29/04/2024
I've been cycling & MTB for a number of years now and I love it, be it Bike touring, BikePark Wales or going out on a Sunday for a 30-40 mile Mindfulness ride.
If you love cycling then yesterday's ride was a complete different adventure and here's why:
We parked up in Leasowes Park, Halesowen and crossed over by the side of B&Q and followed the canal to Bumble Hole, this route for a start is filled with history and there is lots to see & read on route. Then you have a choice whether to follow the canal to Merryhill and Stourbridge or turn on to the Birmingham mainline canal, we chose this route.
This brought us to the Netherton Tunnel, one 2768 metres of it in sheer darkness. Fortunately there is handrails all along the toe path, what's incredible is there is no lights what so ever but there are 5 huge funnels which periodically let in some daylight. Trying to Cycle through puddles and in darkness is one of the most disorienting, crazy and fun things I've done on my bike so far and I've tried lots.
This might not sound a big deal, I'd just say give it a try, it's spooky and awesome in equal measures. I CHALLENGE YOU TO DO IT!!!
The rest of the route into Birmingham was equally fascinating passing the Gatton pump house museum and also cycling under the huge motorway infrastructure, it blows your mind the sheer scale of it.
Finally we reached Brindley place in Town for a rewarding cuppa then we took the road way back passing through bearwood and on to Quinton. Approx 35 miles in total.
Ps, excellent for hikers to who want to walk though Netherton tunnel. TRY IT IF YOU DARE!🤣👍🚴♀️🚴♂️