Asda, Barnes Hill

Nineteen riders set off from Rowheath in calm dry weather, with a forecast of possible showers.  This turned out to be misleading. The rain started just before the coffee break, and, after a pause, started again, more heavily, as we were setting off on the return. Then, as we were making our separate ways home in the Bournville area, it became torrential.  

We've been out in the rain before, but it is rare for us to get that wet on a Saturday ride.

The route is here.

Thanks to Rose for photos showing (i) waiting in vain for the weather to improve; and (ii) Kings Norton station after the rain.

Two rides today

(i)  A longer ride to Umberslade Farm Park, Tanworth-in-Arden.  Fifteen riders, on a fine day, though with a definite touch of autumn in the air.

The route is here.

(ii)  Just seven riders in fine weather for the ten o'clock ride. Steven led the group through the university, along the Harborne Walkway, around Edgbaston Reservoir, then a coffee-stop in Central Square, before returning on the canal towpath.

The route is here.

Woodgate Valley

Twenty-two riders led by John P to Woodgate Valley country park.  A fine warm day to be out on a bike.     

The route is here. 

Thanks to John T for pics

Maypole

Fourteen riders led by John Bennett to Sainsbury's at Maypole. Cloudy, cool and dry, except for a short shower on the return trip on the Rea Valley route. 

The route is here.

Kings Heath

Twenty-two riders led by John B to Kings Heath via Fordhouse Lane, Brandwood cemetery, canal, Cole Valley, Swanshurst, St Agnes, return via Highbury park, Holders Lane path, Rea Valley.

Mappleborough Green longer ride

Eight riders led by John P went to Mappleborough Green for a longer ride.  Managed to get there almost dry with one short shower but had a thunderstorm on the way back and Icknield Street was under water which made it interesting.  

The route is here.

Thanks to John T for two snaps of intrepid riders sheltering from a downpour in an underpass somewhere near Redditch.

Barnes Hill Asda

The usual gentle ride led by John B went via Cotteridge Park, Cadburys, Stock Wood, the new path through Selly Oak hospital site, Langley Road, Weoley Park Road, then past the crematorium to Asda, Barnes Hill.  Back via the shortest route through Weoley Castle whilst getting rather wet.
Eleven sodden riders.