicle barrier erected on the dam road to prevent cars pulling down into the canal basin and Nine-Foot … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Cycle rides, cycling, New Photos, Redevelopment, Reservoir, Silly, Staffordshire
5 Comments
Under mined
Yesterday, in a post relating some recollections of the Chasewater modern overflow culvert, an anonymous correspondent suggested that the new system had been constructed in response to a serious subsidence issue near Anchor Bridge. In that post, I rather cheekily … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged Anchor Bridge, Anglesey Branch, Brawns Wood, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Brownhills Past, Canal, canal breach, Canal Leak, canal repair, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater history, Chasewater Wildlife Group, culvert, Cycle rides, cycling, David Hodgkinson, Lane's Farm, local blogs, Local History, Milfield School, New Photos, Old maps, Repair, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Subsidence
14 Comments
Don’t tell me mum!
In response to my drain adventure at Chasewater on Sunday, I had a very interesting email yesterday… Hi Bob Might be best if you don’t mention my name, my mom might be reading… 🙂 When I was a young bad … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged Anchor Bridge, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Brownhills Past, Canal, Canal Leak, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater history, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Cycle rides, cycling, Dave Fellows, David Hodgkinson, Graham Evans, Lane's Farm, local blogs, Local History, nine foot, Repair, Reservoir, Staffordshire, steam engine, Steam pump
3 Comments
Splashing out
On February 5th 2012, I posted about the awful state of drainage on the High Street/Chester Road near Knaves Court in Brownhills. It only takes a small amount of rain for huge pools of standing water to develop just by … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Anchor Bridge, bad drainage, bad drains, blocked drains, Brownhills, Cheap tat, Cycle rides, cycling, David Evans, flood, Glyn Oliver, Knaves Court, Local politics, New Photos, potholes, Reservoir, road maintenance, Silly, standing water, Steve Sharma, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
14 Comments
Culvert investigations
Before I start, I’d like to point out that this investigation was conducted by two people – myself and [Howmuch?]. We are both sensible (well, usually) adults and have experience of, and training for, confined spaces. Entering such environments – … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Reader enquiries, Shared memories, Social Media, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Brownhills Past, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater history, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Cycle rides, cycling, Dave Fellows, Graham Evans, local blogs, Local History, nine foot, Reservoir, Staffordshire, steam engine, Steam pump, Wildlife
25 Comments
On the ‘Shawe
Since there’s been so much interest in the Aldershawe Estate, sate high on Harehurst Hill overlooking Lichfield, I thought I’d try and get some pictures of the place yesterday. It’s been part of my cycling world for years, but until … Continue reading
Posted in Churches, cycling, Environment, Features, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged Aldershaw, Aldershawe, big house, Bill Tandy, Craft Village, Cycle rides, cycling, estate, Harehurst Hill, Harrison, Lichfield, Lichfield Mercury, livery, Local History, Loge, New Photos, Panoramio, Redevelopment, software, stables, Staffordshire, Tamworth Herald, Wall
12 Comments
Chasewater: The Good, the bad, and the frankly insane
Hang out the flags, deck the halls, light the beacons. Those damn works are complete, and the contractors appointed to upgrade the dam at Chasewater have left the building, and everything has now returned to normal. Normal, that is, apart … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, Shared media, Social Media, Wildlife
Tagged Access, Bad maintenance, Brownhills, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Cheap tat, Cycle rides, Cycle trail, cycling, Dam works, Galliford Try, John Smith, local blogs, Local politics, Neil Turner, New Photos, planning, Reservoir, Silly, Staffordshire, Wildlife
6 Comments
Lester Cycles and Motorcycles, Lichfield, 1901.
I love this advert sent by ace paper sleuth Pete Cutler. That’s a cracking bike – state of the art. Freewheel, back wheel leather strap hub-brake, achieved by rear pedal-engaged dog mechanism. Brooks saddle and toolbar, no doubt. This clearly … Continue reading
Posted in cycling, Features, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media
Tagged Aerial, Cycle rides, Cycles, cycling, Humber, Lester, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, motorcycles, old adverts, old newspapers, Pedro Cutler, Pete Cutler, Raleigh, Rover, Rudge Whitworth, Singer, Staffordshire, Tamworth Street
5 Comments
Up hill and down dale
There have been some requests recently for more of my cycling videos. I’m not quite sure why folks seem to like them so much, but there’s definitely an interest in the places I ride. So this year, I thought I’d … Continue reading
Posted in cycling, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, News, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Wildlife
Tagged A6, bike cam, Chee Dale, Cromford, Cycle rides, cycling, Derby, Derbyshire, Five Wells, Gotham, High Peak trail, Minnninglow, Monsall Trail, Peak District, Penine Bridleway, ride report, Tissington Trail, Topley Pike, Wye Dale
4 Comments
Happening now – Chasewater Railway spring gala!
