Burcot garden centre

We found the café at Ditchford Bank closed and went instead to Burcot garden centre, making a slightly longer ride than our usual Monday outings.

Cool and dull for most of the ride, then bright sunshine and blue sky as we arrived home.

Six riders.

The route is here.

Sainsbury's, Maypole

Thirteen riders out on a mild dry day.  Still a lot of mud, puddles and matted leaves from recent heavy rain, especially in the lanes. 

The route is here.

Waseley Country Park

15 set out from Rowheath on a cold but dry morning although roads and paths were very wet.  One went home before we got to Waseley and unfortunately Alan found he had a puncture when we were leaving the café.  Café very busy as Father Christmas had arrived.  The route is here

Jewellery Quarter

For once, no rain.  A calm dry morning for a ride to the Jewellery Quarter via the canal and Harborne Walkway.  A nifty diversion was needed via Gillhurst Road to avoid the bridge at the start of walkway which is closed for repairs.

Eight riders.

The route is here.

Earlswood garden centre

A bright, dry, windy day.  Six riders, led by John P, to Earlswood garden centre.   

The route is here.

All Saints church centre, King's Heath

A dry bright day for a mostly off-road ride to King's Heath. 

Thirteen riders.

The route is here.

Costa Coffee, city centre

An even colder start than Saturday, with a heavy frost, but today we had sun and blue sky, so a warmer and very pleasant outing.  

Five riders.

The route is here.

Costa Coffee, city centre

A bitterly cold morning, so quite a surprise that eleven riders turned up.  We took the blue route into the city centre, and negotiated a not very cycle friendly route across the city to the café.  On the return trip, Steve took us to the Harborne Walkway via a new variation on our normal route, which avoided possibly muddy paths.   

The map of the route, which usefully shows both how we got through the city centre and Steve's route on the way home, is here.

M and S, Longbridge

Surprisingly, heavy rain didn't put off the seven people who turned up this morning.  After some discussion on possible destinations (including going home), we decided on a short ride to M and S in Longbridge.  We got wet on the way there and even wetter on the way back, and then, as often happens, the rain stopped soon after we arrived home.

The route is here.

M and S, Moseley

A murky damp morning.  Slight drizzle early on, then dry, but a lot of mud and puddles, especially on the path alongside the river Cole, where there were a couple of puddles extensive enough to be described as floods.  We also had to negotiate a recently fallen tree, which involved lifting bikes over a branch which blocked the path.  

Thanks to Jane T for pics below.

The route is here.

Warley Woods

Six riders out on a cold but sunny morning.  Down the canal to University station then via Harborne and Moorpool estate to Warley woods.  Colours very good.

The route is here

Woodgate Valley

A calm dry day for a big turnout of eighteen riders.  The paths were muddy in places, and matted fallen leaves can be hazardous, but a relief to have no rain and/or strong wind.

The route is here.

The Potting Shed, Lydiate Ash

Chilly and breezy, a lot of puddles and in some places running water in the gutters, but no rain.  

Seven riders took the long way round to the Potting Shed at Lydiate Ash.

The route is here.

Two rides today

(i)  Costa Coffee, city centre

The 10 o'clock ride set off with seven riders on a cold morning going via the canal to Selly Oak shopping centre and then via the QE and Harborne Walkway to Costa.  Started raining just after 11 am. Came back via the canal admiring the lovely colours of the trees alongside the canal.  

The route is here


(ii)  Ambleside garden centre, Earlswood

Alan led a group of six on a longer ride, which was shortened in view of a forecast of rain by mid morning.  The forecast turned out to be all too accurate.  When we set off it was cold and dry, when we left the café it was cold and wet, and we had heavy rain all the way home.  

The route is here.

  

Morso café, Barnt Green

Puddles in the lanes, but a dry fine day.  We went to Alvechurch, via a hillier route than usual, to find that Morso café was closed.  The Barnt Green branch was open and busy, with only one person doing all the work, so her explanation that Alvechurch was closed because of a shortage of staff seemed convincing.

Eight riders.

The route is here.

Rained off again

This must be the first time in our history that we have been rained off for two Saturdays running.  On the plus side, people who stayed at home to watch the rugby didn't miss a ride.  Against this, unfortunately, was the result of the match.

