WHAT'S BEEN HAPPENING IN THE MONKEY HOUSE?
GORILLA CHARITY OF THE YEAR 2025.
Our charity of the year , this year, was St Vincent de Paul Society (England & Wales), and through fund raisers from February to December, and with funds from your membership fees we managed to raise nearly two grand for them. Below is the message we received from them:
"A huge thank you to Gorilla Cycling Club for donating a total of £1960 to the SVP. This money has gone directly to people in need within a 5 mile radius of the Hare & Hounds. Elderly people in sheltered accommodation, women escaping domestic violence in a refuge and struggling families, with items as diverse as school uniforms and part payment on a mobility scooter for an ex rock singer. A trip to the seaside was achieved and Christmas dinner ingredients are being prepared for distribution. Members of the SVP also offer companionship to the lonely and vulnerable.Your donations really have made a difference.Thank you. "
We are now looking for nominations for our charity of the year for 2026 - please contact a member of the committee if you have an ideas by the end of December, and we will poll the club for their choice in the new year.
GORILLA ENDURANCE - 200 CLUB
Saturday was the first excursion for the 200 club ( our new monthly long ride series) which saw 7 take on the 200km route down to the Cotswolds, and 4 take on the the 105km version. Leaving early in the mist ( the photo is taken before they left Kings Heath) , they enjoyed a spectacular sunrise and great day in the saddle enjoying proper coffee stops (avoiding petrol station dining) and getting back in time for a pint at the Hare & Hounds. Well done to all who took part. They're back again in January.
GORILLA RACING
Our lone cyclocrosser this season - Chris Mapp - ventured up North, to take on a NWCCA race in Newcastle-under-lyme on Sunday picking up 5th place in the V40 category. Chapeau Chris.
GORILLA ZWIFT
With Eugene busy potting balls this Wednesday, Rob Anderson has kindly agreed to lead our regular Wednesday 6.30pm Zwift session. He has chosen the 24.8km Douce France circuit - the band will be on , so you'll all stay together. Book on via the Zwift companion app, following the prompt to Gorilla Cycling Club events.
THURSDAY RIDES
The rides for Thursday are now up on the website for you to book onto. If it's your first time use the coupon code FREERIDE25. As it's our last Thursday ride before Christmas fairy lights, tinsel and festive kit are encouraged. This week we have:
ROAD
14-16mph Rob doing the Tidbury star strava art - 20 flat miles.
16-17mph Adam puddle dodging in Packwood - 25 flat miles
17-18mph Malbec hunting Christmas lights on a flat 25.
18-19mph Graeme doing the OG Winter loop - Solihull first.
OFF ROAD
Thursday Gravel club leaving at 9.30am along the canals to go through the Netherton tunnel, so strong lights will be needed for this daytime ride.
Paul Astin night time off road excursion this week will be down the canals to do the tidbury star strava art. 25 miles at 12mph.
See you Thursday for a Christmas drink.
Ride safe
Bruno