13th March 2013 Coventry Canal

Let's try something different today. Checking out the local maps, driving into Coventry and using the canal there seems a reasonable idea. Lets go.

Coventry Canal Basin

Drove into Coventry and parked the car at the Memorial Park, Park and Ride, on the south side of the city. Unloaded the bike and rode into the city centre picking up the canal at the start of the Coventry Canal.  This is not far from the city centre and heads north from the city towards Nuneaton with a junction leading off to Rugby.

James Brindley

In the canal basin itself is a statue of James Brindley (1716 - 1772). Born in Derbyshire, he lived most of his life in Leek and he was one of the notable engineers of the 18th century, helping to fuel the industrial revolution. He specialised in building canals and the Coventry Canal was one of his projects. He believed in following the contours of the land rather than dig cuttings and tunnels. It made the journeys longer but helped me today. It was totally flat from the start of the canal to the point I turned round near Bedworth. Good old James.

The statue shows him working at his desk. 

Jimmy Hill

Jimmy Hill was the manager of Coventry City FC in the early 60s and did wonders for the club. Don't think he would be too happy with them at the moment. He was also very prominent as a TV pundit and as the spokeperson for the Professional Footballers Association, he did a lot for players terms and conditions. He wasn't a bad footballer either, despite his big chin. This statue is outside the Ricoh Stadium, Coventry FC home ground. It was just a short detour from the canal to get this picture.

 Stone sofa

In contrast to the previous two statues, this one is rather different. It is a sofa, made of concrete.  After 15 miles in the saddle I did not feel like trying it out. Heading north out of Coventry towards Nuneaton, it does become very rural.

The plan today was to get to Nuneaton. Once the city was left behind, north of Hawkesworth Junction, the towpath became very muddy and with so many twigs etc about, I thought it prudent to turn back. A good 19 miles today though, nice and sunny, and not as cold as it has been. Come the summer, I will get to Nuneaton.