Gorilla café, King's Heath

A chilly start to a fine autumn day.  As our intended destination, the Two Mugs café in Shirley, was closed for refurbishment we went instead to the Gorilla café in King's Heath.

Six riders, led by Richard.

The route is here.

Rained off

Five hopefuls turned up at Rowheath in very heavy rain.  With no sign of an improvement in the weather, we made a rare decision to call off the ride.

Waseley Hills country park

A calm and mild autumn day.   Five riders.

The route is here.

Sainsbury's, Maypole

A fine bright day, with warm sunshine, though wet in the lanes after recent rain. 

John P led fourteen riders to Sainsbury's at the Maypole.

The route is here.

Warley Woods golf club

John and Alan led a group of six on an interesting ride to Warley Woods, via the towpath, Harborne walkway and various residential streets of Edgbaston.  The return was more familiar - over Hagley Road, Harborne and Weoley Castle.

The route is here.

Waseley Hills country park

John P led our first ride to Waseley Hills since the café reopened under new management.   It has been redecorated and the stove, which wasn't working last winter, was belting out more heat than we needed on a fairly mild dry day.  

Nice to have Waseley Hills restored to our list of warm destinations for the winter.

Fifteen riders.

The route is here.

Many thanks to Richard O for photos. 

M and S, Longbridge

We chose a short route because we were expecting heavy rain and strong winds.  The forecast turned out to be wrong, at least for the morning, and we had a pleasant, dry outing.

Four riders.

The route is here.

Two rides today

(i)  Regular ride to Costa Coffee in the city centre

On a fine autumn day, Steven led eleven (including Dave's son, James) along the Harborne Walkway, around Edgbaston Reservoir, and through Ladywood to Costa Coffee by the NIA.   Return was on the towpath.

The route is here.


(ii)  Longer ride to Umberslade Farm Park

The last longer ride of the 2019 programme was to Umberslade Farm Park near Tanworth-in-Arden.

Seven riders. 

The route is here.

Wedge's bakery, Hockley Heath

Alan led a group of nine on an enjoyable ride to Wedge's bakery, near Hockley Heath.  We were lucky to have dry weather, after a wet weekend and with more rain forecast this week.

The route is here.

M and S, Moseley

Steve led a group of fifteen to M and S in Moseley.

Weather bright, breezy and dry.

The route is here.

Burcot garden centre

A mild dry morning for a trip to Burcot garden centre.  

Nine riders.

The route is here.

Castle Bromwich gardens

Steve led a group of seven on an enjoyable loop round the Cole Valley, with coffee at BTP in Solihull and lunch at Castle Bromwich gardens.  The route, a repeat of Steve’s ride a year ago, was mostly off-road, taking in towpaths, parks and paths, and including some good views of planes coming into land at Birmingham airport.

We were expecting bad weather, so were not surprised to be caught in heavy rain as we rode through Chelmsley Wood, which was still falling when we arrived at Castle Bromwich.  Fortunately the afternoon was dry for the ride home.

The route is here.

Woodgate Valley

A beautiful early autumn day.  John P led a group of twelve to Woodgate Valley, via a route which included the woods off Scotland Lane on the way out and a return via the canal from University station.

The route is here.

Blue route to Gas Street Basin

On a damp wet Monday morning 7 riders led by John P went to Costa @ Gas Street Basin via the new blue route along the A38 and returned via the Harborne Walkway.  Unfortunately JP slipped on a metal drain cover whilst coming off the canal and lost a bit of blood!!
The route is here

Ride to Lizzie's Farm

On a sunny morning John P led a group of 16 riders to Lizzie's Farm at Lydiate Ash. Pleasant sitting out in the Courtyard. New member Heather joined us today. 
The route is here

The Potting Shed

Early rain had stopped by the time we set off and the weather remained dry, and better than we expected, throughout the ride.

Five riders.

The route is here.

Two rides today

(i)  Longer ride to Cobbles café at the church in Knowle. 

Alan led a group of nine on an enjoyable ride to the café at Knowle church, which was as usual bustling, and where we had coffee and excellent cake for £2.

The route is here.

(ii)  Regular ride to Costa Coffee in the city centre

Richard led a select group of five to Costa Coffee, using one of our tried and trusted routes via the University, Edgbaston reservoir and the Soho Loop, returning via the most direct route, the Birmingham - Worcester canal.