Bit late, I know, but it’s a nice day, and the Chasewater Railway Spring Gala is happening all weekend. Headsup to the wonderful Chasewaterstuff, quietly plugging away for Brownhill’s best kept secret. Don’t forget that for the less railway-focussed members … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged 2012, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chasewater, Chasewater Railway, Chasewaterstuff, Cycle rides, cycling, John Daft, local blogs, Local History, Locomotive, Reservoir, Spring Gala, Staffordshire, STeam, steam engine, Things to do
Leave a comment
Rush hour on the Birmingham & Fazeley
I was going to post this on my 365daysofbiking Tumblr journal, but I posted plenty for yesterday’s Birmingham canal ride already. Way back last August, I posted a video of a journey from Old Turn Junction (by the ICC) to … Continue reading
Local cycling charity seeks sponsorship
I’d like to draw reader’s attention to the a very worthwhile event. The following article was written by wonderful fellow local blogger Stuart ‘The Edditer’ Williams, of The Bloxwich Telegraph, and I think it deserves wider exposure. It’s a great cause, … Continue reading
Posted in cycling, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged charity, Cycle 4 charity, Cycle rides, cycling, Diabetes UK, Four Ashes, Graham Cornfield, i-tms, local blogs, Shropshire, Social media, sponsorship, The Wrekin, Twitter
1 Comment
Chasewater dam: a look around the remaining works
I’ve been trying to post this all week, but haven’t had the time up until now. Last Sunday (26th February, 2012), I visited Chasewater, and to my surprise, the security fence around the remaining dam works site, surrounding the Pool … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, planning, Shared media, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Cycle rides, cycling, Dam works, dredging, Local politics, New Photos, nine foot, Panoramio, planning, Ravens Court, Redevelopment, Spillway, Staffordshire, Wildlife
1 Comment
Hurry on sundown
I noted a couple of weeks ago on my #365daysofbiking Tumblr journal that this was the time of year to expect great sunsets. There have been some wonderful ones of late, but yesterday’s was spectacular, and by a twist of … Continue reading
Posted in cycling, Environment, Events, Features, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Shared media, Wildlife
Tagged #365daysofbiking, Aldershawe, Cycle rides, cycling, landscape, Lichfield, New Photos, Panoramio, photos, Staffordshire, Sundown, Sunset, sunset pictures, Wall, Wildlife
4 Comments
Nothing concrete…
Chasewater Wildlife Group and it’s leading light, Graham Evans, have recently posted a brilliant piece on their news page. I was aware last week of the publicity binge Staffordshire and Lichfield Councils were undertaking on the subject of Chasewater, and … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater Dam Blog, Chasewater Wildlife Group, concrete, Cycle rides, cycling, Graham Evans, local blogs, Local politics, Reservoir, Silly, Staffordshire, Wildlife
3 Comments
Spring. There’s certainly something in the air.
Today, I set our for a short ride in the snow at 10:30am. Just a potter, things to do, you know how it is. I came back at 6pm. A nice 55 mile run through a chilly,lightly snow-dusted but sunny … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, cycling, Environment, Events, Features, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Shared media, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Bullmoor Lane, bunker, Canal, Church, Croxall, Croxall Hall, Cycle rides, cycling, Harlaston, Local History, Lower Stonnall, New Photos, Packington Moor, Panoramio, Potato Beds, ROC post, Smiths Mill, Staffordshire, Stonnall, Sunset, Wildlife
7 Comments
The tools for the job
Hi folks. Sorry it’s a bit scattergun this week, I’m very busy at work and fitting everything in is a challenge. I thought it was about time to feature another excellent piece from top contributor David Evans, this time about … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Features, Followups, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Panoramio photo discussions, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged agriculture, allotments, Apple pie, Apples, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Cycle rides, cycling, David Evans, grow your own, Hilton, Jinny, local blogs, Local History, Market, Pubs, Springhill, Staffordshire, Stonnal, Stonnall, Summerhill, Walsall Wood
3 Comments
Anyone for a shower?
Today, whilst taking a spin around Brownhills to get some shopping in, I was reminded of a niggling, but serious problem in Brownhills High Street that has been ongoing for years. I personally have complained to Walsall Council, to no … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Anchor Bridge, bad drainage, bad drains, blocked drains, Brownhills, Cheap tat, Cycle rides, cycling, David Evans, flood, Knaves Court, Local politics, New Photos, potholes, Reservoir, road maintenance, Silly, standing water, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
11 Comments
Driven like the snow
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 … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Cannock Chase, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Features, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Shared media, Wildlife
Tagged Bleak House, Brownhills, Brownhills common, Cannock Chase, Cannock Road, Chasewater, Cuckoo Bank, Cycle rides, cycling, Hednesford Hills, herd, Hind, New Photos, Night photography, Panoramio, Parrs Warren, Pubs, Red deer, Rifle Range Corner, Snow, Staffordshire, Stag, Winter, Wolseley Arms, Wolseley Bridge
1 Comment
What the hell?
Scenes from a cycling life, part 937b. I feature this here because it’s still making me scratch my head. Friday, 27th January 2012. Spring Cottage junction in Shelfield. I’m turning right, and the wagon coming the other way is turning … Continue reading
Posted in cycling, Environment, Events, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, News, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community
Tagged bad cycling, bad driving, bike cam, Cycle rides, cycling, Daft, HGV, Lorry, Shelfield, Silly, sSpring Cottage, Walsall
11 Comments
The chain gang
Here’s a great bit of cycling ephemera from David Evans. Lord knows where he found it, but I so love this. A brief history of Villiers, a true Wolverhampton engineering success story, who were associated with Sunbeam bicycles can be … Continue reading
Please take care when pulling out, eh?
Thought I’d share this one – not as dangerous as it looks, but an act of remarkable stupidity. The Station Street/Walsall Road Junction, on the Darlaston/Pleck Border at James Bridge, 5:45pm, Tuesday 10th January 2011. I had suspected the driver … Continue reading
Posted in cycling, Environment, Events, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, News, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community
Tagged bad driving, bike cam, Cycle rides, cycling, Darlaston, Near miss, Pleck, Silly, video, Walsall, Youtube
5 Comments
RSS - Posts
