ChrisP

Having had a bored Ivor on the phone many times asking me for family history so he can trace my family tree. I came across this photograph from my mother's side of what might be a great uncle of mine in the late 1800s who could have sewn the seeds of my cycling interest. They lived in property around a courtyard in Gough Street the back of where The Bristol cinema used to be. Now where the McDonalds is. Some of the other relatives look like they're part of Peaky Blinders. Not sure what Ivor's got me started on.

Yes a good day out managed to make it to Hillers before the other left. A large cup of tea to warm us up and wash down an excellent slice of chocolate cake. A few pics at the feeding stop. Not sure what's happened to Roger, didn't think it was that hard riding out. A nice ride back no wind about Harry Days.

As John said a good turnout of Saracen riders today. Probably the first time we've all made the same cafe stop this year. Appropriately named the view, well organised with plenty of space between the tables. As it was a proper autumn day with bright sunshine it was rather cool and drafty sitting outside. Setting of home we again split into smaller groups I hope no one took the wrong route on the way back. Roger B, Mick H and myself set of to return via Lowsonford and onto Earlswood. After turning right of the Stratford road in Wootton Wawen we had the pleasure of catching up Janet Carbutt who was out with a group of Solihull CC riders. We had a short chat and catch up finding her family all well, and still doing plenty of cycling herself.

Nice to have the summer back again today. Of to The Barn cafe Long Marston. Met Roger B then picked up Laura L and Mick H at the Lickeys. Took a winding route down the lanes before climbing to top of Ridgeway unfortunately Laura started to struggle with a knee problem and decided to return home via Redditch. The three of us continued to the cafe via Bidford. Arriving there we found it full of cyclists. A well organised cafe with good choice of food and drink. Lets hope it turns into an Indian Summer to finish the year of.

You're Daisy's seemed to have the droop Moira.

Managed to catch up with our Tardebigge group at Clive's cafe Cropthorne. Pity John S and Moira B couldn't make it. Those present Alan P, Christine P, Chris P, to many Chris's out today Ken H, Barry L, Roger B, Mick H and me Chris P. Almost missed of Leigh F he was busy chatting with a group of Bromsgrove Olympique riders. A good day for riding warm not much wind about and it didn't rain on the way back. As Roger, Mick and me were late getting there the others headed of for home before us. On our route homeward after passing the crossroad above Chessgrove we spotted Chris & Michelle this week. They had just come out of Broadacres again. Michelle latched un to us and left Chris to find his own way home alone. Good to see so many club riders out and do some catching up.

Another change in the weather autumn clothing required. Having gathered the Saracen's other Sunday riders I set of to take them to another new cafe The Larch Barn near Cleobury Mortimer. There was just four of us Tess O, Roger B, Mick H and myself. We went out via Belbroughton, Churchill through Wolverley and onto Bewdley then climbed Long Bank then straight on to Cleobury passing Wyre Forest. Finding a socially distanced table we settled down to refreshments and discuss whether we should return home taking in the Clee Hills. After looking at the view out of the window Clee Hill in the distance seemed a step to far. As all good things come to an end it was time to set of for home. The return route was to be Clows Top, Abberley, Great Witley, Stourport and back ending the day climbing Dayhouse Bank, Now for the descent of the top of Clows Top. The Bell at Pensax well worth a visit pub of the year on many occasions. Now for Abberley. You can just see the tower in the distance. Another great tour even if it was a little chilly in places.

Good to see another camera out today nice pics Moira. Please to see the cafe was open today.

Weather a little uncertain but risked heading out to Chipping Campden. With Tess O and Roger B set of to pick up Laura L and Mick H at the Peacoclk Inn. Took the route out to Welford and on to Mickleton before turning up the side of the Cotswold towards Hidcote Gardens that got everyone searching for a bottom sprocket. From there we passed through Ebrington and onto Chipping Campden. A great cafe with excellent grub and the sun was out long enough to sit outside. After refreshments we climbed out of Campden before descending Dovers Hill. Turning right at Weston Sub Edge we headed home via Bidford. Mick H is of up the road as usual. But we managed to keep him in line. oops nearly lost the camera again. Lucky we only got caught in one downpour before Bidford. Another great ride covering 80 miles by the time we reached home. Good to see Laura going so well after so few come back rides.

Good to have Laura out again today. Getting stronger, Roger and I will have to be careful or she'll be of up the road. Also nice to have another photographer with us as you can see she's of in front already. Pity she has to work Thursday I think i can find a cafe with large tea cakes. Nevermind I think we can manage another one between us.

After the sun had broken through it turned into a warm ride to visit a new cafe at Wellsbourne. The nice garden round the back. With lots of fellow cyclists. The biggest tea cakes I've ever seen. Enjoyed by all. A view from Loxley looking back to Stratford. Roger leading the mountain jersey. Closely followed by a club member. A team car or just a passing car. Better get my finger out but no need to worry they don't know where they are. Happy days. Give the ice cream a miss this week. Another great day out. This cafe well worth a visit.

Unfortunately another loss to the sport.

Had arranged to meet up with Laura L at the Lickeys and take for a ride the first time after six years, we think. Roger B and I got there on time and headed of to gather Mick H at The Bell Belbroughton then head of to Cob House Fishery for a cafe stop. As you will see she doesn't look any older. Not like the rest of us. After tea, food and a catch up we set of for home. She tired a little towards the end but after such a long lay of the bike only struggled a little on the hills. Great to have her back out with us again. A good day's ride good company. Here's to many more.

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Looks like we're going to have a bean feast.

Good news having Laura back on the bike. Have arranged to take her out for a spin on Sunday.