The route is here.

Kanteen at the Custard Factory

An interesting circular ride led by Richard via towpaths and the Cole Valley to Kanteen café at the Custard Factory.  

A chilly autumnal start, warmer later when the sun appeared.

Eight riders.

The route is here.

Sainsbury's, Maypole

Twelve riders, led by Richard, to Sainsbury's at Maypole via a slightly different route from usual, returning via parts of our usual outward route.  

Breezy and dry going, slightly damp on the return following a shower while we were in the café. 

The route is here.

Two rides today

(i)  Studley garden centre

An enjoyable, if very hot (hottest bank holiday Monday since - who knows?), longer ride led by John P to Studley garden centre.  A replacement inner tube successfully solved the problem of a back wheel puncture on the way out.   When it deflated again on the return, it was impressively dealt with by Guy's slime sealant and Matthew's Co2 pump.

Ten riders.

The route is here.


(ii)  Warley Woods

On the shorter ride, Steven led nine riders to Warley Woods, on an increasingly hot day.  The route out was via the Harborne Walkway and Lightwoods Park, with the return including the hidden path through Harborne Golf Club, Bournbrook Walkway and Selly Oak Park.

The route is here.

Woodgate Valley

A warm and sunny start to the bank holiday weekend.  John P led a group of nineteen riders to Woodgate Valley country park.

The route is here.

Morso café, Alvechurch

Seven riders led by Richard to Morso café in Alvechurch.

One short light shower as we left Alvechurch on the return, but otherwise dry.  

The route is here.

Sandwell Valley and Sutton Park

A dry day with a blustery wind for Steve's enjoyable longer ride to Sutton Park.  We stopped for coffee at the café in Sandwell Valley and for lunch at the café near the park's Town Gate.

Eleven riders.

Thanks to Richard O for the photo.

The route is here.

M & S Moseley

On a bright but windy morning JP led a group of 10 riders to Moseley via the Stratford Canal and Cole Valley.  It clouded over and threatened rain whilst at the café which fortunately did not happen.
The route is here

Ambleside garden centre

After calling off our Saturday ride amid rain and high winds, a relief to have a pleasant day for cycling.  A cool breeze, no rain and some sun for a ride to Ambleside garden centre near Earlswood.

Ten riders.

The route is here.

Weather woes

Despite a forecast of strong winds and heavy rain, eight hopefuls turned up at Rowheath for a ride.  Unfortunately, as it turned out, the heaviest rain and strongest wind of the morning coincided with what would have been our departure time.  We decided to call off the ride, a rare event, and never before in August.  Later in the morning the weather improved significantly. 

Rafters café, Rubery

We discovered when we got there from a notice on the door that the café at Waseley closed at the end of July when the tenant left.  They hope to reopen with a new tenant in September and to make temporary arrangements in August to fill the gap, but it is not clear if, or when, this will happen.  Probably best to choose other destinations for the next few weeks at least.

We went on to Rafters café in Rubery.

Six riders.  

The route is here. 

Two rides today

(i)  Longer ride 

John led an enjoyable hilly longer ride, with a coffee stop at Clent garden centre.  The climb up Great Farley Woods defeated all ten of us for at least some of its length, but at least we all managed the walk.  

Lovely countryside and a nice warm summer day.

The route is here.


(ii)  Regular ride 

Steven led thirteen to Morrisons at Five Ways.  At John Bennett's behest, the group went into town along the new A38 cycle path (after which John B. returned home), before a back-road route through Westside.  Return was via the Harborne Walkway, with what turned out to be a serendipitous route past Harborne, after a rare wrong turn by Steven.

The route is here.

Jewellery Quarter

Richard reports:

Eight riders to the Jewellery Quarter on a very pleasant morning, in total contrast to Saturday's wet and windy ride.  Out via Birmingham-Worcester Canal, Harborne Walkway and Soho Loop. Return along Route 5 through City Centre and full length of new 'blue' cycle track along Bristol Road to Selly Oak. 

The route is here.

M and S, Longbridge

Two days after the hottest July day on record, today was wet - and not just a light shower, but continuous steady rain from beginning to end of the ride.  

