WHAT'S BEEN HAPPENING IN THE MONKEY HOUSE?

This weekend saw a trip out to the Womens Tour of Britain in Leamntom Spa for some of the troop - a great day out supporting the pros.

GORILLA TRAVELS

I mentioned a while ago for submissions of achievements that either you or your mate(s) have done to share with the club, as the club has grown to such an extent that i can't follow everyones journeys on Strava,

Siobhan Jones let me know about her adventures this year - starting with the NC500 in May, taking in a scenic route to Orkney en route, and then later - in June- a tour to Germany and the Baltic. Sounds amazing!

The official Gorilla trip this year to the Etruscan Coast is fast approaching, and if you are going, and you want to buy a trip specific jersey please can you let Stuart John Bulloch your size by end of today ( monday 24th) so he can place the order .

GORILLA RACING

The hill climb season has started and Scott Hamblett has been representing!

1st place at the Winwood Heath road hill climb a couple of weeks ago with his highest 3 minute effort ever!

3rd at Maxstoke Hill climb on 12th August.

There was a great Gorilla turn out at the RR&PCC Hillclimb on Gorcott KH11 with Scott coming 6th, Harry, 12th, Joe Walker 13th, and Sam Maybee 15th.

And then Scott has gone back to the Maxstoke climb at the weekend and taken silver.

Chapeau to ALL the hill climbers.

EVENTS

As mentioned on the Whats App community the Gorilla Autumn Classic will take place weekend 26/27th September - the route will be similar to last year, giving you a chance to ride a longer distance ( than a normal Sunday) with your mates.

The Hill Climb this year is on the weekend of 17th/18th October , with a new format. There are 4 options - you have to choose and sign up before hand which option you are competing in ( you can only compete in one category):

Clewshaw Climb

Lea End Climb

Ickneild Climb

Cingles du Peacock - combined segment times for all 3

A spreadsheet to sign up will be released closer to the date.

An external event by Birmingham Contempory Music Group is looking for ride leaders,

Cycle the Score - Call for cycling guides

Event: Sunday 20 September 2026, 3-7 pm
Rehearsal: Sunday 6 September 2026, 6-7 pm
Location: Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, B12 9QH

BCMG is seeking 3-6 experienced cyclists to guide three groups of up to 37 cyclists between Midlands Arts Centre (MAC), Highbury Hall and Birmingham Brewing Company. Each group will be assigned 1-2 guides, depending on the number of guides available and the group sizes.The guides will:
" Meet the cycling groups at MAC at 3pm on Sunday 20 September
" Guide their assigned groups safely to the respective venues for musical performances at 3.30pm, 4.30pm and 5.30pm
" Help lead a performance of Mauricio Kagel's A Breeze at the MAC at 6.15 pm
o This involves waving a flag at the appropriate moments to signal the cyclists to make a designated sound
o No prior musical experience is required to lead this performance
o A rehearsal will take place at MAC at 6pm on Sunday 6 September
" Inform the event organisers and lead guide of any delays or incidents enroute and be contactable throughout the duration of the event
" Support the good spirit of the day in celebration of cycling, music and Birmingham's green spaces

MG and the lead guide.In compensation for your involvement, BCMG will offer all guides a complimentary pair of tickets to a future BCMG concert and a selection of Birmingham Brewing Company beers.

The guides will lead the three groups of cyclists along the following route:Start Stop 1 Stop 2 Stop 3 End
Group 1 MAC MAC Highbury Hall B'ham Brewing Co. MAC
Group 2 MAC Highbury Hall B'ham Brewing Co. MAC MAC
Group 3 MAC B'ham Brewing Co. MAC Highbury Hall

BCMG envisions much of the route to be along the River Rea, with a short section on paved road between Holders Wood and Highbury Park. Groups 1 and 2 will travel approx. 9km, while Group 3 will travel approx. 12km. The final route and responsibilities for ensuring they are open and safe on the day of the event will be determined between BC

Cycle the Score is delivered by BCMG in partnership with Midlands Arts Centre as part of the Big Green Weekender and in association with Highbury Hall and Birmingham Brewing Company.

For more information, visit: http://www.bcmg.org.uk/Event/cycle-the-score

Please send expressions of interest by to James Thomas at jamest@bcmg.org.uk

THURSDAY RIDES

The rides for Thursday will be posted later today by Dana Chirila , you'll need to book on via the website - if its your first time use the coupon code FREERIDE26 .

This week we have:

15-16mph Rob Anderson - cut throat and Broad lane

16-17mph Bruno - Packwood

17-18mph Rob Garratt Hilly Alvechurch

17-18mph Phil Hood flat Fen End

18-19mph Páraic Scanlon flattish loop

19-20mph James Brown route weather dependent.

Ride safe

Bruno