Morrison's, Five Ways

Twenty-six riders on an interesting ride led by John Bennett to Morrison's at Five Ways. The weather was dullish, but warm and, apart from very slight drizzle early on, dry.

The route is here.

Liveridge Hill

Two rides today:

(i)  John and Hilary led fourteen riders on the monthly longer ride, a mostly flat route to the Olde Pounde Café, Liveridge Hill, near Henley-in-Arden.  Slightly hillier on the return. Weather dull but dry and mild.

The route is here.

(ii)  Fourteen riders were led by John Bennett via Hawkesley and Icknield Street and the pleasant quiet country lanes south of Walkers Heath to the Maypole.  Back via the picturesque Brandwood End Cemetery and the Rea Valley route to Stirchley and Bournville.  Warm dry weather.

  

City centre via towpath

City centre via towpath, back via Harborne walkway.

Thanks to Rose for recording the route, which is here

Waseley Hills

Sixteen riders on a damp and blustery outing to Waseley Hills.

Thanks to John Tourt, who saved the day with a new inner tube after a mended puncture didn't get Joy all the way home.  

The route is here.

Warwick

A very successful longer ride to Warwick, led by John Bennett.  Six started at Rowheath, three at Maypole, two more at the coffee stop at Wedge's bakery, and eight cycled back to Birmingham from Warwick.  Everyone did very well, including some for whom it was their longest ride yet.

It was a well-planned route, which avoided hills where possible and explored some interesting byways, including a track to Baddesley Clinton church (which involved some heavy lifting when the gate at the end was found to be chained) and a useful route under the motorway on the way back.  We also tried out the newly surfaced towpath in the Brandwood area, and the far from newly surfaced towpath beside Hatton locks which was dry but very rough.

The route is here.

Woodgate Valley country park

23 riders led by John Porter to Woodgate Valley country park.

The route is here.

Chaddesley Corbett

A longer ride, led by John and Hilary Porter.  John had warned in advance that his route would be hilly, which it was, but it was well-chosen and all nine riders managed very well. We all walked up Winwood Heath Road (where the Beacon RCC hill climb competition is held), admiring the bluebells in the woods either side.  Congratulations to Joy for staying longest on her bike as we went up the hill.

The route is here. 

Twenty riders went on the normal ride, led by John Bennett, to Moor Pool, Harborne, with a coffee break at the QE hospital.