Wednesday 15th June 2022

Long(ish) Ride

Report by Alan

The sun was already burning the back of my neck waiting at Holt Drive for (Dear Leader) John to arrive. Wisely, in view of the temperatures, I had decided to cut down on the marathon odysseys of previous ventures, and opt for a modest 36 miler. The turnaround point was Collyer’s Nursery in Borrowash, which drew a few blank faces. Despite this, six hardy souls chose to join me, Trish, Mick, Brian, Dave, Betty and Margaret. It was nice to have a bit more of a balance; male/female for once. The group also threw up polar opposites in Dave, who never says a word, and Mick, who never shuts up.

Off we set, the slight wind behind us, negotiating the incredibly industrious workers in Bedford Square who have only been on that modest paving project for 5 years now. Our outward route took us onto Meadow Lane, through Stanford on Soar, Normanton on Soar, Sutton Bonnington, and Kegworth. It was at the latter that I decided to ignore the whimpering of Margaret that Long Lane was closed and pressed on relentlessly. Is there such a thing as a road that can be closed to cyclists? I don’t think so. Draycott was the last stop before Borrowash.

Collyer’s Nurseries was Heaving with a capital “H”. What is it with old retired people that they feel a need to go out and enjoy themselves in sunny weather? Due to their selfishness we nearly didn’t get a table to sit round. Luckily we were able to turf an old couple out from their seats. They had nearly finished their tea anyway.

Mike, Tricia, Betty, Margaret, Dave, Brian & Alan at Collyer’s Nursery

Photo taken, 18 miles remained which took us through some more obscure villages that no one has ever heard of (Alvaston, Ambaston etc {find those on a map I dare you!}) before emerging at Shardlow. All that remained was a quick slide past Amazon city (where the wise Wizard lives or is that the Emerald city?) and then Long Whatton and Hathern. My original intention was to turn right at Long Whatton and head towards Shepshed and return via Garendon Park but the temperatures were  reaching the dizzy heights of around 22°C by now, far too hot for us Brits. For once the group remained as a unit and we stayed together until virtually the end. Well done!

Short Ride

Report by John

Last week the short ride had just 3 riders, this week we shot up to 8 with John C., Pat, Rob, Keith, Andrew, Mick, Myles & John N. opting for the ride.

Having failed to make it to the Garden Centre in Cossington a fortnight ago due to the threat of rain, it was decided to have another go this week as the sun was out and the option of sitting out in a garden was favoured.

The riders headed south and across the Soar at Barrow before climbing up onto the Salt Way. A right was then taken to Seagrave and on up and down into Thrussington and then west along the Soar Valley to Ratcliffe. After a rapid descent down Humble Lane the group arrived in Cossington and bagged a table in the shade. 

Pat, Rob, Keith, Andrew, Mick, Myles & John at East Goscote Nurseries

After refreshment the riders returned via Sileby and Mountsorrel arriving back in Loughborough just after noon.