Wednesday 6th July 2022
Short Ride
Report by Philip
On receiving John's message that he wouldn't be there on Wednesday, Philip planned a shorter ride, as he needed to be home before 12. A day or two later he messaged the group to find out where the others were planning to discover 'great minds think alike' and David had planned to visit the same cafe on a shortish route too. No problem! route 2 was planned to go to Daisy's tearooms at the garden centre between Rothley and Mountsorrel and could be adapted to be longer or shorter, depending on who joined him - especially if there were any first timers. Wednesday arrived and a smaller than recently group assembled on the green. After explaining the 3 routes, 2 rides each of 7, departed, leaving us to wait for any late arrivals or newcomers; there were none!Medium Ride
Report by David
It was an overcast day with a slight breeze, and the ride led by David set off for St Joseph’s tea room, in a roundabout way. Other riders were Myles, Mick, Betty, Rob Pinsent, Rob Stephens and John.
It was a drag getting through Loughborough, due to waiting at red traffic lights, even though there was not much traffic. We took a customary route out to Bridge Street and Meadow Lane.
We rode up Fox Hill against the wind, yet did not stop for a break. This was partly because there was so much traffic here we were distracted.
Eventually, we did stop for a break after passing through Normanton on Soar and the very bumpy road out to the A6006. David had used a wedged lolly stick to stop his pannier rattling; but the roads were so bumpy it fell out.
We continued to Zouch. Some riders took the high path, but others preferred the road. When we took our coffee break, one of the topics of conversation was about what concentration of alcohol is consistent with remaining hydrated. Another aspect was the concentration (of mind or alcohol) needed to maintain a straight course when the path is narrow and the kerb is very high.
After Zouch, we took paths or roads to cross the A6 for the Shepshed Road in Hathern. Rob mused that he could have waited at his front gate instead of riding into Loughborough to pick up the ride.
There is a bit of a climb over the brow of a hill before descending into Shepshed. Once in Shepshed, we went right up Lansdowne Road to Oakley Road. This followed into Tickow Lane. At the end of Tickow Lane we had to cross the A512. Most riders continued despite the imminent arrival of a white van, but we all made it safely across to Charley Road.
There was some increased anticipation of coffee as we reached the crossroads with Abbey Road. Meanwhile in a field out to the right, cows high up on the hill were settling down as they do when they think it is going to rain.
So rapid was the progress up Abbey Road, with a gradient as high as 12% in places, that we were several minutes ahead of opening time at St Joseph’s tea room. St Joseph’s is seeking to attract more custom as the house is in need of some renovation; so, readers, drop in when you can. The coffee was good and strong, and the mango and coconut cake was full of hill-climbing calories. There is a large gazebo so that more people could enjoy the venue come rain or shine. And this we did – for nearly an hour.
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| John, Rob, Robert, Betty, Mick & Myles at St Joseph’s tea room |
As we left, there was a few spits of rain, but thereafter the sun came out. We coasted down through Oaks in Charnwood, building up some speed with the following wind. After that, we were also helped along Charley Road, until the steeper uphill part required some more effort. After we had turned left into Beacon Road, there is a downhill stretch to the junction with the B5330. Rob Stephens chose this point to saw goodbye, then we rode to the top of Beacon Road and rallied for the descent.
Upon re-entry at Quorn, John left us at Chaveney Road. For the rest of us, there was a slight headwind as we turned the corner at the One Ash roundabout, but should have been home by 12:45.
Ride stats: 21.6 miles, elevation gain 1191 ft. Average speed 11.2 mph; however, with the following wind the peak speed down Beacon Hill was 37.5 mph, and I didn’t think I could pedal that fast.
Long Ride
Report by Vic
With the holiday season in full swing several familiar faces and leaders were absent. Phil was delegated the task of sorting out the rides and when he arrived there were about 17 riders assembled.
He reeled off the options, David a medium ride to St Joseph’s tearoom, himself and Ros a short ride to Daisy’s at Rothley and myself a longish ride to Church View Nursery at Barkby.
This destination can be accomplished with a round trip of about 25 miles but there is no fun in that. So I announced we would be doing an alternative route which didn’t seem to upset the 6 riders who chose my option.
We exited Loughborough via a few alleys and The Burton Walks, over the railway and out towards Cotes, here we turned towards Walton where we encountered our first hill. The ride past Seagrave over the A46 is a bit like a rollercoaster, why is it people mention the uphills much more than the downhills?
We turned left in Thrussington and then to Rotherby, from here we made good progress towards Gaddesby and the through S Croxton and eventually along Ridgemere lane which left about a mile to our destination.
With the weather being kind we ordered our refreshments and sat amongst the flowers in the garden.
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| Andy, Vic, Dave, Mike, Tricia, Jeff & Rob at Church View Nursery at Barkby Photo by by Jupiterian Yo (Jeff) |
Our return leg via the outskirts of Syston and the canal to Cossington was flatter and shorter than the outward journey.
I left the group at Cossington, Andy mended a puncture and the rest headed home via Sileby. I had covered 32 miles, hopefully everyone had enjoyed the ride as much as myself.
Thanks to those that chose this ride.
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