Wednesday 12th January 2022

Intermediate Ride Report

Castle Donington

Report by David

Some of us need to get back to the weekly check of the cyclists’ website before we set off on a Wednesday morning. Thankfully, Marcus was around to gather the lost sheep who had turned up at 9:30 to wait in the warm in his house for the 10am start. Outside, the air was warm, the wind speed low; but again, there was ice on some surfaces. Nevertheless, there were many cyclists who, either daring or foolhardy, assembled to venture out today.

The intermediate ride to Castle Donington was populated by Dave, Paul, Brian, Bryan, Ian, Rob and led by David. Slowly and carefully, we made our way down Holt Drive, through the greenbelt to the pedestrian crossing at Forest Road. All seemed fine with the path surfaces, so we added a little speed along Epinal Way. Then we proceeded along Maxwell Drive and off along the narrow bendy paths of Writer’s Way, which was riskier. The leader did not find Darwin Crescent which leads out onto the A6, and blames Strava for persistently denying a route that way. Instead, we went along Lawrence Way, then cut across the grass to the A6 through a narrow gate. The magnificent seven then rode the paths of the A6 through Hathern, turning off to Zouch. This involved crossing the road on the Soar bridge across high kerbs. We joined the A6006 road in Zouch and carried on to the Sutton Bonington turning.

The sun was on our backs as we passed through Sutton Bonington, overtaken easily by younger cyclists. After climbing Marle Pit hill over the railway line, we paused for breather and to check everyone was keeping up. Once past the agricultural college we turned left down Station Road and carried on to Kegworth, where we went right onto Long Lane.

The peaceful straight road led over Remembrance Way, by a narrow bridge with traffic lights. These obligingly changed to green as we approached. Long Lane led into Ratcliffe Lane, and to the T-junction with Warren Lane. This time we went left and crossed the concrete plant to mount the cycle lane system of junction 24A of the M1. We were guided in loops under the A50 and on to Lockington. This thatched village had not been visited by many of us. We turned right onto Hemington Lane and soon arrived in Hemington, another seldom visited village.

Hemington Hill comes as a surprise to newcomers. Brian’s electric bike tore up the hill, and most of us struggled to find enough gears. We then came into Castle Donington, along a road called “Barroon”. Clearly the place has a history. Sooner than expected, was a turning up Clapgun Street, then a narrow right turn along Church Lane (by the church), which emerged next to The Apiary café. We arrived soon after 11:15, but the café was already open and serving.

It was not too cold to sit outside at a table with the hot drinks soon provided. The presentation of Bryan’s scone, jam and cream was mysterious. It was presented in a small rectangular basket. As he lifted the lid the conversation stopped, except to remind us that a photo was required.

We left on foot against the Borough Steet one-way system then cycled down Market Street against a flow of vehicles coming the other way. At the bottom of the hill, we joined High Street and climbed out of Castle Donington towards the airport. Circling the perimeter of the airport, we reached our highest point and waited for all to assemble before we took a route through the airport leading to our turning to Diseworth, Grimes Gate. In Diseworth, we went right until, past some farm buildings, we turned left up a deceptively demanding slope. This road passes under the A42, then later joins Mill Lane into Belton.

In Belton we said goodbye to Ian, then, following Church Lane crossed the Ashby Road to the Sustrans 6 track, leading into Hallamford Road. The final killer was the short steep slope into Tickow Lane. Brian had previously said goodbye, probably realising we wouldn’t have the breath to say it on this stretch.

The rest of us carried on to Anson Road, Leicester Road, then on the A512 into Loughborough. Bryan turned off at Snells Nook and the rest of us turned off on the track leading to Oakwood Drive.

From the university we went separate ways home. The mileage was 27.8, which was less than the Strava route, probably indicating we took some short cuts from the original route. We gained 1260 feet at a respectable 11 mph and were home at about 1:30pm.

Short Ride Report

Report by John

Moving the start time to 10am caused a bit of consternation among those who had forgotten to check the website. However the later start had allowed the sun to start to warm up the atmosphere and melt some of the ice before we set off.

The short ride proved very popular this week with Mike, Tricia, John, Keith, Myles, Mick, Rob and Marcus joining John. As the wind was only light from the west and the sun out it was decided to head for the Race Hub at Six Hills. The route chosen was out through Shelthorpe and then on to Barrow climbing up the the Salt Way and following Paudy Lane to Six Hills.

As the Race Hub had a spacious room at the back, refreshments were taken inside where Mike and John bored everyone with reminisences of rides and tea places from 30 years ago.

Once refreshed and warmed up the riders took Narrow Lane to Wymeswold and then on to Hoton and Stanford before returning to Loughborough via Meadow Lane arriving just after 12.30pm.