ChrisP

Set off alone today as Roger is in Cyprus sunning himself and Tess was riding

a cyclocross near Fillongley.

Fortunately caught up with Ivor near Dodford and continue down the lane

together to Droitwich.

A few more pictures of our garden party.

A very pleasant ride home with the wind behind us.

Over looking Frankley I could see a very black cloud with a rainbow in front of me

but with a little more effort and speed managed to reach home before the heavens opened up.  

Although I didn't make the Tommy Godwin this year.

I did make it to John's on the night for the after ride Chinese.

Plus a catch up with Alan T. Mick M and co. for the past year.

Having demolished the Chinese takeaway, for afters John brought out his

famous fruit cake.

As you can see it was enjoyed by all.

Sorry a little slow transferring the pic's today.

As Moira said another great stop.

And what a good turn out of Saracen colours.

Ivor the survivor seems to be turning up further and further out then turning up the motor on the way home.

Great to see Tim out again another turning up the power on the way hoe.

Out alone today Billy no mates Roger on the sick and Tess looking after the sick.

Got my timing right though and made the cafe before the rush.

Our trio headed out in a similar direction but knowing we would only

get to Long Marston as you were leaving turned of to Little Alne.

The cafe there has now reopened well worth a visit.

A good show of Saracen colours, we also all had club tops on.

YES didn't quite get the timing right this week.

As we pulled in John and co. were ready to leave.

This also meant we missed the birthday treat Barry had brought the others.

The cafe was busy but we had a chat with a couple of senior guys who'd ridden out from Stratford.  

After spending an hour to finish refreshments we set of for home.

As we got to the Feckenham area the sun broke through for a few mins and warmed us little.

!4 degs most of the day rather a big drop from the other week of 30 plus.

Lets hope the summer returns soon.

Yes Roger and I got our skates on this morning and made it to the cafe

before John's party had finish teas.

As John said the place had been tidied up and table clothes were laid.

It was nice to have some extra company to ride back with, it's been a long

time since we last got together.

It makes a good change to ride over Kinver direction albeit a little up and down. 

Moira looks in good form.

Nice to meet Julie our newest member, welcome to the Saracen RC.

The usual struggle of Kinver Hill.

Pity the sun wasn't out but nice being a little cooler.

No need to bother with gilet, or wet weather gear today.

Sun hat, tanning cream and plenty of water.

Tess O rolling up at 10 ready for a long day in the sun.

Set of in the same direction as John and co. out from Tardebigge, having rounded

the golf coarse spotted Ivor going home in the opposite direction. He must have been 

up early to get his miles up in the hundreds for the week.

We took the route to Fladbury and Charlton where we continued on in the Broadway direction.

Meeting the Cheltenham we turned right then took the second left turn heading in the Winchcombe direction.

Roger looks in good form with Tess hanging on.

First sight of the Cotswold ahead having ridden mainly on flat roads.

Reaching Toddington we went straight on to do a little climbing op Stanway hill.

Past the GWR railway centre the climb wasn't far ahead.

Roger and i waited for Tess to arrive at the top.

She didn't take long plus a following car.

Left turn at the top just a little more uphill to the top.

Now for that rewarding ride across the top heading for Chipping Camden and the cafe.

Along the way stopped to photograph the stunning fields of the lavender farm.

Like John and Co. much to warm outside to sit in the sun.

Crossing by the Lavender farm the Garmin did go just above 32 degs.

Now for the return trip.

Chipping Camden is still very quiet.

Oops.

By the time we reached Ullenhall Tess needed to give her feet a rest.

I don't think she's crying ?

Having decided earlier not to go into Purity brewery thinking we would never get back

we made the Peacock for a well earned pint to finish the day of.

We all enjoyed a rather testing Tour of the Cotswold.

Set of with Roger B and Tess O to fit some extra summer miles while the weather was

ideal for biking.

Headed out straight down the A38 for Driotwich then swung right for Ombersley and Holt Fleet.

turned left at Holt Heath heading for Hallow where we turned right and made our way to Leigh Sinton.

Top of a hill in the lanes we caught sight of my destination where Tess had to stop and take a picture

in disbelief.

Took the long climb up to West Malvern then along the Main Road through Malvern Wells before dropping of

the side and heading to Upton upon Severn.

We zoomed past the Marina without stopping.

We made our way to Defford for refreshment so that we would have a shorter ride home.

Roger is looking a little tired.

Steeds at the ready only 30 miles to go fortunately the wind was with us all the way home.

A good days riding by all.

Roger and I met up as usual cloudy but no rain about.

