Wednesday 28th July 2021

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 track once past the farm buildings, I worked it out and was at least 50years since I last went down it, how quickly things change!

At the end of the lane the sign at the T junction said “Bridleway left and right” my gadget had the main A453 to cross, was just getting out an up to date map when a chorus of turn right was heard, I therefore could not show off my nice new shiny maps. Closer inspection of the signs DID indicate in very small lettering Thrumpton left and Barton right. I really must learn to read the small print!

We soon arrived at the Dovecote and a pleasant young lady took our orders for refreshments, the sausage cobs looked delicious, and I was told tasted delicious also, but I wouldn’t know that!!!

After paying I was reminded to take the obligatory photo, another young lady (a customer) offered to take it so I could be included (drat best laid plans and all that)

The return was via the cycle track past the power station and quiet lanes to Kegworth. At Kegworth Bryan and Robert extended their ride and headed off towards Long Whatton. The rest of us continued through Kegworth along the A6 to Hathern, a well trodden path by all of us and uneventful. Until that is Dishley where two police officers accosted Marcus who was in front at this time stating the road was closed, just to emphasise this they had put tape across the footpath and road. We were allowed to proceed after being told we must stick to the cycle path and next to the rugby club and cross the A6 using the rickety bridge and the low bridge. As we approached we could see cars parked at odd angles on the road and the air ambulance was just leaving. I subsequently learnt, later in the afternoon,  that a motorcyclist had sadly been killed in collision with a van.

Along Epinal Way we split at different points and had beaten the forecast rain. Although at the top end of Shelthorpe the afternoon was very pleasant and no rain until late evening.

Short Ride

Report by John

After the other rides had departed it was just Rosalind, Derek, David and Siva who remained with John.

It was decided to take a rather circuitous route to Ellis's Tea Room at Rothley Station past Mucklin Wood and then through Swithland, Cropston and Thurcaston. At the tea room the riders yet again found Patrick and Lawrie already in residence. After various refreshments had been consumed (including quite a few sausages) and a steam train running as part of a "Drive a Locomotive Experience" had been admired, the riders returned via Swithland and Quorn, arriving in Loughborough just before noon.

Off-road ride

report by Graham.

Fresh from my King Alfred’s Way adventures, and also in homage to gold medal mountain biker Tom Pidcock, I mooted the idea of an off-road ride this week.

Several expressed interest, but Eric was seeing to his cat, and white van man Vic was also otherwise engaged, so it was just myself, Keith and Phil H who headed south up Outwoods Road on Wednesday morning.

A quick jink along Valley Road and we joined the bridleway at the bottom of Beacon Road, headed for Woodhouse Eaves. This is quite a bumpy, overgrown track, slightly uphill, and it soon became apparent that all was not well, Phil was feeling decidedly under the weather.

After pausing for breath, we continued up to lower Deans Lane, along Breakback and onto the start of the steep climb up Beacon Hill. By now it was apparent that wasn’t just a blip and Phil was in no state to continue, so we made for Lower Beacon cafe. It’s a sign of how unwell Phil was that even the glacially slow service at the caff didn’t phase him, but after an age we managed to get a bacon cob and some coffee into him to recharge his empty batteries.

With Phil now slightly recovered, we continued up Beacon hill, following the track parallel to the road climb, before descending down the multi-use track on the Dean’s Lane side. On the descent we encountered a camouflaged cyclist riding up, who Phil almost collided with, that would have really made his day! He managed to spot and avoid the horse and rider though.

Regrouping at the bottom, we thought it prudent to head back to Loughborough, so took Brook Road to the Bull’s Head Head, then down the road to Old Woodhouse and on to Muckin Lane, avoiding the closed road section. Keith nursed Phil back to Lufbra while Graham turned back homewards.

So a shorter than planned ride, but, tiny steps, and if there’s interest still I’d be prepared to lead a couple more like this…

Intermediate Ride led by Mick.

Report by Brian

John asked Mick if he would lead a ride, suggesting Melbourne as a destination. The only volunteer was me ( Brian ) so the mini pod of 2 set off through the University where chaos reigned, it being a graduation day. Various roads were closed (sterile was the University term). We eventually broke free through the new Science park having viewed the "Bathaus", a derelict house converted for the sole use of 4 species of bats.

Shepshed and Belton followed by a left at the A42 lsland, a right, then down past the quarry, picking up the Cloud Trail. We came off at King's Newton and on to Melbourne Hall for our coffee stop. Just inside the walled grounds is a small kiosk selling drinks and snacks which had attracted a lot of cyclists. We decided £2.50 for a coffee was too much and went through to the proper sit down cafe. A pot of tea for 1, an Americano and a toasted teacake for £5.80 seemed like a good result.

Neither of us had a phone/ camera so, sorry, no photo. We then went along the side of Staunton Harold reservoir, onto and through Calke Abbey and on to Staunton Harold Garden centre. With the weather looking iffy, we decided to head for home, picking up the Hathern road then retracing our route from Belton to Shepshed and home. Arrived home at 1.30 with no rain and 37 miles completed.