Rounding off January is a route hewn from the DNA of the B. It’s a return to the spirit of adventuring we had pre covid, with a can do attitude and a side of banter.

Our target is the centre of Birmingham, a semi urban challenge with some climbing and bigger buildings than usual. The route has been optimised to avoid main roads and busy junctions where possible.

The journey takes us via Chaddesley and Belbroughton, with a steady but not unachievable climb up to Dayhouse Bank. Then it’s a steady run into the city centre using suburban roads for the most part. The plan is to seek refreshments in the New Street area, which should offer plentiful choice.

The return leg is slightly different due to one way streets but follows a similar route out before diverting onto the cycleway through Woodgate valley. This is a steady grade back up to Frankley where we turn to Romsley and head down St Kenelms Pass. It’s then back through Churchill into Kidderminster and home via Chester Road and Wilden Lane.

https://www.strava.com/routes/2914245774177113796

To note;

Most of the route is on country lanes though traffic density may be higher within the city boundaries.

Moderate climbing in both directions, nothing severe. The route may change in line with the weather on the day

There are a few miles of cycleway which is part metalled and part crushed stone. Be aware of shared users. I haven’t ridden all of this part but it’s part of the NCN