Richard led a group of eight to M and S in Longbridge, returning by the direct route along the Rea Valley. 

The route is here.

Kanteen café at the Custard Factory

Steve led a group of six by a varied and intricate route to the Custard Factory in Digbeth.  We knew it was going to be interesting -  as Steve's rides always are - when we got to the canal at Bournville and headed out of town.  Parts of the route in the Sparkhill area were new to some of us.

An enjoyable ride on a warm and breezy day.

The route is here.

Sarehole Mill

Steve led a ride to Sarehole Mill, via an interesting route which took into account that the café doesn't open until 11.00, ie longer on the way out than on the way back.  A pleasant destination for a large group (there were seventeen of us) when it is dry and warm enough to sit in the courtyard, as it was today.

The route is here.

The Potting Shed, Lydiate Ash

Richard led an enjoyable ride to the Potting Shed, via Waseley and  Dayhouse Bank (down - up Dayhouse Bank is a killer) and skirting Fairfield.  

A cool and cloudy morning, followed, after we got back, by a warm and sunny afternoon.

Nine riders.

The route is here.

Woodgate Valley

John P led a large group - 24 of us - to Woodgate Valley.  Weather cloudy and cool.

The route is here.

Morso café, Alvechurch

John led a ride to Alvechurch, returning via the canal to Hopwood.  A cool and cloudy start, warming up later.

Five riders.

The route is here.

Two rides today

(i)  Costa Coffee, Gas Street Basin

For the shorter ride, Steve led a group of 11 riders through the University where two left us whilst we continued to ride around Edgbaston Reservoir to Costa at Gas Street Basin.  Very busy with two charity events taking place, both running and walking. 

The route is here.


(ii)   Avoncroft Museum, Bromsgrove

There were also eleven riders on the longer ride, to Avoncroft Museum of Buildings, Bromsgrove, the group's first visit to this café.  

A cloudy day, dry on the way out but a significant shower on the way home.

The route is here.

Earlswood garden centre

A pleasant breezy day.  Richard led us to Earlswood garden centre via the canal towpath.

Eight riders.

The route is here.

Alvechurch fisheries

The hottest day of the year.  A group of sixteen enjoyed a warm ride, led by John P, and a coffee break on the decking overlooking the lake at Alvechurch fisheries.  

The return included a stretch of off road over the canal to join Bittell Farm Road, a shortcut which avoids the road, and a significant hill, round Lower Bittell reservoir.

The route is here.

Burcot garden centre

John led a group of seven to Burcot garden centre. 

Weather warm and dry, but no sun.

The route is here.

Two rides today

(i)  Longer ride: Tame Valley Loop

At 9.30 Steve led a group of nine on a longer ride which took us along part of the Metro route, with a stop for coffee in West Bromwich.  Then over to the Tame Valley Canal and back through Handsworth Park, where we stopped for lunch at the Boat House café, before returning via the Soho Loop to Gas Street Basin.

Lovely warm sunny day.  

The route is here.

(ii)  Regular ride: Lizzie's Farm

Richard led eleven riders to Lizzie's Farm at Lydiate Ash, where they sat outside in the sun for coffee and cake before a leisurely ride back to Rowheath through Rubery and Longbridge.

The route is here.

Two Mugs café, Shirley

Breezy, cloudy and mild for a mostly off-road ride to Shirley via the Stratford canal. 

Eleven riders - the largest group so far for a Monday ride. 

The route is here.

Warley Woods golf club

A cold and cloudy morning for a ride to Warley Woods.  We were lucky that the rain held off until after we got back.  

Fourteen riders.

The route is here.

Costa Coffee, city centre

A familiar route into town, via Edgbaston reservoir and the Soho loop.  A new route on the return: the cycle route along the A38 from Bristol Street to Selly Oak, which is now open.  It is a smooth and comfortable ride safely away from traffic, but you need to take care at busy crossing points (particularly at McDonalds and at Priory Road) and look out for the green lights for cyclists. 

Six riders.

The route is here.

Cannon Hill park

With weather that fluctuated between wet and wetter, four intrepid riders were led by Steven to the regular poor-weather destination of Cannon Hill Park.  Return was via Northfield's Victoria Park, but none made it back to Rowheath, as Phil and Jane peeled off in Stirchley, whilst Brian and Steven went their separate ways home at Woodlands Park.

