C run Sunday 14 May [now a definite plan]

[George]

I see that there is so far no C run scheduled for this coming Sunday. Unfortunately, I need to be home by 2pm or thereabouts, so I can't lead a full run. However, what I could do if there is any interest is pick a café, do a route, reserve a table, then lead the run outward and a small part of the way back before leaving the rest of the group to go on alone. I was thinking that the Glider Club at Bidford might make a nice change. However, I haven't been there since before Covid, and they're not answering the phone today. Anyone been there recently?

I'm just throwing this idea out there for comment -- I'm perfectly happy to do my own thing on Sunday (less urban riding!) and either let someone else lead a C run, or assume that the C-runners can tag along with the D groups this week.

[Mariana278]

I can join and take the lead after you leave George
Thanks

[CakeStop]

I visited on a Sunday last August George. The bacon butty was good and they'd added a coffee pod machine so better than instant.

[IanB]

Hi I'm interested. Is there a route and pace will be approx?

[George]

I can join and take the lead after you leave George
Thanks

Thanks, Mariana.

[George]

I visited on a Sunday last August George. The bacon butty was good and they'd added a coffee pod machine so better than instant.

Thanks, Steve. A bit basic, though? I had an idea they had become a bit more professional (at least in the summer months). Do you think? Other options down that way would be Alcester and Hillers, but they are usually heaving. Then there's the camp site run by that endearingly eccentric woman at Aston Cantlow, but that's very weather-dependent. I'll mull it over and see what the forecast is in the morning.

[George]

Hi I'm interested. Is there a route and pace will be approx?

Ian, I wanted to see whether the idea was a runner before working out a route, but we've got a handful of interested people already, so there's every reason to think we'll get up to six or eight, which is enough to make it worthwhile. So I'll plan a route tomorrow, after I've seen the forecast and maybe called one or two places. What I can tell you right away is:
- Destination: somewhere down Alcester way
- Speed 22-23kph (14mph)
- Terrain: flattish until the long slog for home
- Distance: 80-90km (55-55mi)
- Departure: BH 09:15 (probably back in Brum by 14:00, with café stop roughly 11:15-12:00)

[Leigh H]

Hello I am interested in the C run. I am a new member looking forward to meeting some more members

[George]

Hello I am interested in the C run. I am a new member looking forward to meeting some more members

I look forward to meeting you, Leigh.

[George]

Okay, here's the definite plan. Weather forecast is now looking more positive than a couple of days ago (mild and dry until late afternoon), meaning that Aston Cantlow is more attractive than when I first had this idea.
So, here's the route:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/42852023
It's slightly shorter than I previously indicated at 78km (49mi). I'll lead to roughly the 55km mark and then leave everyone in the capable hands of Mariana.

Meet: Black Horse 09:00 or just after
Depart: 09:15
Distance: 78km/49mi
Terrain: flattish out, with gradual elevation loss; long gradual climb back up to Brum (final high point can be shaved by diverting to Barnt Green and main-roading it from there. I'll leave that choice to Mariana and the rest of the group, since I won't be there.)
Speed: averaging 22-23kph (14mph); I like to keep the pace as even as possible to avoid splits and pauses
Participation: maximum of eight riders, including me; advance sign-up preferred, but on-the-line joiners welcome, up to the limit of eight
Etiquette: I'd like us to ride as an orderly, cohesive group as much as possible

Look forward to seeing you all on Sunday!

[George]

Provisional participant list:

Adam Balkham
George Barker (L)
Ian Bell
Leigh Hopkins
Noel O'Dwyer
Ewan Ross
Mariana Sorrill (L2)

[E1]

Hi George
Can I please join you on Sunday as well.
Ewan

[George]

Hi George
Can I please join you on Sunday as well.
Ewan

Absolutely.

[blidwize_united]

Please can I join this ride as well? Thanks, Adam

[George]

Please can I join this ride as well? Thanks, Adam

Certainly, Adam.

[George]

FYI everybody: the campsite where we're having our coffee stop does take contactless payments, but prefers cash.

[CakeStop]

I visited on a Sunday last August George. The bacon butty was good and they'd added a coffee pod machine so better than instant.

Thanks, Steve. A bit basic, though? I had an idea they had become a bit more professional (at least in the summer months). Do you think?

Seemed to be well run by two ladies when I was there. I was only interested in bacon and coffee though so I didn't even look for a menu.

[PaulB]

FYI everybody: the campsite where we're having our coffee stop does take contactless payments, but prefers cash.

Hi George

They take contactless without any problems, went there today and spent £4.50 on the card so all ok

also replied earlier to this message and oressed wrong button (FAT FINGERS) and i think ive reported the post so just delete

[Noel]

Hi George,

Can I join you in the morning.

Noel

[George]

Seemed to be well run by two ladies when I was there. I was only interested in bacon and coffee though so I didn't even look for a menu.

Thanks. I'll try to check it out some time.

[George]

FYI everybody: the campsite where we're having our coffee stop does take contactless payments, but prefers cash.

They take contactless without any problems, went there today and spent £4.50 on the card so all ok

Ah, right, thanks for the update. I've paid contactless there as well, but when I tried to do so for a small amount last time, they asked for cash.

[George]

Hi George,

Can I join you in the morning.

Noel

Certainly, Noel.

[Mariana278]

Thanks for leading George
Also on our ride
Dave cole
Wallie lowe
Dave hughes
John Hitchcock

[George]

Thanks for leading George
Also on our ride
Dave cole
Wallie lowe
Dave hughes
John Hitchcock

Well, thank *you*, Mariana, for doing at least as much of the leader's work as I did.

Phil R: the complete participant list = Mariana's list above + my provisional list higher up the thread + Jonathan Turner.

[George]

Thanks to everyone who came along today. I enjoyed the ride, and hope you did too. It was particularly nice to see several new faces (new to me, anyway), but a shame that I didn't get to talk to all of you properly. Hopefully there will be plenty more opportunities in the future.

And profuse apologies for the schoolboy course-loading error that led to be leading from memory and overshooting a couple of turns.

[Leigh H]

Thanks for making me feel welcome today