Costa Coffee, city centre

A familiar route into town, via Edgbaston reservoir and the Soho loop.  A new route on the return: the cycle route along the A38 from Bristol Street to Selly Oak, which is now open.  It is a smooth and comfortable ride safely away from traffic, but you need to take care at busy crossing points (particularly at McDonalds and at Priory Road) and look out for the green lights for cyclists. 

Six riders.

The route is here.

Cannon Hill park

With weather that fluctuated between wet and wetter, four intrepid riders were led by Steven to the regular poor-weather destination of Cannon Hill Park.  Return was via Northfield's Victoria Park, but none made it back to Rowheath, as Phil and Jane peeled off in Stirchley, whilst Brian and Steven went their separate ways home at Woodlands Park.

The route is here.

The Potting Shed, Lydiate Ash,

Mainly sunny day with a cool wind, though warm enough to sit outside at the café. 

Eight riders.

The route is here.

Two rides today

(i) Sarehole Mill

On the shorter ride 10 riders took a route to Sarehole Mill.  During our ride, John B led us on to the new section of cycle way from Birmingham University to the new Dental Hospital turn off. An excellent surface.

The route is here.

(ii) Ye Olde Pounde Café, Liveridge Hill

Warm, sunny weather for a longer ride to Liveridge Hill, via a route which avoided the nasty climb up to Tanworth-in-Arden.  As always, pleasant riding in the lanes, but a lot of traffic on the main roads we crossed (particularly the A435 at Beckett's Farm) and along Redhill Road.

Nine riders.

The route is here.

Cannon Hill park

Thanks to Richard, who led the ride, for this report.

Six riders reluctant to start in torrential rain waited until heavy shower stopped to take the Cole Valley route to try out the new Latifs café in Birmingham.  On arrival the new Latif's didn't look very welcoming and so we decided to carry on to the Custard Factory for coffee. All cafes were shut here on Bank Holiday.

Carried on route to Cannon Hill Park for coffee break. The only rain we had on the journey was while we were in the café.

The route is here.

Waseley Hills country park

Nineteen riders.  Bright sunny day.

The route is here.

Box Trees/Wedge's Bakery

A slightly longer Monday ride to Box Trees café near Hockley Heath.  JP led a group of seven on a warm and sunny morning to Box Trees craft centre to find the café had apparently closed down. We retraced to nearby Wedge's Bakery. 

The route is here