The Beacon Message Board

This Beacon RCC Community Group Ride is open to all ages, under 16 y/o must be accompanied by an adult.
A mainly off road ride to and through one of the longest canal tunnels in the UK, the Netherton Tunnel, Dudley.
We will be starting at the Black Horse at 9.15am with a short road ride to the Rae Valley Route. We will then pick up the canals through Birmingham Centre and out through Smethwick on to Netherton where we cycle just under the 3km stretch of pitch dark tunnel, you will need a good light.
Café stop is just after the tunnel at Bumble Hole nature reserve.
Suitable for gravel or mountain bikes, as it looks to be dry a road bike with at least 28mm tyres will also be fine.
There are a couple of very short hike a bike bits, steps over a canal bridge is one, also a couple of short, sharp climbs on our return which are easily walked. Yes, we wait at the top. There are also some short road sections.
Estimated time of return is 2.30pm to 3.00pm.
Please wear a helmet, bring water a snack and cash or a
Card for the cafe stop.

Route is https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49028208
Book on here or through the British Cycling Lets Ride page here https://letsride.co.uk/rides/netherton-tunnel

Paul Balfe
Richard Chaplin
Nigel Douglas
Neil Lynch
Mick Stanford (Lead)
Alan Weaver
Chris Yan

Hi Mick

I'll join you and Rob probably will as well

PaulB wrote: ↑

06 May 2025 22:26

Hi Mick

I'll join you and Rob probably will as well

It will be a great day out, see you both Sunday

Put my name down as well please

AlanW wrote: ↑

07 May 2025 19:31

Put my name down as well please

your name is down, see you on Sunday Alan

I’m up for it Mick .

Dangerous wrote: ↑

07 May 2025 20:04

I’m up for it Mick .

Great, see you on Sunday

Hi Mick, can you add me to the list please.
Cheers Rich

Rich_Chaplin wrote: ↑

08 May 2025 09:56

Hi Mick, can you add me to the list please.
Cheers Rich

added, be good to see you Richard

I’d like to join please Mick. I have a mountain bike.

Chris

ChrisY wrote: ↑

10 May 2025 07:16

I’d like to join please Mick. I have a mountain bike.

Chris

Great, see you tomorrow Chris

Cheers Mick, cracking ride

Rich_Chaplin wrote: ↑

11 May 2025 17:52

Cheers Mick, cracking ride

yes, great day and a few beers to top it off

Cracking day out with great company, thanks for leading Mick.

Despite a rather frosty reception from MrsW when l got home after choosing to do a MTB ride on our 34th wedding anniversary, l'm pleased to report that despite some initial fears, Stephen and the twins remain fully intact.

Thanks Mick. Had a great time!

AlanW wrote: ↑

11 May 2025 20:23

Cracking day out with great company, thanks for leading Mick.

Despite a rather frosty reception from MrsW when l got home after choosing to do a MTB ride on our 34th wedding anniversary, l'm pleased to report that despite some initial fears, Stephen and the twins remain fully intact.

it was a fantastic day out, a d £1.50 for a bovril and 2 tea cakes

ChrisY wrote: ↑

11 May 2025 20:26

Thanks Mick. Had a great time!

it was brilliant, more off road rides needed

love these rides, thanks Mick

well organised with a great group, must do more like this and happy to hear Mr Weaver is all in one piece

PaulB wrote: ↑

11 May 2025 22:27

love these rides, thanks Mick

well organised with a great group, must do more like this and happy to hear Mr Weaver is all in one piece

itwas a great day Paul, an yes, we must do more off road