The route is here.

The Potting Shed, Lydiate Ash,

Mainly sunny day with a cool wind, though warm enough to sit outside at the café. 

Eight riders.

The route is here.

Two rides today

(i) Sarehole Mill

On the shorter ride 10 riders took a route to Sarehole Mill.  During our ride, John B led us on to the new section of cycle way from Birmingham University to the new Dental Hospital turn off. An excellent surface.

The route is here.

(ii) Ye Olde Pounde Café, Liveridge Hill

Warm, sunny weather for a longer ride to Liveridge Hill, via a route which avoided the nasty climb up to Tanworth-in-Arden.  As always, pleasant riding in the lanes, but a lot of traffic on the main roads we crossed (particularly the A435 at Beckett's Farm) and along Redhill Road.

Nine riders.

The route is here.

Cannon Hill park

Thanks to Richard, who led the ride, for this report.

Six riders reluctant to start in torrential rain waited until heavy shower stopped to take the Cole Valley route to try out the new Latifs café in Birmingham.  On arrival the new Latif's didn't look very welcoming and so we decided to carry on to the Custard Factory for coffee. All cafes were shut here on Bank Holiday.

Carried on route to Cannon Hill Park for coffee break. The only rain we had on the journey was while we were in the café.

The route is here.

Waseley Hills country park

Nineteen riders.  Bright sunny day.

The route is here.

Box Trees/Wedge's Bakery

A slightly longer Monday ride to Box Trees café near Hockley Heath.  JP led a group of seven on a warm and sunny morning to Box Trees craft centre to find the café had apparently closed down. We retraced to nearby Wedge's Bakery. 

The route is here

Maypole

Thirteen riders led by Richard on an overcast but dry day proceeded by a different route to Sainsbury's, Maypole.

The route is here.

Woodgate Valley

Seven riders on a very sunny bright morning went to Woodgate Valley, a shorter run than usual for a Monday, because some wanted to return early.

The route is here

Costa Coffee, city centre

Fifteen riders led by John to Costa Coffee in the city centre.  No rain, and slightly warmer than recently, though not much sun. 

The route is here.

Burcot garden centre

An early May bank holiday ride to Burcot garden centre, which is still open, but soon to be redeveloped for housing.

Really, really cold.  

Nine riders.

The route is here.

Two rides today

(i)  Woodgate Valley country park

Eleven riders on the usual 10.00 ride led by JP went to Woodgate Valley Country Park.  It was a bright sunny day but with a cold wind.  Was good to have JB out with the group for the first time this year.  We went through Frankley woods on the return leg to see the bluebells which are a bit past their best now. 

The route is here.

(ii)  Morso café, Alvechurch

A change of plan for the longer ride.  Six of us went on to Alvechurch while Andy and Nick stopped at the end of Watery Lane to deal with a puncture in Andy's back tyre.  Unfortunately after two replacement inner tubes the tyre was still deflating.  Andy managed to get to Alvechurch to catch a train back, and the group decided, after a longer than usual coffee break, to cut the ride short.

An enjoyable ride on a bright breezy day.

The route is here.

Waseley Hills country park

A challenging ride on a bright sunny day: a new route to Waseley via Romsley, a long hill which gets steeper towards the top.  

Guy fell heavily at the bottom of Merritt's Hill on the way home and damaged his shoulder.  He was able to walk, but couldn't ride, so phoned for a lift home and a trip to A and E.  Best wishes to him, and we're all hoping the damage is not too serious.

Eleven riders.  

The route is here.

M and S, Moseley

We set off in a howling gale for a short ride to M and S in Moseley, which took account of the challenging weather conditions by avoiding the canal towpath - we didn't want to risk anyone being blown into the water.  When we emerged from the café the wind seemed to be even stronger.  Fortunately, there were no mishaps on the way back.

Thirteen riders.

The route is here.

Earlswood garden centre

A warm and sunny bank holiday Monday, and a lovely ride for a group of eight to Earlswood garden centre.

The route is here.

