Short Ride Report by John Another cool morning with the possibility of showers produced a surprising high turnout with 4 rides departing Holt Drive. John offered a ride to Birstall and was joined by Rob, Derek, Dennis and Phil (on a brief visit from Shropshire - having been a regular rider in years past). The group set off via Cross Lane and through Shelthorpe following the old A6 to Quorn where they turned up Wood Lane past the Quarry to the Ridings, where they were joined by Marcus, who had decided to drop back for this ride, rather than the one to Newtown Linford. The Riders descended into Rothley and rejoined the A6, negotiating the maze of cycle tracks past Broadnook and climbing over the Western Bypass before dropping down into Birstall and the excellent value tea/coffee and cake at the Methodist Church Hall. Phil, Marcus, Derek, Dennis and Rob at the Methodist Church Hall, Birstall Duly refreshed, Phil opted to leave the group to return to Loughborough for an appointment,...

Short Ride Report by Andrew Short version 10 riders, The MMC, 18 miles Less short version Who was on the ride today? Ten of us lead be Ian, namely Andrew, Betty, Chris, David, Eric, Marcus, Helen, Mick and Stuart. Where did you go? Interesting question. The initial planned location was East Goscote nurseries, but there was a Plan B - see below!! How did you get there and back? After heading out through Quorn, Woodhouse Eaves, Swithland and Cropston and heading towards Rothley it started to rain and looked ominous. Therefore, Plan B was called upon and a diversion made to The Mountsorrel Memorial Centre - my first time here and I enjoyed it, light and airy with welcoming staff. Andrew, Helen, Ian, Eric, Marcus, Stuart, Betty, David, Mick and Chris at the Mountsorrel Memorial Centre Cafe. After our stop here it was back home along the A6 through Quorn and back into Loughborough just after noon with 18 miles clocked up. What were the cycling conditions like? It was chilly...

Short Ride Report by Andrew A bright sunny day with a chilly breeze produced another splendid turn out at Holt Drive and four rides on offer. Who was on the ride? Ian lead a short ride for an eclectic band of cyclists including Andrew, Clyde, Dave x 2, Dom, Helen, Mick, Rob P and Sandy. Where did you go? It's not often one of the rides takes in a coffee shop which I haven't previously visited on a Wednesday morning, but today was one of those days. Daisy’s at the Brook Lea Garden Centre just outside Rothley was our destination and while it was busy, I thought it was really nice!! Sandy, Helen, Rob, Dom, Dave, Clyde and Ian at Daisy’s How did you get there and back? Tricky one this!! (Wracks brains!!) Out through the Meadows and a right turn at Stanford on Soar, up lots of hills before the scenic route through Sileby, then the lovely stretch into Cossington and Rothley before arriving at our destination. Coming back was really nice as it was up towards Swithland and...

Shortest Ride Report by John A beautiful sunny late April Spring morning produced an excellent turnout with 5 rides departing Holt Drive. John offered a short ride to Kegworth and was joined by Eric, Nim, David, Marcus, John N. and Dennis. The group departed through the University, forgetting that the normal route through Margaret Keay Road was blocked, necessitating a retracing and a climb up University Road. The riders then joined Ashby rode and ascended to Shepshed that they skirted to join Tickow Lane one which the headed east to take a fast descent down Hallamford Road. They then headed north to Long Whatton, observing a low swooping buzzard (or possibly a Red Kite) along the way. From Long Whatton the riders joined Kegworth Lane which took them up to the Keworth Bypass that they then descended (on the cycle track) to London Road and a freewheel into Kegworth. John N. on Kegworth Lane Most of the riders succumbed to the tempting fare on offer at Oaklands and enjoyed these ...

Short Ride Report by Andrew It wasn't until Wednesday evening, after that days ride, that John asked me to write a report. I had a panic wondering if I could recall much and then in a moment of madness agreed to this task!!! Whenever I can't think what to write or say (all to often these days!!) I ask myself six questions as memory joggers. Who? What? When? Where? Why? How? So here goes… Who was on the ride? Along with John there was quite an eclectic group, Andrew, Betty, Chris, Dave, Dennis, Dom, Marcus, Mick, Myles, Nim and Peter. (Apologies if I've forgotten anyone). What were the roads like? Surprisingly not too bad, relatively few roadworks and associated temporary traffic lights, the resurfaced carriageway between Hoton and Wymeswold was lovely to ride on, even into a nasty easterly wind. Myles and Andrew leading the group through Cotes When did you get back? We got back into Loughborough at approx 1230 following a lovely morning and about 20**miles cloc...

Short Ride Report by Andrew Short version 19 miles, Jades, eight riders ------------- Less short version It was a bright and breezy day as we arrived at Holt Drive for our Wednesday morning ride. I believe there were four rides, including two short rides. “Our Illustratious Leader” offered one up to Jade's in Newton Linford, so I and six others - Ian (following an early dental appointment), Dave, Peter, Nim, Chris and Mick decided to join him. We headed out on the path through Mucklin Wood and turned right after Beaumanor Hall, we peeled off left at Woodhouse Lane by the church. Evil pothole near here!! Then we rode to Swithland and made a right turn towards Cropston and then through Bradgate Park to our destination. Ian leading Mick, Peter and David through Bradgate Park It was a pleasant morning so we sat out side for the usual delightful Jade’s offerings, including apricot, cherry and date crumble. As scrumptious as it sounds! Usual eloquent conversation included a fo...

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,...