Wednesday 15th September 2021
A rather overcast and cool early autumn morning saw what is probably the highest turnout to date for a Wednesday ride.
Long Ride to Shackerstone station.
Report by David
On a warm overcast day, with one of the largest attendance of cyclists, only six were resolute enough to rise to the challenge, set by Howard, of a ride over the hills to Shackerstone, and back again. These were Bryan, Mick, Alan, Vic, David and Howard.
The pack negotiated a path leading to a corner of the Holt Drive quadrangle without mishap, which is always a good start. We continued past the Beacon and the Shelthorpe roundabout to Quorn. At the traffic lights we turned right and carried through to Woodhouse Eaves. A moderate speed was maintained, and the light wind blew cooler in the shade. After Main Street, we turned up Maplewell Road to Joe Moores Lane and went right. We were soon at the entrance to the Rollercoaster. Priory Lane has 3 uphill slogs, with downhill runs in between, and we stopped for a breather after the second, biggest uphill slog of 200 feet.
At the end of Priory Lane, the Whitwick Road continues to ascend towards Markfield. Here, the postman was in a bit of a hurry, maybe after depositing one of his “I am sorry but you were out” cards. From Mill Lane our crew turned onto Forest Road, then crossed the M1. Soon after, was the left turn down Grassy Lane and Markfield Lane to Thornton. There is a dip and a climb before entering the southern edge of Bagworth. We turned off along Barlestone Road, then, over the next 2 miles, right and left on Bagworth Road to Nailstone. The large church there has the tomb slab of Henry VIII’s Sergeant of the Pantry, but we didn’t have time to sample the local food. Instead, we proceeded to Barton in the Beans, where it is probably just as well we didn’t indulge in the local produce.
Moving on, we crossed two bridges: the first was a railway bridge for the Battlefield Line, and the second we nearly went steaming past. Just past this bridge, we carried our bikes down to the towpath of the Ashby Canal, then rode towards Shackerstone. The canal takes a left-hand bend, then crosses the River Sense on a small aqueduct. Further along, we had to slow down for a lady artist, who was painting a bridge over the canal. There are many picturesque scenes around here and Mick knew an artist who came from these parts too. Shortly afterwards, we emerged from the towpath, crossed that bridge and took a narrow road parallel with the canal, back along the opposite side, which led to Shackerstone Station.
Shackestone station is set in a bygone age. If there had been any grass, we would not have been allowed to walk on it, let alone cycle. We had to leave our bikes outside the station, including Bryan’s, sporting a new Brookes saddle. The café has Victorian memorabilia, including Victorian sponge cake, and extremely hot drinks. Yet the people there were friendly and chatty, and another lady artist took our group photo.
The return route took us through the tiny village of Odstone, then left, and crossing the A447, we were on the narrow Overton Road. This took us along a shady winding track into an old part of Ibstock, where some of us were held up by temporary traffic lights on the High Street, but not Alan, who managed to slip through before the lights changed. We all caught up and took the Leicester Road out of Ibstock past Sunnyside Garden centre to Ellistown. From Ellistown, via Hugglescote, we were into the outskirts of Coalville. This led us to Broom Leys Road and the steadily steepening ride up to Castle Rock School. Just over the Warren Hills Road and on the brow of the hill, we took a break near to where off-road bikers are banned from the craggy terrain. A police car passed us twice, but none of us was tempted to ride off-road here.
On the way down Abbey Lane, Vic left us, and we carried through to the A512. At the Iveshead Road roadworks, none of us was fazed by the traffic signals, which consisted of 2 men bearing signs saying “Go”. From here, we coasted back along Ashby Road and went our separate ways.
The route back to Holt Drive would be 34.7 miles (excluding laps of honour) and we maintained an average of 11. 5 mph, which is not bad for an elevation gain of 2350 feet. Most of us will have been home by 1:45 pm. Thanks to Howard for leading a stimulating ride.
Intermediate Ride Report to Spring Lakes
32 m (Long - 41 m)
Present: Marcus (ride Leader), Sue, Clyde, Dom, Dave, Trish, Pat, Rob, Bryan.
The group headed across Loughborough to leave by the Brush, stopping at virtually every red light on the way. As we left Loughborough the sun came out and most of us realised we had overdressed, which became more apparent as the ride progressed. We passed through Stanford, Normanton, Sutton Bonington and turned left towards Kegworth to pick up Long Lane and head to Sawley Marina. Taking the Tow Path to Sawley Lock we crossed the river using the footbridge to gain access to the river side cycle/footpath that wends its way to Spring Lakes. We were pleasantly surprised to find the path mainly dry after the previous day’s heavy rains. There we stopped for coffee and cake watching the paddle boarders and open water swimmers towing their fluorescent floats. Dave returned early to make an appointment.
Longer Short Ride to Thrussington
Report by Keith
As riders arrived at Holt Drive, John’s count reached about 28 and it was decided a fourth ride was needed, So I (Keith) offered a “standard ride” to Thrussington. The spreading fame of LWC having drawn Betty from Sutton Bonington and Paul from Market Bosworth, they joined Mick, Andrew, Miles and me.
We crossed Loughborough, avoiding the closed Wards End, then out through Meadow Lane to Stanford, then cutting across through Walton-on-the-Wolds to Seagrave. As we climbed the sharp hill out of Walton I could hear our newcomers Betty and Paul happily chatting away, so was confident that they would not struggle either with the hills or the socialising needed in our group!
A rare gap in traffic on both carriageways meant the A46 was crossed without mishap, and we were soon tucking into drinks/cakes/sausage rolls at Thrussington Deli.
We all agreed to return via Rothley and the Ridgeway, and then extended the ride to Swithland and back to Woodhouse. A return via Mucklin Wood was ruled out because of yesterday’s rain and some 23C wheels, so we came up the old A6, returning to Holt Drive to ensure Betty and Paul knew where their cars were.
So about 26 miles, some fine cycling weather and the normal broad ranging conversation – clever kids from tough backgrounds, privileged kids who don’t realise it; mentality of elite sports folk; language learning and the vagaries of German grammar. Roll on next week.
Short Ride to Beacon Cafe
Report by John
After the other 3 rides had left, Philip, Rosalind, Eric, Isobel, Savi, Patrick and John remained for the shortest ride. It was decided to head out west through Shepshed and then gradually climbing up over Charnwood Forest to the Beacon via Tickow Lane and Charley Road.
At the end of Charley Road some of the riders ahead of the group took Beacon Road and assumed the direct route to the Beacon Cafe would be taken. After a few loud yells, they returned and the riders headed down Shepshed Road before taking a right into Deans Lane. At the end of Deans Lane the group turned right up Breakback Road, passing a group of Muslim Women Ramblers, to take refreshment at the Beacon Cafe.
The final return journey was almost all down hill to Quorn and the riders arrived back in Loughborough just before noon.
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