Two rides today

(i)  Rowberry's garden centre, Chaddesley Corbett

John led a longer ride to see the bluebells in Great Farley woods.  We had been warned that there would be hills, which there were, with some nice long downhills as a reward for the hard work getting up them.  The most challenging climb, and also the most scenic, was Winwood Heath Road, with masses of bluebells in the woods on either side.  Although being surrounded by lovely countryside doesn't make it any easier to get up the hill, everyone did very well.    

A beautiful day and a very enjoyable outing for the eleven riders who turned out.

The route is here.

(ii)  Warley Woods

Steve led 14 riders on the regular ride, a fairly hilly route to Warley Woods.  He reports:

The café was very busy, with a long wait for service, with many of us sitting on the grass.  It was a lot hotter than many had planned for.

The route is here.

Two Mugs Café, Shirley

Richard reports:

Although a little milder, the windy conditions made the going tough.  

Five riders on a ride that took in six parks, including Rowheath, Cotteridge, Daisy Farm, Shirley,Trittiford/Chinn Brook and Highbury, as well as the Stratford Canal and Rea Valley route. 

The Two Cups Café were most obliging and even reserved a table for us.

The route is here.

Beckett's Farm, Hollywood

Richard reports that everyone kept up well on a sometimes challenging ride which was a little longer than the normal Saturday ride.  

They were lucky to get seats in a very busy Beckett's Farm.

Seventeen riders.

The route is here.

.  

Costa Coffee, city centre

An enjoyable ride to the city centre via Bournville, the university, Chad Valley, Edgbaston reservoir and the Soho loop.  On the return Richard led us through the city centre via NCN route 5 and on to the Rea Valley.

Eight riders. 

The route is here.

Two rides today

(i)  Regular Saturday ride

Richard led six riders via the Stratford canal and Billesley common to the café in Kings Heath Park.  Return via Cannon Hill Park, the dental hospital and a very quiet Selly Oak High Street.  A cold start but warmed up later.

The route is here.

(ii)  Longer ride

Nick led a group of six on a longer ride to Wedge's bakery, near Hockley Heath.  Quite cold, cloudy and breezy, until the sun appeared as we arrived home.

The route is here.

The Potting Shed, Lydiate Ash

A cold start, slightly warmer and pleasantly brighter when the sun came out.  

An enjoyable ride via some new lanes, including Chapman's Hill and the bridge over the motorway, which is an alternative to Dayhouse Bank on the way to Bell Heath.

Six riders.

The route is here.

Morrison's, Five Ways

A fine, sunny day.  Steve led a group of thirteen to Morrison's at Five Ways, mostly via paths and alleyways, including an interesting route through Selly Oak and Muntz Park to the university.  On the return we joined NCN 5 through the city centre and on to the Rea valley.

The route is here.

Clent garden centre

A hilly ride on a bright sunny day, with lovely views from the high points.  Nice long run down St Kenelm's Pass and Vine Lane on the way out, followed by Winwood Heath Lane on the way back.  This is where the Beacon club holds its hill climb competition.  Today everyone on an ordinary bike got off and walked.

Six riders.

The route is here.

Jewellery Quarter

A mostly familiar route along the Harborne walkway, round the reservoir and along the canal, but with a diversion from the Soho Loop to the Jewellery Quarter for the coffee stop.

Nineteen riders.

The route is here.  

Morso café, Alvechurch

Cool and cloudy, with slight spits and spots of rain.  We returned from Alvechurch via the road rather than the canal towpath, which is rough in places and muddy after rain.

Seven riders.

The route is here.

Asda, Barnes Hill

A mild, dry day and a popular and familiar route.  What was unfamiliar, though, was the wind.  The strong wind of recent days had become a gale which buffeted us throughout the ride, with gusts strong enough to whip up spray on the canal.  Nice to have short stretches with the wind behind us, but headwinds and crosswinds in places were quite a struggle.

Twelve riders.

The route is here.

Wedge's bakery, near Earlswood

Bright sunshine, with a strong cold wind.  Nine riders led by Richard to Wedge's bakery near Earlswood.

The route is here.

Mystery ride to Cannon Hill Park

Thirteen out on a very windy but mostly sunny day.  Alan led us on a very unusual route round the houses, eventually ending up at Cannon Hill Park, where we managed to dodge the one heavy shower as we were in the café.  

Returned via Calthorpe Park to the Vale and back up the canal.  

JP had a puncture just before Bournville.  

