Well, that was rather brutal. Would like to blame McWobble, but I think it was me that chose the route.
Up from Grange Hill to Romsley - 500 feet of climbing. Three pitches, each one longer and steeper than the last.
Then Rednal and up Rose Hill to the Lickeys 260 feet of climbing, but unrelenting. A right hand bend half way up promises a flat bit, but half way round you realise that there is no respite, and it just gets steeper and steeper the closer you get to the top.
Then to Belbroughton, across the Stourbridge Road, and then up to Romsley again via Winwood Heath Road - 345 feet, but seriously steep. Nearly stopped half way to go and buy a triple, but just about managed it.
Then a detour via Walton Hill, Nimmings Car Park and NT tea hut for a bacon sandwich, and finally Mucklow Hill - 315 feet of urban battling. Nice roundabout half way up for a breather.
Now sitting at home while my legs complain!! Had a good ride, though. Average speed was just above 14.5 mile/h, 30+ miles of riding, but hard work.