ChrisP

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. 

I haven't forgotten you John.

This is what it looked like in 2016.

Mustn't forget John.

Decided to take Roger to The Station Cafe at Wombourne which I

haven't visited for many years.

The route out is via Kinver and Enville then onto Wombourne.

As it's been many years since the last visit my directions through Wombourne

were a little rusty.

The cafe is Station on an old disused railway line some might remember.

We descended out of  the village over a bridge with the track beneath us.

At the bottom of the hill we turned into a nice housing estate no cafe.

After a chat with a local a short cut had to be negotiated.

Roger has a spot of bother with mud in his shoe plates

This must be the way welcome path not far now. 

We could do a spot of fishing.

Here's the turn I was looking for.

This is the place got there in the end.

Made a nice change a good ride back across Enville Common.

Only draw back the climb of St Kenelms Pass over Clent to finish.

Decided to take Roger to Cob House before the weather turns wintery.

Out via Stourport and Great Witley then over the hill to Martley.

The wind was mainly behind us on the way out so expected a had ride back.

As we arrived never seen the place so busy.

A fishing contest on the go and a dog show which I'm sure Moire would have enjoyed.

The place has been change a little with the kitchen and food display hidden away.

Then a long bar which now sells alcoholic drinks.

We took the tea cakes with jam and found no shortage.

Plus the service was quick .

We returned via Wichenford and Holt Fleet where we turned into the lanes

and made our way round to Hartlebury then finish of with another struggle

up Dayhouse Bank.

Made a great change as we've not been out there for a long time.

Decided to take Roger to Cob House before the weather turns wintery.

Out via Stourport and Great Witley then over the hill to Martley.

The wind was mainly behind us on the way out so expected a had ride back.

As we arrived never seen the place so busy.

A fishing contest on the go and a dog show which I'm sure Moire would have enjoyed.

The place has been change a little with the kitchen and food display hidden away.

Then a long bar which now sells alcoholicrinks.

We took the tea cakes with jam and found no shortage.

Plus the service was quick .

We returned via Wichenford and Holt Fleet where we turned into the lanes

and made our way round to Hartlebury then finish of with another struggle

up Dayhouse Bank.

Made a great change as we've not been out there for a long time.

Decided to take Roger to Cob House before the weather turns wintery.

Out via Stourport and Great Witley then over the hill to Martley.

The wind was mainly behind us on the way out so expected a had ride back.

As we arrived never seen the place so busy.

A fishing contest on the go and a dog show which I'm sure Moire would have enjoyed.

The place has been change a little with the kitchen and food display hidden away.

Then a long bar which now sells alcoholicrinks.

We took the tea cakes with jam and found no shortage.

Plus the service was quick .

We returned via Wichenford and Holt Fleet where we turned into the lanes

and made our way round to Hartlebury then finish of with another struggle

up Dayhouse Bank.

Made a great change as we've not been out there for a long time.

Saracen Members

 28

Posted June 15, 2020

For sale.

Trek cross rip elite road / gravel bike .Immaculate condition and well maintained. It is also a superb touring bike.

Also a classic Klien Attitude competition mountain bike. Again in immaculate condition. This would be suitable for a smaller rider

If interest please ring Terry, Bewdley 01299 401046. Sensible offers only.

Hi Al  don't know if this was sold it might be of interest.

Looks like only Moira managed to catch the rain today.

Roger and I did a 50 mile route in the warm and some sunshine.

We stopped at Hatton Locks for refreshments a place well worth a visit.

Not to far on a straight route from Tardebigge.

Roger playing mother.

Excellent plum pie and clotted cream.

Then watch the barges negotiate the locks.

  A nice relaxing half hour before the return ride.

Made it to the cafe just as Moira's travellers had ordered.

A nice warm day for riding.

We all settled down with tea and grub then put the 

world to right.

Three not so wise persons.

One sad soul had a hard morning.

Not sure what Moira's done, but you will do as I say.

As already pointed out everyone has a day of glory, Julie can find her

way home from Balsall Common. Her proficiency navigation badge will

be awarded later in the year.

We had a parting of the ways near the Peacock Inn not realising Moira was serious about

going over Rose Hill

Tess wanting to do an extra loop to do over 60 miles got us to drop down to Alvechurch 

loosing Leigh descending Forehill.

