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.