ChrisP

11 to early for me to catch you at Bewdley have a good ride.

Another great report from Julie an excellent turnout. The pictures were ok as well. Shame about John falling of should be more careful at his age. Roger and I headed out in the same direction but turned at Throckmorton and crossed the airfield to return for home. Having not ridden up past Philpott Tower for some it came as a surprise to see the building site with drive and hardcore down next door. Is this an extension or are they building a cafe for passing cyclists? Is Alan the project manager when will it be completed????

Happy Birthday to Hilary she's almost caught me up. 75 today Many Happy Returns. Love Chris

Roger and I did nearly 50 none stop it was rather chilly. With your early start we would have arrived after you’d finished breakfast and left for home. We headed out more easterly towards Balsall Common and pleased to say no problem with the wind either direction.

As John had decided to take a trip to the dark side of the A38 today Roger and I headed of for Bewdley to meet up with his group. With rain in the air we weren't sure if we would go all the way but as it cleared by Blakedown we continued on our way. Only Dave there to start but not long before the others arrived. A few pics. Made a nice ride home with a few wheels to follow for a change.

Sorry to announce the death early this morning of Ted at the age of 92. One of the most likable men you could ever wish to meet. He continued riding his bike well into his eighties. Our thought go out to his wife and family at this sad time. Chris & Hilary

Yes Moira I agree a good day for riding the bike, I'm sure those who didn't make it spent most of the morning looking out of the window. We three didn't attempt Clives knowing we wouldn't make the timing as we can't get started as early as Julie. Although only 5 degs the lack of wind and the sun out made for a pleasant day.

Nice to see you all out today sign the sun was shining and the temperature above 5 degrees. Roger and I did do a few miles, didn't think we would make Hillers before you left. Did a tour over Claverdon and Earlswood way like you saw plenty out both solo's and groups.

Nice write up Moira. Roger and I took similar route via Elmbridge nice to have the sun out pity it wasn't much above 3.5 degs. A good change going to De Beers haven't been there for a few years. As John said nice to have a small group to ride with on the way home. A good catch up discussing everyone doctor trips.

Eric was a club member some years ago and has been living in France for quite a number of tears now. He has reach the age of 80 and has been living with Parkinson for some years. For members who rode and raced with him I'll attach his Christmas Greeting below. Dear All Its that time of year again to wish all my family & friends a very Happy Christmas & Happy New Year. Following on from last years email I am pleased to report that there have been no further accidents on my electric tricycle, mainly because i have not been out on it, still for sale at a reasonable price so if interested please let me know. Locally I am still the youngest & most eligible bachelor in La Noe at the grand old age of 80, I was very excited to hear that 2 Ladies in their early 50's have bought the house opposite me, unfortunately have recently found out that they are lesbians but have heard they are very nice and will be nice to have new neighbours. On the home front i still have my lovely nurses visiting me twice daily, to help me with my medication, etc. Other changes on the home front i have a young french cleaning lady( Sara ) who has been here for nearly a year now, the house has never been so clean and another new addition is Chris the gardener & handyman who is doing a sterling job of making the garden look lovely again and also very handy with painting and other indoor jobs , hence taking the pressure off my daughter Ingrid who is here daily, helping me with my shopping, laundry, banking etc. This summer I had my first holiday since 2018, I went to Cornwall with Ingrid & her husband Guenole, we visited family in Plymouth and the drove down to Cornwall, we stayed in a farmhouse b&b in Mevagissey, we also visited Fowey, Polperro, Looe, Charlestown, needless to say lots of fish & chips, cornish pasties & double clotted ice cream were devoured The highlight of this year came in middle of october, Suzette my eldest daughter, Paula the 2nd flew in from Grand Cayman with my son James no.4 and for the best part of 2 weeks I had my 4 children together again under the same roof, first time we have been all together for 10yrs although i have seen them individually between that time. We visited a local photographer and had some family portraits taken, I have attached a photo so you can see the masterpiece that is now place on my living room wall. So I hope you all enjoy your Christmas turkey tomorrow , I know I am going to and I hope you all are spoiled rotten by Santa. Happy Christmas & Happy New year to you all Love Eric xx

Wishing all our members and readers a Happy Christmas and a Healthy New Year. The Club has now reached the end of it's 73rd year. Although we've lost a few the membership still stands around 80. I'm pleased to say on a good day we can muster around 20 riders for a days ride. Unfortunately we have no racing or young members, that's anyone under 50 at the moment. We can only hope 2023 makes for change. Hopping to ride a few sportive events next year if anyone would like to join me. Ivor will still continue arranging mid week monthly lunches the first one to be held in January. Our two Saturday lunch get togethers at Hiilscourt one in August the other November were both enjoyed by those attending, 47 and 51 respectively. As you can see by the lunch prices the committee decided to use some of the club funds to subsidise members meals. The last committee meeting was held in March and with little to discuss or organise we have kept up to date via telephone or email when necessary. The club still pays for the web site and affiliation to British Cycling which gives some cover as a group of club members out riding. I would advise riders to join either British Cycling of Cycling UK as individual members. This brings me onto club membership for the coming year. It will still only be £5 each and Hilary will soon be notifying everyone. Looking forward to riding with everyone in the New Year and having lots of enjoyable days on the bike together. Best Wishes stay safe and well. Chris

The weather doesn't look good but as the bike was ready and bag for fry up packed, set of in a snow shower to see who would be at Lydiate Ash. Arrived there about 10:15 to find an enpty road. Maybe they've set of already decide to ride on to cooking wood. Only find Mike H there trying to start the fire. We decide to get started. We are soon joined by Ivor and Duncan. Followed by John E, John B and a couple from Sussex. Rather a small turnout this year with the weather and getting older. Didn't continue to the Swan for a drink with the others. Didn't fancy riding home into the wind and rain alone getting soft.

