Author Topic: No Tunnel Ride this year? (Read 4820 times)

Jethro · « **on:** 14 March, 2009, 02:53:24 pm »

Although I have never done it (didnt have a MTB until recently) I seem to remember an annual ride from Canon Hill Park in Birmingham each year about March/April time.

The ride i think was mainly on canal towpaths and included the famous Netherton tunnel (about 2 miles long).

I know little else about it other than it was well supported and was probably on the other/old site so cannot find out who the organiser was.

I would be willing to organise it if I could find out more about it.

Martin109 · « **Reply #1 on:** 14 March, 2009, 02:55:49 pm »

It was a guy called Ru88ell.

I'd be interested, depending on dates.

Dunedin · « **Reply #2 on:** 14 March, 2009, 02:57:55 pm »

I cannot speak definitely for Ru88ell but I know that he is rather busy at the moment and so would doubt that he would be able to lead a tunnel ride .

Paul

Martin109 · « **Reply #3 on:** 14 March, 2009, 03:04:29 pm »

His tunnel ride was 'almost legendary', not that I've ever done it.

robgul · « **Reply #4 on:** 14 March, 2009, 03:40:49 pm »

Jethro has just been in contact with me off-board ... the ride first took place in November 2004 when we are all at Cycling Plus .... IIRC there were about 20 riders, including a number (myself included, Naggers and Charlotte, and Basil for part of the ride - I think Jaded showed up at one of the reruns) that still lurk here.

As suggested, I would be surprised if Russ was up for organising it again in the near future ... BUT I, as a four time veteran of Ru88ell's Legendary Tunnels Ride would be willing to step into the breach and run it, perhaps in April or May?

May I suggest that if you are interested you post a quick reply in this thread with any suggestions on dates ... if there seems to be a quorum I'll start another thread with a firm date and details.

UPDATE : I've just added a pdf of the map to my website - it's in Rides/2004-5 under the piece about the Tunnels ride - link should be http://www.beewee.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=19&Itemid=59

Rob
-----
Oh, don't forget "Skinny's Leap" [you had to be there - past member Skinny leaping off a bank near the lunchtime pub and departing the throng in an ambulance with a broken collarbone] .... and I'll check with Russ that he's happy with the idea.

AND if you've been before I can't promise the full two-way radio caboodle ... although I'll ask Russ if I can borrow his clipboard

Luke · « **Reply #5 on:** 14 March, 2009, 04:51:10 pm »

I'm up for this again.

Im away on the weekend of the 11/12 april, but otherwise free.

Basil · « **Reply #6 on:** 14 March, 2009, 08:39:57 pm »

Aaaarrrgg!

Oh alright then, I'm in.

robgul · « **Reply #7 on:** 14 March, 2009, 08:45:14 pm »

Quote from: Basil on 14 March, 2009, 08:39:57 pm

Aaaarrrgg!

Oh alright then, I'm in.

.... but will you make it all the way? .... which of your "reasons" will prevail?

1 Couldn't find the start
2 Wheel rim split - necessitating a visit to Mr Scott at Hall Green
3 Saddle bolt bust - necessitating a visit to Mr Scott at Hall Green, again

Seriously ... I've also had a few PMs - looks like it's a goer ... I'll consult my ~~wife~~ diary and sort out a date in May - most likely a Saturday

Rob

Basil · « **Reply #8 on:** 14 March, 2009, 08:52:33 pm »

I'll be in Wales on 16th May, otherwise May is good for me.

Isn't the Meriden Heart of England on in May? Might be worth avoiding that week end.

robgul · « **Reply #9 on:** 14 March, 2009, 08:58:21 pm »

Quote from: Basil on 14 March, 2009, 08:52:33 pm

I'll be in Wales on 16th May, otherwise May is good for me.

Isn't the Meriden Heart of England on in May? Might be worth avoiding that week end.