Then crossing to Burcott after climbing Aqueduct Lane.

To finish of we had to climb up the back of Rose Hill, surprise  we didn't see Moira and co. 

coming the other way.

A great day out with a hard finish.

I've just received the sad news that Mike died last Thursday.

He was a regular racing member in the early sixties and has continued

being a life time member since then.

Our deepest sympathies go out to Val and all their family at this sad time.

Chris and Hilary

I think you all missed a sunny day on the bike this morning.

Although hot not to bad when up to speed.

Me and Roger took a short ride to the Cowshed at Wootton Waven.

Quite a few cyclist there plus a group from Coventry who remembered the old

days of Coventry CC's multiple events on the Bagington circuit organised by Charly Viner.

After tea and a chat returned home via Lowsonford.

A few more weeks of this sunny weather would be great maybe a little cooler

would be better. Possibly 25 degs ?

Nice thought Tim but i will just about up when you get back.

Went out to Warwick to see some of the Commonwealth Games Road Races.

We made it to our nearest point on the Warwick Road about a mile and a half

below the bottom of Hatton Bank. Just in time to catch the women coming round

for there last lap.

The Stourbridge CC out in force.

Phil Carbutt was telling me on Saturday of a relative from The Isle of Mann riding in the womens race.

This could be her.

As the women have passed it would be some time before the mens race would start time for a picnic.

Just a short ride back to sit by Hatton locks cafe.

A few more cyclists had the same idea. 

Good job Tess's mum had prepared the food.

This was the short queue for the cafe.

Now back to find a spot to watch the racing.

Stourbridge there again.

Found that Ted & Jean Pearson's daughter was opposite watching also.

She already new what a good afternoon Jean had with us on Saturday.

Here they come.

I seem to have picked out the eventual winner.

Well that was a tiring day.

Even Otto was ready for a sleep.

Hilary and me are pleased Saturdays Lunch went according to plan.

It seems everyone enjoyed meeting up again after such a long time 2019 being our last get together.

Brian looking very cool.

Who left this glasses case?  I think it was from John Shelleys table

We hope everyone enjoyed the day

Was awoken early by the helicopters circling nearby at 7 am.

Turned over and had another couple of hours kip.

Turned the tele on after breakfast to see how the marathon was going.

So I'd missed the wheelchairs, that was the early noise at 7.

Now I spotted the mens race entering the tunnel going up Bournville lane.

This gave me just enough time to get down Acacia Road and see them making

there way to Raddlebarn Road  on the second lap.

Just like the tour.

Now a short wait for the ladies to arrive on their first lap.

A display by the local Morris Dancers.

Here they ome.

There they go.

A short walk up to where Bournville Lane crosses Linden Road see them on the second lap crossing in both directions.

Some very fit young ladies in the lead.

Maybe summer is here.

A few more pics from todays tea party.

A big thank you to Jenny & Steve.

A few more close ups.

Well to start with we rode our first Sportive of the year on Saturday 100 kilometres.

It started from a place called Brewood just north of Wolverhampton.

Rather an early start for me with Tess picking up Roger then me by 7:30.

A quick drive up the M6 & M54 got us there by 8:30 plenty of time to Register and set of at 9:00

We managed to latch onto a group of very fast young ladies from a racing club from Shrewsbury  

First 20 miles flew past at 30kmp. The 1st tea stop was at this point and the ladies decided to pull in.

We had already planed to ride to the 2nd tea stop at 40 miles. So the three of us pushed on into the wind.

Our arrival at the headquarters.

Roger seems to have lost his bike.

Must be over there.

Some of that ladies group.

Took the small camera today easier to take shots on the move without dropping it.

Now to catch up.

Almost lost it.

The route went anti clockwise almost round to Shrewsbury all in mainly flat lanes.

BUT as always there is a sting in the tail. The Wrekin looms in the distance.

After the fast start Tess is on a good day no riding in the week on call and no sleep seems to suit her.

The climb can't be much further.

Fortunately our stop was at the top of the climb forgot to get the camera out.

The last 20 miles took us down and through Ironbridge but again the 20% climb up Coalbrookdale and past Coalport  pottery made the legs hurt.

Now for that last climb.

