Making Room for Christmas Lunch - West Midlands

[BrumJim]

Thinking of organising a ride on Christmas Eve.

Its a Saturday this year, and hence a strange day as it'l be a day off, but the day before Christmas. Presumably most shops will shut early, and only the foolhardy or desperate will be leaving shopping until the day before. So what do you do on the day off before the big day with nothing to do, and many people on the road heading to distant relatives.

Anyone fancy a reasonably sized bike ride in order to work off some of the calories before they get put on? Starting South Birmingham ish (Halesowen?) and heading towards Worcestershire for a few hills and great views? Distance can be modified to suit, but I'm thinking around 50 miles, early start, lunch somewhere good, and then train back. First two ideas are Stratford (and back?) or Great Malvern (although is this a bit too long in distance?), with an additional hill climb up Wyche Road for the insane.

Indicate interest, throw some ideas at me, and I'll sort something.

 

[Wobblers]

It's a nice idea to get away from the last minute Christmas panic - though I won't be in Brum by that time.

If you're heading south into Evesham, I can recommend the cafe by the river (I can't remember the name, but that was the control on the Snowdrop this year - the one with the cake!). I've no idea whether it'll be open, though.

 

[Speicher]

It's a nice idea to get away from the last minute Christmas panic - though I won't be in Brum by that time.

If you're heading south into Evesham, I can recommend the cafe by the river (I can't remember the name, but that was the control on the Snowdrop this year - the one with the cake!). I've no idea whether it'll be open, though.

Was that Raphael's at Hampton Ferry?

 

[upsidedown]

Can you not stretch it out a bit ? Maybe to get back on about the 28th so I miss the whole Xmas thing.

 

[BrumJim]

Was that Raphael's at Hampton Ferry?

Yes, indeed. Banjo believes that the Coffee Cake was spiked with some special Contador additives, as it gave me a complete new lease of life for the last leg, and he didn't see me again until the end.

 

[Thomk]

Maybe. But I don't like the repeated mention of hills

 

[machew]

Would love to come, but for two problems
1) Unable to get the bike on the train

 

[CopperCyclist]

I'm working Again!

 

[pepecat]

Sadly I am also working, so wont be able to come. Though even if I wasn't working, i doubt i could come as the parents will be up here and i don't think they'd appreciate me taking off on the bike for the day......

 

[BrumJim]

My starter for 10:
http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/option-24
Start - Halesowen. Destination - Malvern. 36 miles, so not too long. I've put a wake-up hill at the start, although there is a flatter option available, then its Worcestershire plains until the end, then a final push for lunch.
or
http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/chris-eve-option-2
Destination Cheltenham, Start - Wythall, South Birmingham. 51 miles, with Fish Hill plonked nicely in the middle, but a tea rooms available at the top for recouperation.

 

[Thomk]

Jim from Brum. I feel the destination would need to be in the same place as the start. Consider this my seconder for 9.

 

[BrumJim]

Mmm, I like the idea of heading for somewhere new, and then taking the train back. This would allow us to have a large, easy lunch, maybe with a beer or two, and then not have to worry about cycling back again. I would think about a circular route if pushed.

Can I have commitments and preferences please? Would like to be able to plan something by the end of the weekend.

 

[Thomk]

Fell and hurt my arm today so my participation is in doubt.

 

[BrumJim]

OK, I've got at least one participant.
New route is this: http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/boxing-day-route-3
With lunch here: http://www.coachandhorsesinn.co.uk/
Looking at starting around 8:30, but can be flexible if people are coming from further away. Alternatively, join us mid route.
Anyone interested?