Looks like you are avoiding Meriden!! ... it's 16/17 May - Audax rides on the Saturday - see CTC - Heart of England for online entry and all the details

Rob

PS - I'll warn Mr Scott to expect you!!

Polar Bear · « **Reply #10 on:** 14 March, 2009, 09:01:03 pm »

If you can make it the 23rd then I can make it.

What's the terrain like?

Basil · « **Reply #11 on:** 14 March, 2009, 09:14:14 pm »

Quote from: Jethro on 14 March, 2009, 02:53:24 pm

Although I have never done it (didnt have a MTB until recently) I seem to remember an annual ride from Canon Hill Park in Birmingham each year about March/April time.

The ride i think was mainly on canal towpaths and included the famous Netherton tunnel (about 2 miles long).

I know little else about it other than it was well supported and was probably on the other/old site so cannot find out who the organiser was.

I would be willing to organise it if I could find out more about it.

A quick google produced this
stourbug

DanialW · « **Reply #12 on:** 14 March, 2009, 10:28:08 pm »

I know these canals well, and would love to join you.

Jaded · « **Reply #13 on:** 15 March, 2009, 01:16:15 am »

I've done it twice, it's a cracking ride. Every time I go north on the train I look out the window at the 'T' at the north end of the Netherton Tunnel and remember the rides!

I'd certainly consider doing it again - it's definitely almost legendary!

Blade · « **Reply #14 on:** 15 March, 2009, 08:42:02 am »

I took part in last years Tunnel ride and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Rode over to the start from Wolverhampton via the canal system.

I'd like to come along if there's a ride this year, although I can't make the weekend of May 23rd as I'm riding the Plains audax that weekend.

tonycollinet · « **Reply #15 on:** 15 March, 2009, 10:48:09 am »

I'd be interested

May rather than April though for me.

robgul · « **Reply #16 on:** 15 March, 2009, 11:11:31 am »

From PMs that I have had and chatting to some people on this morning's (for me just half of it) club run ... including Crumbling Nick .... it looks like it will attract the numbers to warrant running it.

PROVISIONAL DATE : I have in mind Saturday 9 May 2009 ... start about 1000

Watch for a new thread with a meaningful title in the next few days ... and I'll put some details etc. together on my website.

... and, in anorak mode, I looked back at my electronic diary ... the first running of the tunnel ride was on 27 November 2004.

Rob

Jaded · « **Reply #17 on:** 15 March, 2009, 11:31:19 am »

That's a shame, I can't do that, I'm shepherding a relay run from Lampeter to Stroud. 200km with the participants going slower than me for a change!

If the date changes, I'm still interested.

Andrij · « **Reply #18 on:** 15 March, 2009, 01:20:42 pm »

I did this ride last year - it was a blast! I'm keen on doing it again, but must see if it fits in with my audax schedule (which I must get around to sorting) and if I can get my Orbea back into shape.

Si · « **Reply #19 on:** 16 March, 2009, 10:39:04 am »

Did the first one* and a small bit of the second (alas I missed Skinny's leap)....bout time I did the whole thing again so pencil me in please.

*I think I still owe you a drink from that one Bas.

Ray 6701 · « **Reply #20 on:** 16 March, 2009, 05:20:09 pm »

I'm in too as I now have access to a mountain bike

Basil · « **Reply #21 on:** 16 March, 2009, 06:18:43 pm »

Quote from: Jaded on 15 March, 2009, 11:31:19 am

That's a shame, I can't do that, I'm shepherding a relay run from Lampeter to Stroud. 200km with the participants going slower than me for a change!

If the date changes, I'm still interested.

Bugger.
You're going to be 10 miles (if that) from our place on a week end when I'll be in Brum?
That's a shame.

robgul · « **Reply #22 on:** 16 March, 2009, 11:24:40 pm »

.... see the new thread added on 16 March

Tunnel Ride - Birmingham - 9 May 2009

Rob

Author Topic: No Tunnel Ride this year? (Read 4820 times)

DanialW