Short Ride Report by Andrew Short version 25 miles, 9 of us, Beardsley's Less short version A glorious spring morning saw another excellent attendance at Holt Drive, the spiritual home of Cycling in Leicestershire!! There were five rides on offer and Ian kindly offered up a 25 miles to Beardsley's at Rearsby, a rare venue for me, and an offer far too good to turn down. There were seven other riders:- Mick, Chris, Peter, John (N), Rob (P), David and Helen. It was an excellent route out through Barrow, Sileby and Cossington where we picked up the canal footpath to Syston. It was then through Queniborough and East Goscote as we neared our much anticipated venue. It was fabulous to be able to sit outside and enjoy the excellent refreshments and conversation. Mick, Chris, Peter, David, Rob, Ian, Helen and John N. Eclectic matters for debate included naked ramblers – it's a long story!! as well as how to mitigate the impact of pollen. Leaving here we headed towards T...

Short Ride Report by John An overcast morning produced a strong turnout with 4 groups departing before John set off with Dom, David, John N., Clyde, Marcus, Dennis, Dave, Eric and Sandy (a new rider) on what is probably our flattest ride to Syston. The riders set out via Cross Lane and Shelthorpe and continued south through Quorn and Mountsorrel where they turned east to cross the Soar to Sileby. The road to Cossington was blocked to motor traffic so the riders enjoyed a quiet road until the joined the cycle track taking them to the Grand Union Canal. David on Meadow Lane Turning off at Meadow Lane the riders wended their way to the Duck and Willow Cafe on Brookside. Dom, David, John N., Clyde, Marcus, Dennis, Dave and Sandy After refreshment the group returned whence it had come with riders dropping off as they neared their homes. At the end just Marcus and John remained, arriving in Loughborough just after noon. Intermediate Ride Report by Andrew Short version:- Nine riders,...

Short Ride Report by John A beautiful sunny early spring morning saw an excellent turnout of more than 30 riders at Holt Drive. Five rides were offered and John was joined by Margaret, Dennis, David, Clyde, Derek, Max, Keith and Eric with East Leake as the destination. The group headed out of Loughborough via Meadow Lane before turning south along Stanford Lane then climbing to Hoton and on east to Wymeswold. From there they headed north to Wysall where the display of daffodils around the church wall could be admired. Clyde and Derek leading Dennis and Margaret west along Costock Road Heading west through Costock, the riders paused outside Love & Piste and ascertained that they were still closed on Wednesdays. Continuing into East Leake the group arrived at Bryers where they discovered Patrick and Laurie already taking refreshment. Laurie, Patrick, Dennis and Margaret David, Clyde, Derek, Max, Keith and Eric Having enjoyed a repast in the sunshine, the riders dec...

Short Ride 1 Report by Andrew Short version Jade's, 21 miles, nine riders Less short version A glorious spring morning at Holt Drive saw another excellent turn out. Two short rides were on offer and as one was to Jade's (Newton Linford) this rider had an easy decision to cycle to this coffee shop venue. Ian kindly offered to lead out myself (Andrew), Anne, Betty, Catherine, John, Mick, Steve and Terry while Chris joined us at Jade's following on from an early morning dental appointment. The route up to Newtown Linford was circuitous*, I can't recall the exact path but I'm fairly sure it involved Quorn, Mountsorrel, Rothley, Cropston Reservoir and Bradgate Park. The offerings at Jade's were as magnificent as always, I pretty much managed to avoid temptation, so maybe I don't need to get my hands on ozempic medication after all!! Betty, Chris, Ian, John, Mick, Steve, Andrew, Catherine and Terry outside the Jade Cafe at Newtown Linford Following o...

Short Ride Report by John An early Spring day with the prospect of sunshine produced a good turnout with riders negotiating the works surrounding the square at Holt Drive.Four rides sallied forth with twelve rider opting for short ride to the Flying Goose Cafe at Six Hills. John was joined by Rob, Chris, Robert, Betty, Eric, Andy, Derek, Mick, Andrew, Margaret and Dennis The riders headed south towards Quorn, turning east to cross the Soar into Barrow and then up Melton Road to Paudy Lane and the Salt Way. (This was a Roman Road and the name "Paudy" is believed to derive from the old English "paude," which mean "paved".) Derek and Andrew on Paudy Lane After negotiating a section of the rather busier Six HIlls Lane, the riders arrived at a busy Swim Six Hills where they queued with swimmers for refreshments in the Flying Goose Cafe. A table was located and all the riders were eventually served. Rob, Chris, Robert (half hidden), Betty, Eric, Andy, D...

Short Ride 1 Report by John A bright mild morning produced a good turnout with riders navigating the road works around Holt Drive to get to the gathering place. As a large number of riders had opted for the short ride, Ian kindly agreed to lead one section to Millies while John offered another to the Methodist Church Hall at Birstall. John was joined by Bryan, Robert, Mike and Derek and they headed south through Quorn then climbed Wood Lane past Granites before dropping down to Rothley to rejoin the old A6 to then follow the signed route through Birstall to the tea room. The tea room was very crowded since it was one of the "Warm" day events they hold when the tea and cakes are free. We were told there was a room upstairs we could use, to which the group retreated after leaving an appropriate amount in the donations box. Riding in Watermead Park After finishing off the supply of cake at the Church Hall, the riders returned through Watermead Park with Bryan taking a mor...

Short Ride Report by David David G led a short ride to St Joseph’s tearooms, accompanied by Keith, Dave J, Laurence, Marcus, Tim and Rob Smith. The weather was dry but cold, and winds became evident at the highest points. We rode through Loughborough to Meadow Lane, which had some remaining flood water for us to clean our tyres. We continued through Stanford and over Fox Hill to Normanton. The A6006 above Sutton Bonington. Bridgeworks are ongoing at Zouch, and the way through was clear, but road closure starts in about 10 days. We joined the A6 and took the right turn in Hathern for Shepshed. Here, we went up Lansdowne Road to join Oakley Road for Tickow Lane. Crossing the Ashby Road was perilous, but we all made it to continue up Charley Road. Some of us went right up Abbey Road, which is fairly steep, while others took the 2 other sides of the triangle via Oaks in Charnwood. A few minutes later we all met at St Joseph’s tearooms, where a table was found indoors despite it being ...

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...