Set of in Earlswood direction fairly warm with occasional sun pocking through.

Continued on to Five Ways Claverdon and Fenn End still no rain about.

Turned for home via Knowle and on towards Earlswood we felt a few spots in the air

so decided to stop for tea and cake at Wedges but the rain never came.

After refreshments continue trip home not a drop of rain fell.

It must be true the sun shines on the righteous and it always rains around Bromsgrove.

Hi Ivor didn't spot the jersey but Mick McClure lives in that area, it was probably him.

As my fellow riders couldn't face a ride in the rain to start the day, I set

of for a short ride to meet up with the usual old faces at The Swan Chaddersley Corbett

for a late 2020 Boozers run or an early 2021 run.

Having sorted out the winter and wet weather gear the first 10 mile or so was rather damp

but after passing Hanbury Hall the roads dried out and a few layers were removed.

On arrival at the pub I found our advanced party had already taken one of the drinking pods.

Good to have Ken H back out with us today.

A face from the past one of the strongest and most aggressive riders in our area, John Patson.

Ivor out again getting more miles in.

A few more familiar faces.

A very pleasant afternoon catching with the last two years we've missed.

Much better riding home in the light rather than the cold and dark of Christmas.

Having met Roger we headed of to The Decades Cafe Mickleton.

As we didn't set of till 10 oclock wouldn't be able to reach Blackminster before you left for home.

So the summer has arrived albeit a little warm nice to have the sun out and little wind about.

Our ride out took in Ullenhall, Great Alne and Welford.

We arrived at the cafe about 12 ish. at the bottom of the Cotswolds, not ready to climb up there yet.

We found a corner ready to have a welcome cuppa and a snack.

Stretch out the legs ant try to improve the tan.

We were advised that the home made sausage rolls were the thing to have.

We weren't disappointed.

The return route was via Bidford and the usual roads up to Tardebigge.

We both felt well cooked by the time we climbed back over the Lickey's.

But what a great change to be riding in shorts and summer tops again.

Well done you hardy people.

I met up with Roger at 10 slight rain in the air.

After a couple of hundred yards we decided to put rain tops on.

Continued for a mile or so and headed for the bus shelter in Coteridge.

After 3/4 of an hour looked like it might ease we crept from under the shelter preparing

to brave it. Roger lead the way.

As I dropped back on the road to follow him there was that thud as the rim hit the road s--t a puncture.

I free wheeled down the hill hanging over the front wheel but had to stop at the traffic lights

Roger already climbing up the other side to Kings Norton.

By the time I had the back wheel out he returned only to watch a demonstration of inner tube replacement.

At this point with the heavens opening again we took a unanimous decision to return home and hope the sun

comes out again in the week.

A great morning for ducks  5.4 miles in 1 1/2 hours.

As we were all locked up at Christmas and no run to The Swan for refreshments.

On Sunday 20th of June there will be a Mid Summer gathering at The Swan

to have a catch up with old friends not seen for the last 18 months.

Lets make it a good get together.

Up early to ride first sportive for a couple of years.

Met up with Tess O and Roger B to ride up to the start at Bourneville College at Longbridge.

There we were joined by George who was a triathlete and work Colleague of Tess.

As you will see i haven't carried the camera for sometime and it's difficult with gloves on.

As the weather was cold and grey to start winter clothing was the order of the day.

The route took us out via Clent Hills and round to Kinver plenty of climbing  to start.

Then up Kinver Edge.

Are that's better.

Down the other side and up to Shatterford.

Down the other side to Arley.

Plenty of water in the river Severn.

Preparing to climb over the railway and up to Button Oak.

From Button Oak we climbed up through Wyre Forest and then across to Clows Top where refreshment could

be had at the village hall. rather a cold and windy place on the top of the hill.

Tess in need of refuelling and a water bottle.

Roger with George holding up a wall.

Setting of for the second half of the ride.

The return route took to Stuorport via Bliss Gate.

Then onto Hartlebury, Cutnall Green, and Wychbold.

We finally climbed up to Tardibegge and up to the top of Rose Hill  before crossing to Longbridge Lane

and back down to the finish.

Having ridden to and from the start point we clocked up over 75 miles taking in nearly 6000 feet of climbing.

No wander legs hurt going up and down stairs back home.

As it started to rain just as we finished and the wind and cold started to set in we decided not to queue for

a bacon butty but head for home.

Pity the weather was back to winter but a very scenic ride well organised and supported.

As we seem to be moving out of lockdown, time to start recording

rides again.

