Moseley

John Bennett led 17 riders to the new M&S in Moseley on a warm dry sunny day. 

The route is here (Strava instead of mapometer, thanks to Ted and Philomena).

Two rides today

(i)  Longer ride

Early rain cleared up by 9.30, so nine riders, led by Alan, had a dry and mild longer ride.  Although we arrived at the Tardebigge Court café during the Saturday opening hours posted on the door, the café was closed.  Plan B was a coffee break a few miles past the halfway point, at the Morso café in Alvechurch. 

The route is here.

Thanks to Rose for photos.

(ii)  The regular Saturday ride 

For the short ride, Steven led fifteen cyclists, including two new riders, Julie and Billy.  Conditions were dry and mild.  Sadly, Dave abandoned because he punctured, electing to lock up and walk home for his car.  The route visited Dawberry Fields Neighbourhood Park in Brandwood, before passing both Lifford and Wychall Reservoirs along the River Rea.  Coffee was taken at Sainsbury's in Northfield, with the return along Merritt's Brook.

The route is here.

Gas Street Basin

17 riders on a damp start, becoming dry and brighter.  Via Harborne Walkway to Gas Street basin, led by John P. 

The route is here

Sense, Touchbase Pears, Selly Oak

Eighteen riders, led by John B, with a coffee stop at the new Sense Touchbase Pears centre in Selly Oak.

The route is here.

Waseley Hills

Eighteen riders led by John P to Waseley Hills, with a variation on our usual return route - as you will see on the map of the route, which is here.

Weather dry, but dull and not very warm.

Thanks to John T for pics.

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.