A rather overcast morning with the threat of rain meant a slightly lower turnout than has been seen of late. Longish Ride by Terry. Eight of us, Bryan, Myles, Marcus, Rob, Robert and Mick (and me Terry) were the first to leave Holt Drive heading out to the Dovecote at Barton in Fabis. Out across the Greenbelt to Epinal Way and through town, I find it quite difficult keeping a group together crossing town because of the traffic and the traffic lights so we had several short stops to reassemble, the final one at the corner of North Road just before Brush. Across the Meadows to Stanford and up Fox Hill to Normanton and Sutton Bonnington at the top of Marle Pit Hill I had intended to carry straight on to West Leake, but with the weather expected to close in by midday I opted to go through Kingston to Gotham instead. Left in Gotham and onto Barton Moor where we turned left towards Barton and Thrumpton. Last time I came along this road it was a quiet country land now it’s a pot holed tra...

After two sweltering days, this Wednesday morning was overcast and a bit cooler than of late with a gentle but detectable breeze. Again there was another excellent turnout with sufficient riders to justify four separate rides. Short Ride Report by John As the faint breeze seemed to wafting form the east it was decided to head for the Race Hub at Six Hills. John was joined by Dom, his brother Sean ( a new rider in the area on holiday), Clyde, David and Patrick (who we had not seen out with the group for many weeks).  The riders cut through Shelthorpe and joined the cycle path towards Quorn then turning for Barrow on Soar and the climb up onto the Salt Way. The ride proceeded without incident and the riders arrived at the Race Hub at Six Hill to find most of the car parking slots taken. However refreshments were served promptly and the riders found seating as were able to observe swimmers of all types venturing around the lake.  The group then returned via Wymeswold and Sta...

A beautiful sunny summer morning produced many riders, with three being new to the group.. Short Ride Report by John With two new riders, Pauline and Siva, unsure of their abilities (plus John, Rosalind and Lyn) and the wind in the north, it was decided to head for East Leake as there are a wide variety of routes of different lengths and hills available. The group took the direct route to Meadow Lane through the Market Place and found that one of the longer rides was turning into Meadow Lane just ahead of them, having taken a more circuitous route. After a short delay due to a chain derailment, the riders processed through Stanford on Soar and chose the shorter route up East Leake Lane to the Normanton Hills. The riders then headed down towards East Leake and then turned up Rempstone Road before descending to Brickyard Lane. The riders then turned down Pithouse Lane and on through West Leake to arrive at East Leake where refreshments were obtained. After relaxing in the park fo...

Long Ride Report 7th July 2021, report by Tricia Hickling was to be our destination, which was also Alan's idea for a ride.  So, democratically, we decided I would lead the ride out and Alan back.  Sounds good, but we ended up doing the longer 'half' of my ride and the longer 'half' of Alan's, so we clocked up around 48 miles.  We sturdy cyclists being Dave, Nikki, Rob, Mick, Alan and Tricia. We went out through Sileby, Thrussington, Hoby and Asfordby, then turned off to Ab Kettleby and down into Long Clawson.  It was a short ride from there to the much favoured Hickling café.  Here we played musical chairs.  We sat down outside just as the rain descended, so we retreated inside only to be told the upstairs was full and we could perch at the out-of-bounds table downstairs.  We had just put our pots of tea, etc down when a table became free upstairs, so we moved on for the third time. But no complaints.  The cakes were as good as ever, ...

Vic and Graham's journey to the start of the ride, From Loughborough to Abingdon. 27th June 2021 Part 1 Loughborough to Weedon (Just West of Northampton). We arrived at Weedon just before 4pm. After having left Cossington at 9.30am We managed to get to Northampton almost exclusively off road. Having travelled on the canal to Mkt Harborough where we lunched near the Butter market. Then on past Little Bowden and along the disused railway to Brampton Halt steam railway. Then on road around perimeter of Allthorp and finally over M1 to Weedon. Room is adequate and just had a warm shower. After a tour of the delights of Weedon we are settling down for our 2 for 1 meal offer. Weather for tomorrow not looking great for our ride down to Abingdon via Bicester and Oxford. Vic and Graham Part 2 Weedon (Just West of Northampton) to Abingdon. Monday ride report by Graham. We were awoken early in the morning by the pitter patter of rain outside. At least I was, Vic had already b...