Short Ride 1 Report by Graham An uneventful ride on a damp and dismal day, but I'm posting a report to highlight the forthcoming closure of Ellis Tearoom at Rothley train station. Myself, Vic, Stuart, Robert (Stephens) and Keith H followed the old A6 through Quorn and Mountsorrel almost as far as Brooklea Nursery before turning right onto Bier Way, then Walton Way, West Cross Lane, The Ridings and The Ridgeway to the train station and tea stop. Stuart, Keith H., Robert S., Vic and Graham at Ellis's Tea Room Vic headed home from there, we remaining 4 returned via Cropston and Swithland. The tea rooms, owned and operated by Great Central Railway, are sadly to close permanently from 15 Feb. Also to close will be the adjoining (and nice warm) toilets. We asked the tea room staff as to the future of the building, but they were as in the dark as we were. Whilst there we were asked to sign a petition against the closure, which we all did. Not su...

Short Ride Report by John The forecast proved to be correct and there was no frost when riders gathered on a chilly morning. John was joined by John N., Mike, Myles, Helen, Terry, Bryan, Margaret, Dennis and Andrew on a ride to the Jade Tea Rooms in Newtown Linford. The riders headed south through Quorn and up Wood Lane past the Quarry before descending to the Riding where they headed west to Swithland where the first snowdrops were evident. Here they turned south up Leicester Lane which took them to Station Road and Cropston. After turning north on Reservoir Road the riders regathered next to the Reservoir overflow that was running strongly. John N., Mike, Myles, Helen, Terry and Andrew at south end of Cropston Reservoir Dam. Arriving at Bradgate Park, a kind warden opened the gates to allow the riders through.  Margaret, Myles and Dennis in Bradgate Park After traversing the park the riders enjoyed the excellent fare offered by the Jade upstairs before returning to Loughbor...

Short Ride Report by John The weather forecast had been for cloud over most to the night clearing around dawn with temperatures just reaching freezing point. In fact the sky cleared late on Tuesday evening producing quite a severe frost. Still the sun was coming out and riders decided to proceed with care while there was a danger of ice. John offered a short ride with a very early stop in Quorn to allow the temperature to rise while enjoying tea and coffee. He was joined by Dilip (a new rider), Andrew, Rob, Nim, Myles, David and Dennis. The group set out via Cross Lane to Shelthorpe and then on to Quorn where they toured the town to get to the warmth of the Old School Tea House. Dilip, Andrew, Rob, Nim, Myles, David and Dennis at the Old School Tea Room in Quorn After a relaxing half hour consuming the excellent refreshments most of the riders ventured out again, leaving Myles and Andrew behind having decided they would prefer to stay and the warm before returning home. The route c...

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...