Yesterday with the temperature rising to 18degs it felt like summer might be

on the way. The wind was a little blustery but we managed to keep it on one 

shoulder or the other all day.

Roger B, Tess O and myself set of for Wellesbourne.

We went out via Great Alne and on through Stratford which seemed to have lots of visitors.

We reached the Cafe in Wellesbourne which is very popular and busy. Cycling friendly.

We found a seat in rather a draughty spot but the tea and food were very welcome.

The Mississippi mud pie was soon finished of between us. 

Suitably refreshed we made our way home via Snitterfield, Lowsonford and Hockley Heath.

We skirted round Earlswood to reach Wythall and home as the roads between the lakes and below 

are all closed at the moment and not passable.

We managed to increase our mileage today sign the weather was warmer.

A good days riding.

Many happy returns of the day to

Hilary

Love Chris

At the moment the club isn't organising regular group club rides.

With this in mind the Rule of Six applies.

Regard to cafe stops only a few take aways available at the moment.

From 12th April food & drink can be waitress served outdoors subject to restrictions.

From 17th May no limit on numbers for BC affiliated club and recreational rides.

plus food and drink can be served indoors subject to restrictions. 

Anyone requiring further guidance visit the British Cycling site.

Enter the Covid 19  coronavirus/guidance page (read more)

Under What changes on March 29th at the end of the paragraph click HERE

Next page click Club and Group Activity.

There you will find the guidance  THE WAY FORWARD

Following the death of Pete from Motor Neurone Disease.

And the loss of Paul from the same disease.

The Carbutt girls have set up a Justgiving page for MNDA.

If you wish to donate the link is below.

Hi Chris and Hilary,

It is with great sadness that I have to announce the death  this afternoon of Pete.

He was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in February 2020.

On 11th March 2020 he moved to live in France his dream upon retirement.

Pete was an incredibly strong rider possibly more than his older brother Paul of national fame.

I think he was most happy on the bike when we stopped at a pub on a winter run for some refreshment.

 His ability to get the fire going on the annual boozer run fry up will surely be missed.

Mike McClure has been popping in regularly and is there now with Jayne to help Caren.

With total support of Caren by his side he had his wish to die at home.

Our thoughts go out to Caren at this very sad time.

Chris and Hilary.

Due to Covid restrictions limiting numbers attending funerals.

Alan's family have already allocated all the places allowed at the crematorium.

If you would like to follow the service in the virtual world on the Web go to

the Saracen Members Private Room where I have posted the details and the link.

Or just give me a call.. 

Unfortunately more sad news to report.

My long time friend Dave Hanbury (aka Handbag) died this morning after a years long battle with pancreatic cancer.

Although he moved to Southampton many years ago, he has always maintained contact and membership with the club.

I'm proud to say I was best man at his wedding to Beryl and Rebecca was a bridesmaid.

They celebrated their 33rd anniversary last year.

There are many stories of Dave's riding mishaps.

One time as a young lad on a club ride to Bridgnorth, he thought he could descend the quickest from the top town and trying

to negotiate a left hand corner disappeared over the wall on the opposite side of the road.

Or the last club Audax we rode together. He needed the loo as we set of, I pottered on from the start but no sign of Dave catching me up.

After many phone calls to him I realised he'd started out following his Garmin in reverse of the route.

I  have to admire his Time Trial performances as a veteran over the past decade although found the talk of power meters beyond me.

Many will remember him as one of the first organisers of training trips to Majorca.

I'm sure we will have lots of memories to share over the coming years.

Out thoughts go out to Beryl  at this sad time.

Chris and Hilary

I have sad news to report to start the New Year.

Allan Carbutt died peacefully yesterday at home in the company of his family.

 Allan would often join in with us on Sunday Club Runs.

Or when we had social or training  weekends away he would drive the support car.

For those who joined the camping weekends to Builth Wells will recall Allan's immortal phrase "once and only once"

that's if my memory is correct.

He was a regular committee member in the 60s, 70s & 80s.

Undertaking the organisation of many races in particular a series of evening events on the Beoley Circuit.

He also helped with Time Keeping and marshaling at other events.

2020 saw Allan and Pauline pass another milestone when they celebrated there 70th wedding anniversary.

Our thoughts go out to Pauline and all the family at this time made more difficult by the Covid situation.

Chris & Hilary.

Happy Christmas to all our readers.

Looking out the window things are very quiet but it looks nice with 

the sun out albeit rather cold.

Lets hope The New Year turns out better and we can get back to meeting up again.

Best wishes to all.

Chris & Hilary