Greenway, Kenilworth
Rode through Canley, the University of Warwick grounds and onto the Greenway, a disused railway line near Kenilworth. This is the peleton on the Greenway, there are 7 of them, one is hidden, the birthday boy who was leading at the time. We then skirted Balsall Common, Knowle and Hockley Heath heading for Earlswood. On the way there, we passed Wedges Bakery in Ilshaw Heath. The smells coming out of there were gorgeous. Unfortunately we rode straight past it to get to our tea spot.
Manor House Tea Rooms Earlswood
Oliver Hardy welcomed us to the cafe. Very popular place and I can recommend the toasted cheese sandwich. We all sat out the back and were entertained by the free ranging chickens that were jumping up on the tables scavenging for food!
The ESCC
When we arrived at the cafe it was surprising to see one of the original members of the ESCC, Pete, tucking into a meal. He joined in the ride back to Coventry. This is the group, fed and watered and tired of chicken baiting, ready to start the return journey. From L to R, Graham, Gaynor, Tony, Di, my bike, Andy, John, Pete and Alan.
The parrots
Not sure what this bloke was doing but he was sitting near the cafe with a couple of parrots tethered to himself. He was quite happy to pose for a picture.
Earlswood Lake
Three lakes were built in the 1850s to feed the canal system that ran from Birmingham to Stratford. The construction of them took 5 years and included prisoners from the Napoleonic War. Being so near to Birmingham it quickly became a tourist attraction and remains so to this day.
The Drawbridge
Part of the route back was down the Warwick Road from Hockley Heath. This runs alongside the canal and I have been past this drawbridge many times. Today was a chance to get a picture, though it meant rushing to catch the group up.
Another good group ride, 43.5 miles. Another personal best for me in distance travelled. Inching up towards the 50 mile mark.
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