The route is here

The Potting Shed, Lydiate Ash

A breezy dry morning.  We were lucky that showers held off until after we got home.

Richard led a group of eight to the Potting Shed, Lydiate Ash, which was bustling.  We found seats and tables, but even the newish extension was nearly full.

The route is here.

M and S, Longbridge

Seventeen riders led by Richard to M and S in Longbridge.  A slightly different from usual return route.

The route is here.

Arrow Valley park

Another lovely day.  Richard led a group of seven to the café in Arrow Valley park, Redditch.

The route is here.

Warley Woods - a Crocus Ride

Colourful displays of crocuses (or should that be croci?) in parks and open spaces, at their best in the bright sunshine of a beautiful early spring day.  

Eighteen riders led by Richard to Warley Woods.

The route is here.

Ditchford Bank

A larger than usual group for a Monday ride - ten riders - and a more ambitious route, at nearly 30 miles.  As our usual BGC pace proved to be too slow to get us back at our usual time, the group split in Linehouse Lane, to enable a faster return for a few who needed to get back. 

Weather cool and dry until we were caught in a heavy shower on our way home.  

The route is here.

Lizzie's Farm, Lydiate Ash

On a bright slightly warmer day than of late, JP led a group of 20 riders to Lizzie's Farm on a different route.  At Lizzie's Farm we were made most welcome but with only limited room inside most had to sit out in the courtyard.  Unfortunately the sun had gone in and it was a bit cool.  Will return again when it is warmer.  We returned via Longbridge Village. 

The route is here.

Urban Coffee, Jewellery Quarter

A chilly start, followed by sunshine with some welcome warmth in it.  An interesting ride to the Jewellery Quarter, with some variations on the route we took there on 12th November.

Five riders.

The route is here.

M and S, Moseley

A good route for a very windy day.  We went to the cafe at M and S in Moseley via the relative shelter of the canal towpath and the Cole Valley. 

Fifteen riders.

The route is here.

Morso cafe, Alvechurch

A welcome end to the recent very cold spell, though thawed ground on the towpath near Alvechurch was very muddy and there were large areas of broken ice on the canal.  Early drizzle cleared to reveal patches of blue sky and clear views across the countryside.

Five riders.  The route is here.

Gas Street Basin

On a cold, frosty but bright morning, ten intrepid cyclists were led by JP down the Harborne Walkway, past Edgbaston Reservoir, where there were three cormorants, to Gas Street Basin and a very slow Costa Coffee, returning along the Worcester canal.  

The route is here.

Thanks to John T for photos.

Costa Coffee, Shirley

A cold day, with ice in places, but bright sunshine.  We were surprised to discover that Coffee#1 in Shirley, which we visited three months ago, had disappeared.  We went instead to Costa Coffee, where Richard discovered that Coffee#1 had closed three weeks ago, now replaced by a branch of Tui. 

Six riders.

The route is here.

Woodgate Valley

A group of twenty led by Steve to Woodgate Valley, with some interesting twists and turns through Bartley Green and Northfield.

A mild-ish day, with a couple of showers and a rising blustery wind.

The route is here.

Thanks to John T for photos.

Earlswood garden centre

Seven riders to Earlswood garden centre.  A bitterly cold morning, with early mist/fog.  Slight improvement later, with glimpses of blue sky, but no warmer. 

The route is here.

Cannon Hill park

Drizzly and very cold.  Ten riders, led by John P, to our frequent bad weather destination, the café in Cannon Hill park.  John dealt swiftly with a puncture in his front tyre in Calthorpe Park, close enough to the café for everyone else to go on for slightly extended coffee break.

The route is here.

Burcot garden centre

Seven riders to Burcot garden centre, one of our hillier routes.

Calm mild day.

The route is here.

Maypole

Sixteen out on a mild but cloudy day, led by John P.  Alan had a serious mechanical mishap at the top of Primrose Hill when his derailleur gear managed to wrap itself into his wheel and he came to a sudden halt.  Luckily he did not come off.  A couple stayed with him to assist him to be able to walk/scoot home whilst the group carried on. 

This is the second time since Christmas we have had serious transmission problems resulting in a walk home.  Hopefully this won't continue!  

The route is here.

Thanks to John T for photos.