WHAT'S BEEN HAPPENING IN THE MONKEY HOUSE?
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Welcome to 2026, we have lots of great rides and events planned for you this year - check out the events section of the website, with Neil Cocklin new graphics for some of the events we're planning.
Some dates for your diaries for the first 2 non cycling events of the year, whilst the weather's not great why not get together at:
QUIZ NIGHT - Friday 6th February
KARAOKE, DIY DISCO and DARTS EVENING - Friday 27th February.
More details to follow.
HOW FAR DID YOU RIDE?
Who in the club rode the furthest in 2025 - most miles/kilometres for the year? I'll start you off - I rode 9384km (5831 miles) last year. How about you?
I did notice that Scott Hamblett rode the Rapha 500 all on the turbo and finished by 29th December, whilst Phil Hood rode it all outside completing it by 30th December. I also saw that Bruce Chapman completed it as well. Chapeau to those guys, and to anyone i missed. Again, if you did ride the Rapha 50) over the Festive period do let us know.
CHARITY OF THE YEAR 2026
I am just about to send out a poll on our Whats App community for members to vote on their charity of 2026. Last year we raised nearly £2k for St Vincent de Paul Society (England & Wales) , so who do you wish to support this year. The nominations we've received are:
The Bike Project - which collects 2nd had bikes, refurbishes them and donates them to refugees and people seeking asylum. They have a workshop in Balsall Heath, opposite the old Moseley Baths in the old Print Works. A donated bike helps them rebuild their lives, as many of them only have £9.95/week to live off. Oli Cox who rides for us works for them, and I have to express a personal connection as i volunteer for their Bike Buddies scheme.
Forever Tommy's Trust - which raises awareness of Heart attacks, CPR and provides defibrillators in public spaces.
Calm - which is a suicide prevention charity.
WE : ARE - a small charity providing a safe and supportive environment for women who have been subjected to domestic abuse.
Kings Heath Action for Refugees - is our local branch of Action for Refugees, which is a network of local community groups who are committed to supporting refugees and asylum seekers.
All are AMAZING causes, and all are worthwhile of our support, but we need to choose. So check out the announcements in our Whats App community for the poll to vote.
GORILLA ZWIFT
Eugene Vichare is leading our indoor session this Wednesday at 6.30pm. This week you'll be riding the Downtown Titans loop (24.5km) - don't worry the band is on, so the group will stay together. Head over to the Zwift companion app, check out our club page, and sign on to the ride in the events section .
THURSDAY RIDES
There are 5 rides up on the website for this Thursday - we'll be monitoring the weather situation - it is due to get "warmer" over the next couple of days , and the committee will make a call on Thursday lunchtime. But we have:
14-16mph 25 mile flat loop led by Gareth
16-17mph Packwood loop led by Damo
17-18mph Winter Loop led by Malbec
18-19mph 25 mile tour of the suburbs led by Graeme
and Harry is leading a 17-18mph route out to Fenn End.
Full details on the website - if you wish to come along use the code FREERIDE25 to access the booking page, and book on.
Don't forget to vote for your charity of 2026.
Ride safe
Bruno
ps Thanks to Paul Astin for the photo from the unofficial off road ride on Sunday. Looked amazing.