Cyclesolihull
Weather Station
What will the weather be like for the ride?
Forecast for Saturday's ride: Cloudy but dry in the morning with an increasing risk of showers in the afternoon.
See where the rain is now with the Met Office radar
Cyclesolihull rides go ahead unless there is persistant heavy rain (not just showers) or very strong winds. Rides are rarely cancelled (just 3 in 2008) but if we feel this is necessary because of bad weather we will try and put information about this on the website. Last minute updates will also appear on the Cyclesolihull Blogspot
Cyclesolihull's NEXT RIDE
Saturday Stretcher ride at 10am on 4 July from Balsall Common library CV7 7EL. Our monthly longer ride of 20-25 miles with no fixed route.
If you have enjoyed the shorter rides why not try a longer ride? These rides are similar to the other Cyclesolihull rides but a little longer. Because of this they are not suitable for small children. If you do not cycle regularly it is suggested you try some of the shorter rides first.
Other Upcoming Rides
A 9 mile Evening Explorer ride along route S1 at 7 pm on Wednesday 8 July from Dorridge rail station.
A 9 mile Sunday Cycle Ride at 2 pm on 12 July from Knowle Parish Church.
A 16 mile Sunday Cycle Ride at 2 pm on 19 July from Meriden (The Green).
What's it all about?
Cyclesolihull is a volunteer-led community initiative to encourage more people to cycle in Solihull. Cycling is a fun and healthy way of getting around. At present we produce a growing range of route leaflets to encourage people to explore their local area by bike and provide regular opportunties for people to ride together along these routes. It is easy to get involved - just ride the route yourself or turn up and join one of the community cycle rides!
Cyclesolihull Community Rides are a great way to get cycling more!
- no need to worry about getting lost.
- informal help if something goes wrong with your bike.
- meet new people.
- nothing to pay or join - just turn up.
- no need for special bikes or clothes
- a variety of rides to suit all types of cyclist.
- children who are used to riding on quiet roads with their parents are especially welcome.
Cycling for Everyone
lf all this sounds great but you can't ride a bike or need more confidence to cycle on the road consider some cycle training. This is available locally - you can find details on our links page
Which Ride?
Sunday Cycle Rides take place most weekends from April starting at 2 pm from different locations around Solihull. They follow one of the 19 Cyclesolihull Routes. The "S" (short) routes are about 10 miles long and the "M" (medium) routes are about 15 miles long. New! In 2009 there will be three new "L" rides which are about 20 miles long.You can download the route leaflets here or pick up copies on most rides and at some libraries and cycle shops. Evening Explorer Rides take place alternative Wednesdays from mid-May to early August, follow the S routes (about 10 miles long) and start at 7 pm.
All these rides use mainly quiet roads and some cycle paths and have a refreshment stop of about 30 minutes. The overall pace is suitable for new cyclists, people getting back into cycling after a break or indeed anyone who does not want to go too far or too fast. Children regularly come on these rides with their parents.
These rides start from 13 different locations around the Borough so there should be at least one starting point near you.
Taster Rides are short 5 mile rides for anyone who would like to give the rides a try without cycling too far. They are ideal for children and have the usual refreshment stop - a great introduction to Cyclesolihull Rides!
Saturday Stretcher Rides are longer, monthly rides to provide an opportunity to ride further. There is no fixed route and the rides are 20-25 miles long. The overall pace is not fast and is still set by the slowest rider but they naturally tend to attract some of the faster riders. If you are new to cycling it is best to join a shorter ride first to see how your speed compares with others on the rides.
For more details of each type of ride click on the panels on the left. There is nothing to pay and nothing to join - simply turn up and ride. Nobody knows how many people will be on the ride until it starts but typically it is 15 to 25 - please come along to the next one and increase this number!
Cyclesolihull NEWS
Try the Cyclesolihull Challenge: ride all 19 routes this year. Record all your rides on the Challenge Card available for download here.
The new L1 route leaflet and all the other revised 2009 route leaflets are also now available for download here as pdf files.
coming soon..
Cyclesolihull Cycling Culture
towards a Solihull where cycling is the norm.
Rides too Short or Slow?
Cyclesolihull Community Rides are aimed at people who want to cycle a relatively short distance at a modest pace - ideal if you are relatively new to cycling or just want to get out on your bike for a leisurely few hours with some other people.
If the rides are too short or too slow for you there are local cycling clubs which have regular longer and faster rides so why not give them a try?
Ride Tips
Punctures -come prepared
Punctures don't happen very often but do seem to occur when it's most inconvenient! Bring a spare inner tube on the ride so if the worse happens this can be quickly changed - a lot faster than trying to fix a puncture. It makes sense to know how to do this but there will be always someone on the ride eager to help!
If you haven't got a spare inner tube now put it on you shopping list now - don't decide you must get one AFTER you have had a puncture!
Bring a lock
At the refreshment stop you may wish to go inside (it could be raining!) so give your self some peace of mind and bring a bike lock on the ride.
