Desco Lounge, Shirley

Richard reports  "Just four of us braved the cold, damp conditions today.  Weather improved as we got to the Desco Lounge, Shirley.  A kingfisher sighting on the Stratford Canal lightened the day."

The route is here.

Henley-in-Arden

A damp and misty start for a ride to Costa Coffee in Henley-in-Arden, soon followed by bright sunshine and good views over the countryside.

Five riders.

The route is here.

Cannon Hill Park

Two groups - seven led by John, eight by Steven - went to the MAC in Cannon Hill Park.  

A dry cloudy morning.

John's route is here, 

Steven's (here) went out by way of Northfield's Victoria Park, and back joining the blue route at Pebble Mill after a new previously untried section.  

The Potting Shed, Lydiate Ash

Surprisingly, after a very wet start to the day where everyone thought the ride would be cancelled, the sun suddenly came out.

Richard led a group of six by a familiar route to the Potting Shed at Lydiate Ash.  It remained sunny and dry until a mile from home, when there was a brief downpour.

The route is here.

No ride today

Persistent heavy rain from early morning, so no Monday ride today.

Starbucks, Maypole

Seventeen riders in two groups, led by Richard and Steven, to Starbucks at Maypole.   

Steven took six on an urban route, including Brandwood End Cemetery and a few new bits - route  here.

Richard led eleven via a rural route, returning along the canal - route here.

A bright chilly morning.

Community café, Alvechurch

Richard led eleven riders to Alvechurch via a route which is more familiar in the other direction, ie down Hopwood hill, along Bittell Farm road and on to the towpath.

Despite the chilly weather, we sat outside the community cafe, as it was busy inside, as was Morso..  

The route is here.

Courtyard café, Tardebigge

A mild, misty and damp morning for a ride to the Courtyard café at Tardebigge.

The route is here.

Warley Woods

Fifteen riders, in two groups, both to Warley Woods.  John led seven by this route, returning via Woodgate Valley and Bartley reservoir.  Richard's group of eight went this way.

A mild calm morning, sunny on the way home.

Starbucks, Maypole

Richard led eleven riders on a mystery tour to a new destination, Starbucks at the Maypole, a possible alternative café for Saturday rides, following the closure of Sainsbury's café across the road.  We recognised much of the route from other rides, but were kept guessing where we were heading until we were nearly there.

Our route is here.  For a Saturday ride, we would probably take a shorter route, similar to our rides to Sainsbury's café.

Earlswood garden centre

John led a group of five the long way round to Earlswood garden centre, while a breakaway group of two took the usual easier route.

The longer route is similar to this.

The Roundhouse and Waseley Hills

Steven led nine riders to a stop at the Roundhouse near the Birmingham Canal.  The outward journey was along the Harborne Walkway with the return on the towpath. It rained a bit before the break but was clear after.

The route is here.

John led five to Waseley Hills.  The route is here.

A damp chilly morning.  Puddles, dead leaves and spitting rain.

Manor Tea Rooms, Earlswood

Richard led a damp and windy ride to the Manor Tearooms at Earlswood.  Having to dodge falling branches and wet leaves, six riders managed to complete the ride.

The route is here.