#brocton

[unteriors]

E Main Street, Brocton, New York.

[travelbinge]

By William Hook

Brocton, Staffordshire, England

[impdidnothingwrong]

Vista singing "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables" because she's the last of the BB wards

[brownhillsbob]

#365daysofbiking The night comes in:

September 8th - Time at last for a ride out on a very pleasant, but distinctly autumnal Sunday afternoon. I headed for the Chase and Brocton Field, descending into Sherbrook Valley, then over to Milford for the restorative power of a Wimpy burger and chips.

On a whim, instead of heading back to Rugeley, I chose to return across the Chase up Abraham’s Valley and over the old ranges, and back through Hednesford in the gathering night.

The forest was as splendid as it always is is, and far less lonely than one would expect, with the sounds of deer, owls and other creatures scuttling around, it’s really quite busy.

A lovely ride reminding me that the nights really are closing in fast now.

This journal is moving home. Find out more by clicking here.

[unteriors]

S Howard Avenue, Brocton, Illinois.

[impdidnothingwrong]

Armsmaster shows up

"I don't like this bitch. He's no Allmight!"

[brownhillsbob]

#365daysofbiking Finding what’s important:

October 28th - I was lost. The week had been stressful, Saturday had been a disaster in many ways and I felt beaten, down and hopeless.

I did what I always do at times like this - wrapped up warm, got on my bike and hit Cannock Chase.

I found rutting deer at Brocton Field; marvelled at the sunset over Sherbrook Valley, laughed at a retriever playing fetch in the water at Stepping Stones. I raced down to Seven Springs, listened to owls calling in Abrahams Valley and rode the night forest braking sharply for foxes at Brindles Heath.

Some days. the forest is all you really need, and it does just what you require. 

[brownhillsbob]

November 12th - A stunning day on Cannock Chase, probably the best I’ve had in years, just going to show that you never know what tomorrow will bring. I felt well, happy and energetic.

Following my annual attendance of the Remembrance Sunday service in South Staffordshire, feeling the sombre nature of the day, I did what I always do when feeling sad: Headed for air and open space. Entering the Chase at Castle Ring, then over to Stonepit Green, Wandon, Rainbow Hill, Slitting Mill, Birches Valley, Penkridge Bank, Marquis Drive, Brocton Field, Freda’s Grave, Sherbrook Valley, Pepper Slade, Wolseley Plain, Abraham’s Valley on the finest, brightest autumn day I’ve had for years.

I saw a fallow deer rut. I saw beauty, felt the cold air in my lungs, climbed hills and cruised trails, took in views. I felt alive again.

All topped out with a spectacular sunset.

This is why I ride a bike.