For those wishing to join the annual Christmas fry up. Usual meeting place Lydiate Ash Road just round the corner from Lydiate Ash Island . 10ish if the snows not to deep.

The funeral for Jean will take place on Tuesday 20th December. It will be held at Waseley Hills Crematorium New Inns Ln, Rubery, Birmingham B45 9TS at 2:00 pm.

Ivor wants to show where his cycling heritage started and who he's passed it onto. One of these five is his grand dad. His mother is holding the left tandem Ivor showing someone a clean pair of wheels. Son Duncan ready to race. And grandson with his bags packed. If I've got them mixed up I'm sure he will correct me.

Sad to announce the death of Jean who along with her husband Eric rode together in the club in the 50's

When we were young never had weather forecasts a look out of the kitchen window no rain or snow time to get your gear on. Very dark out not much wind about but looks cold. Best to have to much on, rather be to warm than cold can always undo zip. 2 merino base layers one with high neck plus club winter top. Wind stopper tights merino socks & overshoes plus winter gloves. That should be enough. Met up with Roger usual time & place. He had been in the garden a couple of times hopping for rain possibly snow but set of as usual. Garmin says 2 plus a bit degs we get started before it cools down. Up the Lickeys to start, dropping down to Barnt Green temp drops down to 1 just wind chill from descending the hill we think. The temp climbs 1 or so as we head for Redditch. Turning left at the lights we decide to ride for a couple of hours as there's little wind and no rain about, keeping on a circular route so we can rush for home if it rains. We ride round as far as Hockley Heath before turning for home via Earlswood. We both agreed before parting company that it hadn't been toooo bad and if we hadn't gone out we would have only spent the morning looking out of the window. As I reached home the temperature was almost summer like at 2.5 degrees. Only 4 or 5 months of this ahead.

52 sat down to the Clubs Lunch at the end of it's 73 year. Thanks to al those who attended. With a good mix of present and past members a good time was had by all, recalling past events on and of the bike. As always the service and food provided by Hillscourt was great. A few pic's of our happy gathering. Hilary making last minute table place settings. Now for some happy faces. A great afternoon, good company great food. Lets do it again in the new year.

Looks like a good turn out of Saracen riders today. Having spent over a week of the bike with a very snotty head cold decided to venture out today and clear the nostrils. Met up with Roger and headed of in a Henley direction aiming for a short non stop ride so not cooling down. Reaching Tamworth in Arden we had to dismount and join the Remembrance Day parade. Turning for home near Ullenhall Roger decided to continue keeping me company for the journey back. Looking at the pictures of you sitting in the sun out side can't believe it's November.

Sad news about the death of Mick. We think he was probably 82 this was our last meeting at the club dinner in 2018 just before he left for the Philippines with the intention of not coming back. There will never be another character like him.

Give me a call if you fancy anything. Spring / Autumn Long Sleeve Tops are good for this time of year. Chris P

With Moira's followers venturing on to the dark side and my companions deserting me for work and holidays, billy no mates set of for the railway station at Bewdley. Went out round Clent before entering the lanes near Churchill and on through Woverley. Managed to arrive at the cafe as the others were waiting for Bev to bring then a second cup of tea. PICS 1st view of the river. Cafe has to be on top of the hill. Still warm enough to sit out side in the sun. Oophs Inside the cafe. Outside from inside. The trains are running. It is true Moira does have green fingers. Almost lost the camera again. Time to leave. Nearly headed for the river. Moira's idea to take a more interesting route home I just had to show her the way. Only the one or two small inclines to negotiate on our tour round to Holt Fleet. Plus the once sandy lane which is now resurfaced on the left just after crossing the bridge. Made a great change in this area. Not much wind about and sun out i think we all enjoyed it. Happy Days.

Roger and I manage to get to Hillers before group A departed another cup of tea seemed to do the trick. Once again a great write up from Julie. The talk did revolve around whether makeup should be applied to join a Sunday run or not. Julies lippy had disappeared somewhere on the journey out but closer inspection reveals eyeliner and brow work. She also flashed a rather expensive set of nail wear. John and Gordon were a little worried we would have to shave and apply after shave for further rides. Mean while twinkle toes returns from the loo after adjusting her hair. Well what surprises do future rides have instore. So after an interesting break a nice steady ride home was needed. Good to have a catch up with Chris Poole when he caught us. Best wishes to both him and Lyn.