Costa Coffee, city centre

The day after torrential rain and flash flooding across the city, John P led a group of seven to the city centre.  There was a deep puddle on the Harborne walkway (see Jane T's photo below) and flattened vegetation along the banks of the River Rea where the water had risen, but you would never have known that Bristol Road had been under several feet of water only a matter of hours before.

The route is here.

M and S, Longbridge

A damp start to the day, but no rain during the ride, and warm sunshine after we got home.  Fifteen riders led by Richard via an interesting route to M and S at Longbridge.

The route is here.

Alvechurch

Another fine day, so a good opportunity to explore towpaths and off road routes which would be difficult, or even impassable, in winter.  Richard led a group of eight to Morso café in Alvechurch.    

The route is here.

Waseley Hills country park

John P led a group of 21 to Waseley Hills on a beautiful early summer day.  

The route is here.   

Earlswood garden centre

Richard led a group of eight to Earlswood garden centre via the towpath of the Stratford canal.  It's a lovely ride, but a long stretch of the path is unpaved and rough, and even after a long dry spell there were a few muddy patches, so not recommended for winter riding.  Today the weather was perfect, with warm sun and blue skies - and we saw newly hatched ducklings on the water.

The route is here.

Costa Coffee, city centre

Nineteen riders led by John B on an interesting route via twists and turns through Edgbaston and over Hagley Road to Costa Coffee in the city centre.  The return trip took in more bits of Edgbaston and the university, joining the canal at University Station.  

The part of the towpath currently closed for improvements at the tunnel is due to reopen at the end of May.

Weather cool and cloudy.

The route is here.

Waseley Hills country park

On a glorious warm and sunny day (possibly, we're told, the hottest early spring bank holiday on record), Richard led a group of eight to Waseley Hills country park.

The route is here.

Two rides today

1.  Liveridge Hill café

The longer ride started at 9.30 and saw nine riders led by Hilary to Liveridge Hill café near Henley-in-Arden. 

The route is here.

2.  Woodgate Valley Country Park

At last a hot sunny day after months of cold wet weather saw 18 riders led by John P. leave at 10.00 to try the Woodgate Valley route for the first time this year.  We were very surprised and pleased to find the new tarmac path is now complete, although there is still more work to do. 

The route is here.