Costa Coffee, city centre

A group of four set out in cold and windy conditions to the ICC in Birmingham.  The route took us through Bournville, the University grounds, Edgbaston reservoir and finally to Costa Coffee at the ICC via the Winson Green canal loop. 

The return was easier with the wind behind us and followed the Birmingham and Worcester Canal, bypassing the towpath works at Egbaston Tunnel by using Wheeleys and Carpenter Roads.

The route is here.

Cannon Hill Park

Fourteen riders turned out on a cold and wet morning.  John P led the ride to Cannon Hill park, our usual destination in miserable weather.

The route is here.

Latif's, Digbeth

Thanks to Richard for leading the ride and for sending this report and a map of the route.

Five riders followed the Stratford Canal and Cole Valley route to Ackers Trust.  From there we picked up the Grand Union Canal into Birmingham.

After coffee at Latifs, we returned through Digbeth and then on to the Rea Valley route.  Few climbs on this ride, so a good 'longer ride' for those who want to push their time on the bike.

The route is here.

Arrow Valley park, Redditch

Thanks to Richard for leading the ride and for sending this report and map of the route.

Only four riders for the first of the Sunday rides this year, which was rather disappointing.

From Rowheath the route took us to Wast Hills via West Heath Park.  From there we took the scenic roads to Alvechurch and then on to Arrow Valley Park in Redditch.  After coffee we returned via Icknield Street and on to Kings Norton.

With the rain threatening we managed to return well ahead of schedule.

The route is here.

Lizzie's farm, Lydiate Ash

Thanks to Richard for leading the ride and sending the map of the route and this report.

The group started off from Rowheath in pleasant sunshine, which was a change from previous Saturday rides.

The route took us through Longbridge and Frankley and skirted Waseley Hills.  After the steep descent to Lizzie's Farm, we were able to sit outside and have our coffee. 

After viewing the new born lambs, we returned via Rubery.

Thanks to Barbara for photos.

The route is here.

Alvechurch

Richard led a group of eight on an enjoyable ride to Morso café in Alvechurch.  Having found Icknield Street rough, muddy and hilly on the way out, we took an easier route on the way back, which included stretches of the canal.

The route is here.  

M and S, Moseley

Fifteen riders led by Alan to M and S, Moseley.  An interesting and enjoyable route, parts of which (notably Dawberry Fields park) were new to many of us.  

A lovely warm and sunny day.

The route is here.  

Tardebigge

Six riders led by John P to Tardebigge Court café.

The route is here.

Two rides today

(i) Wedge's Bakery, nr Hockley Heath

Early rain didn't put off ten people, including three new riders, who turned up for the first longer ride of the year, led by John T and Alan.  A successful outing, with no problems, made more enjoyable by a steady improvement in the weather during the morning.  The route is here.

(ii)  Costa Coffee, city centre

Five riders joined the regular ride to Costa Coffee, also rewarded by a dry ride after an unpromising start.

The route is here.

BOURNVILLE GENTLE CYCLING GROUP       2018 LONGER RDES


DATE START DAY       DESTINATION               LEADER             DISTANCE

Apr-07 9.30am SATURDAY EARLSWOOD                               JOHN P                     23

Apr-22 9.30am SUNDAY ARROW VALLEY                          RICHARD A                30

May-05 9.30am SATURDAY LIVERAGE HILL                           HILARY                  30

May-20 9.30am SUNDAY DITCHFORD BANK                              TBA                      30

Jun-02 9.30am SATURDAY ARROW VALLEY                             JOHN T                  30

Jun-17 9.30am SUNDAY KINGSBURY WATER PARk                  NICK                     40

Jul-07 9.30am SATURDAY TEME LOOP  VALLEY                       STEVE                  30

Jul-22 9.30am SUNDAY SUTTON PARK - AROUND BHAM       JOHN T                 45

Aug-04 9.30am SATURDAY UMDERSLADE PARK                      LYNNE                  28

Aug-19 9.30am SUNDAY TO BE DECIDED TBA                     35

Sep-01 9.30am SATURDAY KNOWLE                                              SUE                      28

Sep-16 9.30am SUNDAY TO BE DECIDED                                       TBA                      35