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.