The last stretch  was on fast rolling lanes with the wind behind us.

As you can see we were lucky with the weather a chilly start but no rain.

IT was a good day out well organised and an interesting route.

Legs new we had tried hard.

So on Sunday Tess decided to take the day of and rest the legs.

Roger and I new trying to make Long Marden into the wind would be a struggle

so took a potter to The Cowshed at Wootton Wawen and manage to have the wind behind us on the way home.

Roger and I managed to reach Philpott Towers before closing time.

Many thanks to Chris for the refreshments',

A belated thanks to Alan for being home on Thursday and having a replacement

rear gear cable as mine broke near Priest Bridge turn. Thus saving a struggle .for the

ride home,

Ivor seems to be enjoying himself,

Alan has the job of flushing the loo,

Where has everyone gone leaving the washing up,

There seems to be a rush to get away, Moira and Julie want an easy ride home.

Looks like I'm last man and a chase ahead to catch up,

Just about latch on to the E train.

Then Steve takes the right turn for the short trip home,

Must get onto the back of Ivor and Pete before they turn the power up,

After passing Broadacres and turning up Moira's favourite land we get caught by Kevin Young returning home.

When the steepness increases Ivor and Pete turn to full power Kevin manages to hang on but Roger and I 

are left gasping for breath.

Fortunately they stop at the top for a gentleman's break. 

We push on while we can giving me a chance for a catch up with Kevin on his nice new bike,

Roger and me take our usual route to the top of Rose Hill then zoom down to the island

We thought we had left the E power duo well behind but turning up to the amusements 

who's at the top of the hill only Ivor the survivor. Must be much shorter via Barnt Green ,

Once again many thanks to Chris and Alan,

Looks like both groups were down on numbers today.

Roger has been on the sick with the virus all week having caught it of his other half Di.

Tess wasn't called out in the night so joined me to get a few miles in, hoping not to get caught in a shower.

I decided to take her on a new adventure in an easterly direction into the wind.

We headed out to Solihull not the best of routes on main roads.

Leaving Solihull the roads got quieter as we passed through Hampton in Arden and up to Meriden.

Surprised to find a mass of cyclists there on the Green as it was the memorial day.

We had to detour through the lanes to reach Fillongley as the direct road was closed.

We pushed on towards Nuneaton before turning right at Astley with the cafe a couple of miles down the road.

For those keen readers this is the stop for you.

It is called The Book Farm most of the site is full of books for sale with many old or first editions ( rather expensive ).

The cafe is fascinating with signs and thing hanging everywhere.

 There is plenty of choice on the menu and the cakes are to die for.

Tess went for the chocolate cake with strawberry's and cream and I had the apple pie and custard.

On the way back found a place for old Saracen riders.

Returned back via Balsall Common and Knowle with the wind behind us.

Clocking up about 60 miles and avoiding any rain showers.

You were obviously to quick for us today.

It was just Tess and me as Roger is sunnying himself in Turkey

for two weeks.

We didn't arrive at the View until 11:45 and were surprised to find no bikes there

thought Julie might have been leading on the way out and took a scenic route.

Still tea cakes, chocolate cake and cups of tea went down well.

Nice to have the sun out still a little windy in places.

Roger and I set of at 10 o'clock as usual and took the back lane down

to Droitwich. Having passed through Tibberton we decided to continue onto 

Spetchley before turning to Crowle as we thought we might be first there.

NO surprise to find the gang already tucking into tea and cakes.

Nice to have such a good group to ride back with.

For those who managed the trip to Bewdley the other week and met Terry who 

popped into the cafe to say hello, I've found an interesting advert from the club past ie. the 50's

As we didn't get going till 10:15 I thought you would have left the cafe

by the time we got there, probably 12 o'clock

So I took Roger and Tess out to a cafe in Wellsbourne.

It is very cyclist friendly with a rail set up to hang your bikes on.

Only draw back about 20 cyclists already there.

No problem finding seats and the service not to long.

As Tess has been working for the past few weeks a good plate of pancakes 

with jam and bananas was required to fuel  her for the trip home.

Nice to have a trip home with the wind behind us.

Tour of Flanders yes what an unexpected finish.

Managed to stay awake all the way through to the end.

Just got to catch up with the ladies race now, I'm sure that will be as good.