Short Ride Report by John As it was Christmas Eve there was a surprisingly good turnout on a bright but chilly morning, with two rides departing from Holt Drive. John offered a short ride to Millie's and was joined by Betty, Anne, Terry, Dennis, Helen, Mike, Rob, Marcus, Andrew and Sophie. The riders departed Loughborough via Meadow Lane, turning south in Stanford to Cotes and then climbing to Hoton. From here they headed east to Wymeswold taking Narrow Lane to Six Hills Sophie leading Anne along Narrow Lane where they joined Paudy Lane for an easy run downhill and down wind to Millie's. After sampling the excellent fare on offer, the riders returned to Loughborough via Barrow, arriving around noon. Anne, Terry, Dennis, Helen, Mike, Rob, Marcus, Andrew and Sophie at Millie's

Short Ride Report by John The forecast had been for a mild and dry morning, but around 9am the rain poured down and it was still raining when the riders, who had either set out before the rain came down or decided to tolerate it, gathered at Holt Drive. Enough riders assembled to justify two rides and John was persuaded that a short ride to Cossington would meet the bill. He was joined by Tim, Mick, Marcus, John N., Helen, Andrew and Eric . As the riders set off the rain ceased and shortly afterwards the sun came out. As the riders departed Loughborough via Meadow Lane a police car with blue lights flashing and horn wailing sped up from behind, causing a concatenation of the group as riders stopped to get out of the way. Eric leading John N. and Helen towards Cotes In Stamford the riders turned right to Cotes, crossing the A60 to reach Bandalls Lane, which took them to Walton Lane. At this point Eric, who had been caught in the rain storm was suffering from cold hands and feet, as...

Short Ride Report by John The forecast proved to be correct and riders gathered on a frosty morning with the air temperature just beginning to rise above freezing. John proposed a short ride with an early tea stop in Quorn to allow the sun to do its work and get to a more comfortable temperature. He was joined by Andrew, Bryan, Ian, John N, Derek, Rob, Dennis and Michael. After carefully navigating many untreated cycle tracks on route to Quorn, the riders were glad to retreat into the warmth of the Old School House tearoom where they were joined by Myles. With some furniture realignment, they were able to fit around one table. Andrew, John C, Bryan, Ian, John N, Derek, Rob, Myles, Dennis and Michael. After a leisurely tea break and, with both the sum and the temperature somewhat higher, the group, ex Bryan and Myles, headed south to Mountsorrel where they crossed the Soar and took Slash Lane to get to Barrow. Here John N. and Derek decided to head for home. The remaining riders ...

Short Ride 1 Report by Derek As we all decided what rides we fancied this morning a lot opted for John's shortish ride to Jades tearoom rooms. Probably because it was just above freezing outside. We all thought that the group was too big so I offered to lead a ride to Pillings lock marina. John, Marcus, Eric and Vic decided to join me and we headed out to over the forest to Mucklin wood to avoid the busy A6 ring road, we were surprised that after all the rain it was not that muddy. We then went on to Woodhouse, Swithland and on to Rothley before dropping down to Mountsorrel and on to Quorn. Marcus unfortunately got a puncture and decided to phone his local recovery team i.e. Sue his wife. The rest of us carried on to Pillings Marina. The restaurant had been closed for a while as it flooded early part of the year, we were all pleasantly surprised how nice the new decor was. The staff were very friendly and brought out a lovely selection of cakes and things to try. Vic, John...

Intermediate ride to Café Blue at Sawley Marina Report by David On an exceptionally mild day for November, with no rain, Howard led a ride to Sawley Marina, accompanied by Dave Smith, Rob Smith, Catherine, Marcus, Max, Bryan and David. We headed for Emmanuel Way. Dave’s bike suddenly went into self-destruct, flinging the rear axle out as he crossed Moorhen Way, causing the rear wheel to screech out of alignment. Fortunately, he was able to put it back and fasten it, allowing him to continue. We turned up to William Street, then Burleigh Road, Chestnut Street and across the Ashby Road to Broad Street. Taking Bridge Street and Toothill Road, we left Loughborough on Meadow Lane. The eight of us passed through Stanford on Soar and climbed Fox Hill to get to Normanton on Soar. At the end of the winding road, we crossed the A6006 for Sutton Bonington. Helped by the tail wind, Marle Pitt Hill did not seem so steep. After gathering at the top, our route took us along College Road...

Short Ride Report by John Despite the rain (which continued longer than originally forecast, there was quite a good turnout at Holt Drive with 3 rides leaving for various destinations. John offered a short ride the Shepshed and beyond with an early stop for refreshment to allow the rain to move over and was joined by Eric, Marcus, Dennis, Ian, Bryan, Myles and Andrew. The riders headed out through the University and after crossing the M1 turned into the lorry park and took refuge in Junction 23 Cafe. They indulged in a rather leisurely refreshment break while the rain continued to fall outside and some rather cholestral heavy bacon and sausage sandwiches were consumed by some. Eric, Marcus, Dennis, Ian, Bryan, Myles and Andrew at Junction 23 Cafe, Shepshed The group moved on as the rain moderated apart fro Eric who headed for home. The group crossed Shepshed to Tickow Lane and climbed up to Charley Road, which took them to the junction with the B591. Here, with some rain still fa...

Medium Ride Report by Graham I hadn't planned to lead a ride today, but an evident dearth of leadership caused JC to ask me to lead a 30 miler, and hence I led a group of 10, comprising Davids C,J,&G, Tim, Tricia, John N, Margaret, Dennis and Mark, to the Rock at Whitwick. Outbound we threaded through the University campus and business park, out alongside the A512 to Shepshed, cutting through the new Aldi car park (well most of us did, 2 overshot!) and out the back of Shepshed onto the familiar Carr Lane route 6 to Belton. At Osgathorpe we had to take to the pavement to get past a tractor doing hedge trimming, or more like hedge flailing, it was a miracle none of us punctured, then through Thringstone to Whitwick, taking the Bosworth trail (route 52) for the last section, emerging at the site of the old Hermitage leisure centre into the land of the million St George flags. The Rock is one of my favourite watering holes: time it right and you can have brunch and wash it ...

Short Ride Report by Andrew There were two short rides available so with Eric leading one and our illustrator leader Mr J Catt away, Ian and I led another one to Jade's. Or to be more honest and accurate Ian was by far the main leader!! The crew Ian and I were joined by six more “elite athletes” Chris, Clyde, Dave, Dom, Derek and Myles eagerly anticipating a lung busting morning workout!! The route We headed out through Quorn and then up the hill past Granite Works. We then turned left and then right up The Ridings. We then cycled through Thurcaston towards Anstey, at which point Ian expertly turned right past the schools to avoid the busy town Centre and onto Jade's we rode. The route back was a regular, well practiced route through Bradgate Park and Swithland, Woodhouse and Quorn and back home along the old A6. Myles leading Andrew and Clyde through Bradgate Park No really bad pot holes were witnessed by this keen observer, wait until we get some heavy frost...