This is the site where I have my allotment. There are many enthusiastic plot holders and green finger growers. I'm not necessarily one of them. This is my patch the beginning of April. After all the rain did manage to get things started. Spuds in the ground and bean sticks in the ground. At long last a few things start to sprout up. Keep watering and a bit of sunshine and amassing what pops up. I;m now thinking of going vegetarian haha!!

Sunday 12th Took Sam out with us for a trip to The Barn Cafe at Long Marston. We made her meet us at the top of Weatheroak Hill hopping it would slow her down. Took a long route via Stratford & Crimscote before turning right across to Quinton and Long Marston. Time to stop for refreshments. The return took us through Welford and Great Alne. As Sam was running late for getting home she left us after Great Alne to head for Studley as she knew her way from there. The three of us continued to Ullenhall where we found an old ice cream cycle parked on the corner of Watery Lane. Help yourself put your money in the honesty box. With the sun out and a hot day who could resist. Sunday 19th. July Another fine day for a bike ride but rather windy on the ride home. The three of us set of for Clives cafe at Cropthorne. On route we exchange hello's with Chris Poole near Pinvin. Going out via Pershore and round the lanes to Elmley Castle before turning to Cropthorne. The cafe was well organised with plenty of seating and lots of grub to choose from. A new competition can you spot who the socks belong to. We took the short way back Fladbury, Inkberrow and upto Tardebigge. We had the pleasure of seeing Sam & Andy going the other way at Bradley Green. .

More sad news. For those of us of a certain age who remember Pat Keeley sadly he died last night after a short illness. With deepest sympathy. Chris P

Hi Tony thought it was you behind glasses, mask, scalf, wooly jumpers etc. Looks like all the club were out in the same area today.

Thanks to David J for the history of the Worcester evening training bashes. Being one of the club younger members I think I only rode it a couple of times and that was after the Spitfire had been removed, I can only remember the Gloster Javelin at the park entrance. I think it's down to Ivor M & Ken H to recall their triumphs along the A38 with the finishing sprint towards Longbridge. I do remember riding many Worcester St John's CC events on the Callow End circuit a fairly flat route with a long fast finish up to Rhydd corner. No problems with chippings around Upton and Defford but The Council must have had a job lot to do all the lanes round Tardibegge. Regard the top. While digging through the cupboard came across this one which was in need of a little airing.

With the weather forecast suggesting the rain might hold of to the afternoon set of under grey skies but warm enough for shorts. Rode straight out to Worcester thinking I might have a look at the Malverns. Arriving at Worcester found the heavens had already emptied before i got there. With the roads very wet and black clouds hanging over the hills decided to head in Upton direction. Entering Worcester I take a look at the allotments see how they compare with mine. King John's resting place. The pitch isn't flooded anymore. The roads had dried out by Callow End Common. Decided to do a loop up to Welland before going into Upton. Many Worcester CC road races finished on both of these roads. Sky looks a bit threatening looking back. Took a few pictures on the Hanley Swan, Welland road to remind Dave & Judy Jones what it looks like outside as they have been locked in for 3 months. Would have dropped in for a cuppa but seeing the sky thought it better to turn left for Upton before the rain caught me up. . A good pub to visit after riding the Malvern Mad Hatter Sportive. Good bye Hanley Swan. Hello Upton. Leaving Upton via the most boring bridge. Maybe we'll meet up at the Marina cafe again one day. Now for the return route. Views towards Breadon. Defford Tuesday takeaway stop. Studying the above Picture is that Kevin Y I spy. Looks like his stance. Looking back with Breadon to the left and Malvern to the right. Not such a bad day after all got a wet bum leaving Worcester but managed to get back home without seeing anymore rain. .

Regard group riding since the government has allowed six people to meet and exercise together. The document below is the advice to follow given by British Cycling. All British Cycling sanctioned activity is currently suspended due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Understandably and inevitably, the ongoing global uncertainty around the pandemic has led to plenty of questions and concerns, and we have done our best below to answer and clarify some of the queries we have received from the cycling community. This page was last updated on: Wednesday 3 June 2020 What are the changes from June 1? In England, from June 1 the number of people from outside your household with whom you can meet to exercise outdoors has been increased. Groups of up to six people from different households are now permitted to exercise together, however they must still follow social distancing guidelines and keep at least two metres apart from those outside their household. Current measures in England also state that: If you are showing coronavirus symptoms, or if you or any of your household are self-isolating, you should stay at home. You may exercise outdoors as many times each day as you wish. You can sit and rest outside before, during and after your ride. You may drive to outdoor publicly accessible open spaces irrespective of distance. In line with UK Government guidance, those aged over 70 should continue to take care to minimise contact with others outside their household. While the Government guidance now permits groups of up to six to ride together, British Cycling believes that the need to maintain a two-metre distance while riding as a group of six may present practical difficulties and potential risks. For this reason, we would strongly encourage riders to continue to cycle in smaller groups at present, and only ride in a group of six if they are absolutely sure that it is safe to do so (for example, in a park). We would also like to reiterate to cyclists the need to be mindful of keeping a two-metre distance when overtaking other cyclists and from pedestrians who may be walking on pavements at the side of the road. .

The Sunday club meeting and run will still not be held until further notice. Regard group riding see Club News.

Started out this morning only did a few miles in the wet so turned back for home. Nothing intereting to take pictures of. So a couple from yesterday. Decided to make an apple pie for pudding. In the oven 180 fan for 20 mins reduce temperature to 160 fan 20 mins. Proof of the pudding is in the eating. it's just got to be custard with apple pie. Looks good and tasted good. There are no limits to this mans talents.