Bromsgrove Garden Centre

 Today's ride to The Bromsgrove Garden Centre, Little Heath Lane,  started out with the threat of torrential downpours. Fortunately 'except for a few showers, we got home before the first heavy rain. A familiar route taking in the Lickey Hills and Barnt Green. Nine riders today. The route is here

Two Mugs Cafe Shirley

12 out on cloudy day which got warmer. Richard took us on a mystery tour which ended up at the Two Mugs Cafe. The route is here

Packwood NT to meet up with John Bennett's 90k ride

 14 riders and friends met up at Packwood NT specially arranged by John to support him on his 90k charity ride to celebrate his birthday. Cool morning with some drizzle. The route is here

The ride was being covered by ITV Central News to be shown either today or tomorrow.

Waseley Country Park

 14 Out on a cooler day than of late good to see Richard and Jane up from Somerset. The route is here

Potting Shed Lydiate Ash

 Eleven riders out today for a ride to The Potting Shed at Lydiate Ash. A very warm and humid day. At the foot of Waseley Hills the group had the choice of the slightly longer and hillier ride over Waseley or the shorter route avoiding the climb over Waseley. Four opted for the the longer route as Sandra led the rest on the shorter route via Waseley Road. The routes are here and here.

 Next Wednesday 's ride [20th] will be in support of John Bennett '90' challenge. We intend to meet up with John at his first stop at Packwood House [NT]. Have coffee there and return after seeing John off on the next leg of his challenge. Round trip of approx 30 miles. To meet his schedule we will need to leave Rowheath at 9.00. There won't be a 10.00 o'clock ride.

Saturday 9 August Desco Lounge Shirley

 Eleven out this morning on a bright but breezy morning. A familiar route to regulars. The route is here

Alvechurch Community Cafe

On an ideal cycling day with light winds and pleasant sunshine we went to The Lounge at Alvechurch. The route took

us along rather rough tracks and bumpy towpaths but the views and wildlife we saw made up for the discomfort.

Again the staff at The Lounge went out of their way to welcome us. With the nearby Co-op being refurbished

there was limited room to accommodate the 12 of us outside. However, with extra chairs provided by the volunteers in

the café we had a rather longer than usual stop for coffee and bread pudding.  The route is Here

Costa Brindley Place

 8 out on a cooler but sunny morning for a ride via the University, QE and Edgbaston reservoir which was very very low. The route is  here