Wednesday 13th July 2022

The forecast proved correct with a sunny summer's day of wall to wall sunshine with a good turnout of riders at Holt Drive.

Short Ride

Report by John

Rosalind, Phil, Mick, Isobel, Dave (a new rider), Andrew, John and Derek opted for the short ride this week, although as the weather was so good it was decided to go for a slightly longer route than usual.

Phil and Isobel leading Mick, Derek and Andrew along Kegworth Lane

The group headed out through the University and across Garendon Park then taking the National Cycle route to Belton. From there they carried on north-west before turning east to Long Whatton. Rather than go direct to Normanton the riders headed north up Kegworth Lane to cross the Trent at Kegworth and then on east past West Leake before turning right up Travell's Hill. After negotiating a short section of the A6006 the group turned into Butt Lane (a new experience for some) and descended to Normanton of Soar for excellent refreshments at the village shop (an all volunteer undertaking).

Rosalind, Phil, Mick, Isobel, Dave, Andrew and Derek at the Village Shop in Normanton.

After a pleasant repast the group returned to Loughborough via Fox Hill and Meadow Lane, arriving back c.12.15pm.

Long Ride

Report by Vic

The usual suspects gathered at Holt Drive on a warm morning.

JC arrived and soon had the motley crew organised 3 rides to choose from. Mine, a 40ish miler to Buttercups at Billesdon, a 30ish miler to St Joseph’s tea room and JCs short ride.

After the allocating of corners I gathered 6 willing participants who eagerly followed me out via the A6 cycle path to Quorn and then on through Mountsorrel, Sileby, Cossington, Reasby, Gadesby and onto Barsby. Here we paused and I offered the group a choice of hilly or slightly less hilly options of route. They chose the hillier option which became hillier as I had forgotten about one significant lump!

We progressed to the lower slope of Sludge Hill where we all engaged our lowest gears and proceeded up at our own pace. We reconvened at the top in between gulps of air and water I was able to assure them we were nearly there!

We chose to sit inside as there was no seating in the shade, after we had all finished our refreshments we set off back across the A47 and down into Billesdon then across the A47 again to the Coplow then onto Ingarsby, Keyham, Beeby, Barkby and Syston where we travelled along the canal to Cossington. I left the group here to wend their way home.

Vic with Dave, Tricia, Rob, Mike and Andy at Birstall

I had covered 41 miles I hope all that chose this ride had enjoyed it.