Bournville - Maypole

Too large a group (17) for the cafe at the Lickeys, so John and Hilary led a ride to the Maypole, where we had coffee at Sainsbury's. Weather fine, lanes very wet and muddy. The route is here.

Bournville - Cannon Hill Park

Many thanks to John Porter, whose description of the ride has been roughly mapped here.  Raining at the start, and some rain during the morning, but mostly a dry ride.  Eight riders, joined by Carl at the café at Cannon Hill.  Ride led by John and Hilary.

Bournville - Longbridge

Sainsbury's in Longbridge via Rea Valley, back via Turves Green and Austin Village.  Fifteen riders, weather fine, bright and cold. The route is here.

Bike maintenance

No ride on 28th December.  On 4th January we had a well-attended (17 people) session on basic bike maintenance in a room at Rowheath pavilion, including:

• demonstrations of removing wheels and changing an inner tube
•  guidance on oiling and greasing 
• replacing brake blocks
• advice on the proper fit of a helmet
• advice on tools/parts to take on rides

Thanks to John Porter, Carl and Kay.

Bournville - QEH - University

Ride led by John via Bournbrook Walkway, Harborne churchyard, QEH and University.  Seven riders, joined by Alan at the coffee stop at QEH after he had mended a puncture. Weather mild and fine.  The route is here.

Bournville - Cannon Hill Park - Northfield

Cannon Hill Park via the towpath and Oakfield Road, back via the Rea Valley to Northfield, where Ann and Bennie entertained twelve of us to coffee, cake, mince pies and panettone.  Many thanks to them both for their hospitality.

The route is here.

Bournville - Earlswood

A longer ride than usual, led by Carl, to Earlswood. The route took us through Rowheath Park and Cotteridge Park to Lifford Lane, then by the reservoir to the Stratford canal.  We rode along the towpath (some of it very muddy) to the Drawbridge near Whitlock's End.  The coffee break was at Akamba, the African garden centre in Tythe Barn Lane.  We returned on road, past the ford at Tidbury Green, then through lanes to Primrose Hill and Kings Norton Park. Fourteen riders.