Woodgate Valley

In contrast to the cloud and rain of recent weeks, today we had blue sky, sun and a heavy frost.  A very cold start, with icy patches and slushy muddy areas on the rougher paths, slightly warmer on the way home.

Eighteen riders.

The route is here.

Costa Coffee, city centre

A regular destination via a longer route.  We followed the Cole Valley route and joined the canal in Small Heath.  A section of the towpath near Ashted tunnel is now open after a two year closure, enabling us to ride into the city via the path beside the locks, an enjoyable but fairly challenging route on a damp and blustery day.

Six riders.

The route is here.

Asda, Barnes Hill

A cloudy day with a strong gusty wind.  John led 18 riders to Asda, Barnes Hill via Merritts Hill, Bartley reservoir and Senneleys Park, returning along Bournbrook walkway, where there has been extensive clearing of trees on either side of the path.

The route is here.

Morso café, Alvechurch

A cold dry breezy day for a ride to Alvechurch.  We came back via the road, as the towpath from Alvechurch was likely to be muddy.  The long climb up the hill from Hopwood was helped by a welcome following wind.  

Seven riders.

The route is here.

Costa Coffee, city centre

Richard led a group of 18 to Costa Coffee via the towpath and Edgbaston reservoir, where we were pleased to find that a large section of the previously muddy path (accessed from Rotton Park Road) has been surfaced.  

A dry fine day, with bright sun on the way home.

The route is here.

Burcot garden centre

We found the café at Ditchford Bank closed and went instead to Burcot garden centre, making a slightly longer ride than our usual Monday outings.

Cool and dull for most of the ride, then bright sunshine and blue sky as we arrived home.

Six riders.

The route is here.

Sainsbury's, Maypole

Thirteen riders out on a mild dry day.  Still a lot of mud, puddles and matted leaves from recent heavy rain, especially in the lanes. 

The route is here.