Maypole

Thirteen riders led by Richard on an overcast but dry day proceeded by a different route to Sainsbury's, Maypole.

The route is here.

Woodgate Valley

Seven riders on a very sunny bright morning went to Woodgate Valley, a shorter run than usual for a Monday, because some wanted to return early.

The route is here

Costa Coffee, city centre

Fifteen riders led by John to Costa Coffee in the city centre.  No rain, and slightly warmer than recently, though not much sun. 

The route is here.

Burcot garden centre

An early May bank holiday ride to Burcot garden centre, which is still open, but soon to be redeveloped for housing.

Really, really cold.  

Nine riders.

The route is here.

Two rides today

(i)  Woodgate Valley country park

Eleven riders on the usual 10.00 ride led by JP went to Woodgate Valley Country Park.  It was a bright sunny day but with a cold wind.  Was good to have JB out with the group for the first time this year.  We went through Frankley woods on the return leg to see the bluebells which are a bit past their best now. 

The route is here.

(ii)  Morso café, Alvechurch

A change of plan for the longer ride.  Six of us went on to Alvechurch while Andy and Nick stopped at the end of Watery Lane to deal with a puncture in Andy's back tyre.  Unfortunately after two replacement inner tubes the tyre was still deflating.  Andy managed to get to Alvechurch to catch a train back, and the group decided, after a longer than usual coffee break, to cut the ride short.

An enjoyable ride on a bright breezy day.

The route is here.

Waseley Hills country park

A challenging ride on a bright sunny day: a new route to Waseley via Romsley, a long hill which gets steeper towards the top.  

Guy fell heavily at the bottom of Merritt's Hill on the way home and damaged his shoulder.  He was able to walk, but couldn't ride, so phoned for a lift home and a trip to A and E.  Best wishes to him, and we're all hoping the damage is not too serious.

Eleven riders.  

The route is here.

M and S, Moseley

We set off in a howling gale for a short ride to M and S in Moseley, which took account of the challenging weather conditions by avoiding the canal towpath - we didn't want to risk anyone being blown into the water.  When we emerged from the café the wind seemed to be even stronger.  Fortunately, there were no mishaps on the way back.

Thirteen riders.

The route is here.