M and S, Moseley

A familiar destination, with some less familiar twists and turns on the way.  Alan led 23 riders to M and S in Moseley via an interesting route which included parts of Balsall Heath, Moseley and Kings Heath.

A beautiful late summer day.

The route is here.

Morso café, Alvechurch

Richard led a group of six on an enjoyable and scenic ride in early autumn sunshine to Morso café in Alvechurch.

The route is here.

Woodgate Valley

The destination was familiar, but the route (which is here) was carefully planned by Steve to take the group of 17 on interesting new paths and diversions, notably getting to the Bournbrook walkway on the way out and through Bartley Green, Kitwell and new estates in Northfield on the way back.

The forecast was for rain at lunchtime, which turned out to be a bit hopeful.  Rain started before the coffee stop and continued steadily, though not too heavily, for the rest of the ride.

Two Mugs café, Shirley

Richard led a group of five on an enjoyable ride to a café in Shirley which opened earlier in the summer.  

The route is here. 

Alvechurch fisheries

Richard led 17 riders to Alvechurch fisheries, who did well to cope with unexpected arrivals. 

Thanks to Mark for fixing Margaret's puncture at the top of Cofton Hill, and thanks to Richard for mapping the route, which is here.

Castle Bromwich gardens

Steve led a group of seven on an enjoyable extra mid-week ride to Castle Bromwich gardens.  As a result of his excellent local knowledge and planning, most of the route was off road, including towpaths, paths through the many green spaces and parks around that side of Birmingham, and occasionally alongside roads.  

We had a coffee break at BTP in Solihull and lunch at Castle Bromwich gardens, where you can get into the cafe without having to pay for entry to the gardens.  The gardens look well worth a visit, though. 

Weather bright and sunny in the morning, more cloudy and breezy on the return.  

The route is here.

The Potting Shed, Lydiate Ash

Richard led six riders to the Potting Shed at Lydiate Ash on a cloudy but warm morning.  We managed to have our coffee sitting outside.  

The route is here

Costa Coffee, city centre

Ten riders weren't put off by rain, which lasted until we were on our way home.  Steve led the ride to Costa Coffee in the city centre.

The route is here.

Thanks to John T for photos.

M and S, Moseley

Four riders.  Nice warm morning.  

The route is here.

Two rides today

A lovely late summer day.

(i)  Eleven riders on a longer ride to Cobbles café at Knowle parish church, for excellent cheap coffee and cakes, and a view of the arrival of guests and the bride for a wedding.

The route is here.  On the return, we decided against Wast Hills Lane (steep but quiet) in favour of Redhill Road (easier but a lot of traffic). 

(ii)  John B led the regular ride - eight riders to Harborne.