Sainsbury's Longbridge

An eventful ride, shortened and diverted to Sainsbury's to deal with a cut hand, from where the rider (John) was taken off by ambulance.  The rest of us left the cafe to find that Richard's bike had been stolen, and the bolt cutters used to do the job had been left on the ground.  The police were informed, and Sainsbury's have CCTV footage of the theft.

The route is here.

Some photos taken by John Tourt on the way back:

Gas Street Basin

A cold cloudy morning.  Eleven riders started on a ride via the canal to Gas Street Basin, then down the Fazeley/Grand Union canal to Digbeth.  Returned via the River Rea route to Stirchley.

The route is here.

Asda cafe, Barnes Hill

14 riders out on a good day, led by John Bennett along the Merritts Brook Greenway and Senneley's Park to Asda at Barnes Hill.  Returned via the Bournbrook Walk Way and Selly Oak.  Mechanical problems near Selly Oak, where Richard's crank fell off three times!! and he headed off to Halfords for assistance.  Bennie also had brake and computer problems.  This meant the group got fragmented at the end.

The route is here.

Cannon Hill Park

John Porter led a group of 14, including some welcome new riders, to Cannon Hill Park.

The route is here.

Waseley Hills

Another cold day.  Ten riders led by John and Hilary to Waseley Hills.

The route is here

The map site we were discussing is here.  Select the map of your choice from the box on the left, slide the bar bottom left to reveal current aerial view.  

Maypole

Nine riders, including a new rider, Alison, on a ride led by John Bennett to Sainsbury's cafe at the Maypole.

The route is here

Cozy Café, Digbeth

Very cold.  Ten riders led by John and Hilary to the Cozy Café in Digbeth.  Canal towpath to Gas Street, then via the towpath along the Fazeley canal through the city centre.  Parts of the route, particularly beside the long flight of locks, are not very bike-friendly, but there is a lot of historical interest along the way, including bridges and tunnels which, from above, you wouldn't know were there.

The route is here.