Wednesday 5th January 2022

Short Ride 1

Report by John

The forecast hadn't been for a frost so the turnout was quite good for such a cold morning

Quite a few of the rider wanted a short ride so they split into two groups. Lynn, Myles, Mick, Robert, John and Isobel decided to head out over the Forest to Bawdon Lodge Farm as this offers a very airy tea stop.

The group set out through the University to Shepshed and then out on Tickow Lane and up Charley Road to Bawdon Lodge. Only one other table was occupied and half the group opted for vegan sausage rolls that were due to come out of the oven.

After refreshment Lynn chose to take the direct route back into Loughborough while the remaining riders continued up past the Beacon before enjoying a rapid decent to Woodhouse. The group then returned to Loughborough via Quorn arriving at about noon.

Short Ride 2

Report by David

Although the weather forecast indicated cold weather, a big sun was the highlight. When we got to Holt Drive, the paths were white with frost. A large number of people opted for a short ride, so it was split into 2 rides. David led a ride targeted on East Leake. He was accompanied by Eric, Betty and Ian.

The route was rather off-the-cuff which, with the layers of clothing worn for an icy day, was not all that easy to follow. We headed cautiously for the town centre. It was surprisingly busy and passable with due consideration for pedestrians headed in random directions. The roads seemed clear of ice as we crossed the meadow to Stanford on Soar. Although originally intending to go up Leake Lane, the leader was overcome by a prolonged bout of amnesia and so we went up Fox Hill. Passing over the brow of the hill, we could see that not all of the road was clear of ice; so were a lot slower than usual coming down the hill. Where the road goes uphill slightly before the first bend, Betty’s wheels suddenly slipped from under her and she landed in the road. Thankfully, she was okay to continue. After we passed the first bend and before the bridge, the same thing happened again. This time, we reviewed whether we should abandon the ride, and decided to make for Normanton Village Hall, and allow time for the roads to thaw. We did that on foot to just past the second bend, wary of the treacherous conditions.

The people at the village hall were very kind. The lady volunteer brought a pot of tea out for Betty. She had only just opened for the first time this year, and was struggling with the coffee maker and milk supplies. However, we were in no hurry and glad of a chance to chat in the bright sunshine over cups of instant coffee and reconsider out route. Eric had, in earlier days, crossed glaciers in Iceland; so, was well-qualified to negotiate a bit of ice.

When we resumed, the roads were much less icy; but we were still mindful of caution. Betty proceeded to home, so we said goodbye at the hall. A passing peloton of younger riders in Normanton on Soar indicated to us of that the roads were now suitable for cyclists.

We coasted through Sutton Bonington, then up the hill past the agricultural college. Then we turned left on Station Road and passed the peloton, who had stopped for a chat. This road came out just before the bridge over the River Soar. We took a left onto Nottingham Road, then a right turn onto Borough Street. This passes the Cap and Stocking pub where beer is still served from a jug. Then we climbed the hill to the main road and crossed to High Street. We took Broadhill Road to join Whatton Road, and the next significant uphill section of the ride.

From the Kegworth by pass, the lane through to Long Whatton was bathed in sunshine. However, the reflected light made us unsure if the ice had cleared. A tractor was coming towards us, and Eric pulled in to the roadside. Unfortunately, the roadside had a considerable drop and an uneven drain gulley, so he came off the bike. The tractor driver stopped to check if he was okay. Eric had grazes and bruises, but got back on to ride home.

Ian said goodbye at the Long Whatton store, then Eric and David carried on through Hathern to Loughborough.

For the ride starting and returning to Holt Drive, the mileage was 16. 9 with an average speed of 9.2 mph, indicative of the difficult road conditions. The total ascent was 732 feet.

Intermediate Ride

Report by Graham

It was a bright but very cold morning with icy conditions, so turnout at Holt Square was somewhat subdued with perhaps 20 or so riders.

I had offered a medium ride out to Alice’s at Keyworth, and it took quite a while to gather a squad together, but eventually we (Graham, Margaret, Pat, Vic, and Rob (Smith)), gingerly made our way through town and out along Meadow Road to Stanford, where we took a left up Fox Hill to Normanton. I was thinking of quiet roads when I should have been thinking of gritted roads, and it was definitely icy under-wheel. Fortunately we all stayed upright, unlike the following group, we later learned that Betty had taken not one but 2 tumbles on this same stretch!

At Normanton we turned up Butt Lane, which didn’t seem too bad, although a dog walker did caution us about ice on the railway bridge. At the top we jinked right and left through East Leake, then Costock, Wysall and north to Keyworth, This was the worst section of all, a shady downhill section was treacherously icy, but we all miraculously stayed wheels side down, although too busy concentrating on staying upright to properly observe the 2 huge new houses being built in the dip.

Alice was expecting us, and had reserved us a corner table so we de-layered and ordered food and drink. I’m doing vegan January (veganuaryj), so Rob to my left tactfully ordered a bacon cob, cheers Rob!

 Anyway, by the time we emerged it had warmed up considerably, and we came back in dazzling sunshine along Thurlby Lane, which I’d never ridden before, then Widmerpool, Willoughby and Wymeswold, where we waved goodbye to Pat.

The remaining 4 continued through Burton and onto Walton Lane, with Rob and Margaret going right towards the A60, and myself and Vic splitting at Barrow for our respective home villages.

I got home around 1:30, having ridden 36 miles, the Loughborough contingent were probably nearer 30. Here’s hoping for warmer weather next week...