Cannon Hill CC (In Extremis)- Selly Oak Sojourn

Selly Oak sojourn An alternative journey to The Lickeys passing through Selly Oak and the clock of The University of Birmingham as a reminder of the pace in this early steady roll, this is part of The ‘In Extremis’ standard or regular group rides starting from our home, Cannon Hill Park. It has all the element of The ‘In Extremis’ recipe, varied terrain, mixed climbs and descents, steady pace lanes, good chat and fine coffee. What more can you ask for?! Passing the Bartley reservoir, the first peak is at the foot of The Waseley Hills country park. Following the M5 down you return to the lower lanes at Lydiate Ash, the turn right onto Golden Cross Lane begins the second - the Old Birmingham Road to The Lickey Hills country park. Steady dragging climbs these two first peaks but the views from the café are worth looking forward to. As is the descent to the roundabout and a sharp left, flowing through fast, if the traffic is favourable, for a pacy chase to Alvechurch barely glimpsing yet more reservoirs, Lower Bittell this time. The 'In Extremis' team couldn't ride this way without a visit to Rowney Green, the picturesque village sitting amongst fine lanes - part of our signature ride to Henley. A grind, with an additional twist to the foot of the climb and the traditional left turn of Radford Road, the road seems to keep rising – a deceptive ‘hidden hill’ but with sweeping lanes thereafter. Reaching the lowest point at Storrage lane, all you have then is the final slopes climbing back past Weatheroak Hill and Kings Norton Golf club and the charge up Gay Hill before the sprint through Allens Croft to Russell Road and the return - beware though the last two (or is it Three) sharp ramps which will test the puncheurs amongst you. Come back for more if you like this?! Please choose your rides carefully. GPX file available on the Cannon Hill 'In Extremis' face book page. https://www.facebook.com/groups/cannonhillinextremis/ NOTE: This is described by British Cycling and Sky as challenging. If you are not regularly commuting or have not been completing 30+mile rides recently, think about whether this ride is for you. Some riders have had to abandon this ride before the half way point