Any decent training rides from North Birmingham?

ubiquitous
ubiquitous Posts: 60
edited February 2010 in Road beginners
I'm waiting to get my first road bike (through c2w) in prep for a charity run. Come the summer I like the idea on going out on the bike for a day and seeing some sights.

I've been searching the net and this site for decent routes of 40-60 miles starting from close to home but they all seem to start from Kings Norton or Northfield which automatcially adds 20 miles on to the trip!

If anyone has any suggestions of routes or friendly cycle clubs it would be most appreciated.

Comments

  • Slow Downcp
    Slow Downcp Posts: 3,041
    What do you class as North Birmingham?
    Carlsberg don't make cycle clothing, but if they did it would probably still not be as good as Assos
  • ubiquitous
    ubiquitous Posts: 60
    North of the city centre!! I'm close to J7 M6. Can easily head out Walsall, West Brom, Sutton ways.
  • Slow Downcp
    Slow Downcp Posts: 3,041
    From Scott Arms/Great Barr you're going to have to cover a few miles before you get to decent cycling roads/lanes. If you're after country lanes, head over Barr Beacon, then head for Stonall, Whittington etc. I live just outside Brownhills and either cycle out that way, or head north - through Cheslyn Hay and into the Staffordshire Lanes - or drive to Penkridge and cycle out from there. The lanes around Lapley,Church Eaton etc up as far as Market Drayton are very quiet and nice cycling ground.

    The alternative is head towards Cannock Chase if you want some hills, but it can get busy at weekends.

    Re clubs - if you want quiet, gentle rides (rather than race/fast club) try Walsall CTC.
    Carlsberg don't make cycle clothing, but if they did it would probably still not be as good as Assos
  • RonB
    RonB Posts: 3,984
    & just North of Whittington etc you'll find some reasonably quiet lanes in and around the National Forest. Good luck.
  • ubiquitous
    ubiquitous Posts: 60
    cheers, just plotted a trip that's as near bang on 40 miles. Fingers crossed for no snow now!! [/url]
  • RonB
    RonB Posts: 3,984
    Good luck with your route. If my memory serves I think this follows similar lines to the start of the CCGiro club's Sunday outing. I'm fully prepared to be corrected though!

    May I suggest using the Bikely website for logging your rides. It will keep them safe and it allows you to check the elevation and your total asecent for each trip. Not much use in South Staffs I grant you but it could come in handy further afield. All the best.
  • richard_l
    richard_l Posts: 375
    Several cycle clubs that may have options for you, though you will probably need to send an email or phone them to get latest info on meeting places and distances, etc

    Royal Sutton CC - http://www.royalsutton.co.uk/index.shtml
    Lichfield City CC - http://www.lichfieldccc.co.uk/
    Walsall Roads CC - http://www.walsallroadscc.co.uk/

    Could also ask at Birmingham City Cycles - http://www.birminghamcitycycles.co.uk/weekly-rides.asp
  • ubiquitous
    ubiquitous Posts: 60
    Thanks for the help guys!

Categories