Wednesday 2nd June 2021

 

Tricia's Long Ride report by Tricia.

I was keen to try out Vic's recommendation of Burrough Court cafe, so that was where we headed.  The location enticed Vic to join the group, along with Bryan, Mick and Dave. We left Loughborough through Mountsorrel, and then to Sileby and Humble Lane. Via Ratcliffe and Gaddesby, we arrived at Twyford where the left turn took us up the long, but not too steep, hill to Burrough-on-the-Hill.  We stopped to admire the war memorial, and be appalled by the loss of life, before turning into Burrough Court.  What a lovely spot.  It's hard to go anywhere where Mick hasn't been, but he hadn't been to this cafe (not surprising really, seeing that it only opened last year, and has been closed most of the time since!).  But he did look the part in his jaunty cap.

After a most pleasant stop for refreshments, we turned down a single track road to Great Dalby.  In order to avoid the main Melton Road, we headed back towards Gaddesby, but then turned right to Rotherby, and with a wiggle or two, ended up on the Thrussington Road near Hoby (thanks to Vic for that rural detour).  Bryan then left us to extend his mileage (40 miles clearly not enough) and the four of us enjoyed the downhill benefits of Humble Lane, after which  Vic departed at Cossington.  Mileage was about 40 miles.

Howard's Short (Impromptu) Ride report by David.

When most other riders had departed, there remained a select few who were prepared to roll the dice on where we would go today.  After some discussion, Howard had in mind a magical mystery tour.  He was followed by Pat, Roman, Lyn and David across Loughborough to Meadow Lane.  
On the Hottest sunniest day so far this year, we risked our first sun-burning to visit the salubrious facilities of the café at Redhill Marina. Potholes had been repaired and Fox Hill seemed easier than ever.  Through Normanton and Sutton Bonington, we rode and headed for Kingston on Soar.  Joining Kegworth Road, we reached Ratcliffe on Soar, then took a hidden left turn to cycle alongside the river and under Remembrance Way.  The 8 cooling towers of the power station stood silently over us and a new road led us to Redhill Marina, where lots of cars were parked.  But Redhill café was closed.
There was a conflab between us during which Roman revealed a large map.  Howard then implemented a plan B - to visit a pub in Gotham. So, we resumed our ride.  Many narrow boats were lined up on a field near the marina.  Will they put to sea again or hang up the Windlasses?  We did not stay to find out.  To our right, the Amazon citadel reached into the sky, and to our left the Parkway station nestled in a hollow.
There was some discussion about where to cross the Remembrance Way as we headed up the old A453 and then onto a smooth cycleway.  I think we made the right choice, as one option was through the wood on Gotham Hill.  Instead, we used Barton Lane, which was free of traffic and had a faint aroma of malt.  
We turned onto Nottingham Road to Gotham, to see if any of that malt had made its way into glasses.  Sadly, The Cuckoo Bush Inn was closed. However, there was life in the Sun Inn.  We arrived there about 25 minutes before opening time. The coffee was warm and wet and the seating far enough from the PA system, so we could have stayed the whole afternoon.  Lyn had to leave at 12 and the rest of us had plans. So, we set off to East Leake.  There Pat and Roman left, and Howard negotiated a detour on residential roads avoiding the Castle Hill junction with the Costock Road.
The road down to Stanford was fast but still potholed.  We were back in Loughborough at about 1 pm, having ridden about 25 miles with average speed 11.1 mph and having climbed 886 feet of elevation. 

 

Terry's Intermediate Ride report by Terry.

 

Arriving at Holt Drive with a crowd already there, what time do I need to arrive to be first?

I had a ride to Millies in my pocket, a very short ride with long tea and cakes appealed to Myles, Mick, Dom, Anne, Margaret (two people NOT the actress) Robert, Rob and myself Terry, a few long faces when I said it was the long way round, treats have to be earned!!

We set off over Cross Hill Lane and Hazel Road, we went down the track parallel to Woodthorpe lane in order to bring us the Quorn side of the ALDI island, I really do not like that island!

Right at One Ash and along the old A6 to Rothley Cross Roads left to Cossington and Sileby, we got
a little split in Cossington so I suggested we pause at the memorial, however this was surrounded by roadworks and temporary traffic so a pause naturally occurred. Will they ever stop digging up Cossington?

On to Sileby and right towards Seagrave and Paudy Lane and more importantly Millies.

I have never been to Millies before and was well impressed with quality, quantity and price and will definitely go again, pity it is so close to home, or is it?.

Leaving Millies we went towards Cotes and Stanford, at Stanford the bright lights of B&Q and Go Outdoors got the better of Margaret, but she will rejoin our story later!

Slowly up Fox Hill and rapidly down the otherside to Normanton a long pause on leaving Normanton because Anne as back marker had lost one of the lambs only to find he had gone on ahead.

Hathern next where Robert left us. Cutting along side the Black brook towards Morrisons, at the traffic island we met Margaret with panniers and loaded rucksack on her back indicated her sojourn to Go Outdoors and B&Q had been successful.

We started to split up at the Ashby Road Island to our respective homes, a lovely sunny ride.

A total of 26 miles.