ChrisP

With the usual reporters resting today thought I'd better fill the space.

With Roger back from his holiday we met up for a little exercise.

We set of in a Tardibegge direction and caught up with Ivor and Pete

by the golf course on their way to Broadacres for breakfast, we past 

them with a cheery good morning, they didn't turn up  the power  must

have wanted to save the batteries for climb up the Lickeys on the way home.

We continued on our way to Bidford then make our way to review the Railway Carriage.

I'm pleased to say it is a vast improvement than the last time I visited.

We ordered a tea and a coffee which came in very large cups plus teacakes and jam.

Excellent service.

As it was warm we sat outside but it was good to see how the inside has improved.

A couple of pictures for the ladies who haven't visited yet.

A great day for a ride, almost felt like summer might be coming getting to 20 degs on the way home.

Roger and I managed our longest ride this year just over 65 miles.

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

 but have heard they are very nice and will be nice to have new neighbours.

 and I hope you all are spoiled rotten by Santa.

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.