Loughborough Wednesday Cyclists

A bright clear but slightly chilly day saw a good turnout. Short Ride Report by John The short ride proved popular this week with Dom, Marcus, Andrew, John N, Eric, Lyn, Anne, Terry, John C & Myles opting for this Eric had been delayed so Marcus volunteered to go and meet him and then rejoin the group en route to Garendon Park. This succeed and everyone was together as they crossed the Park The riders then rode on to Belton where they were offered the choice of a longer, medium (longer & shorter options) and a short ride. The consensus was for the Medium option and the group headed through Belton and out on Mill Lane to Top Merrill. Here Lyn & Eric opted for the shorter option and took a right turn while the remainder of the group headed on to Gelscoe Lane. The main group reunited just outside Long Whatton before tuning into the Manor Farm shop for refreshments. Terry & Anne heading for Belton This was the first time we have used this shop. The coffee machine

An early autumn day which follwoed the forecast with sunny intervals and showers developing later saw a good turnout and 3 groups leaving Holt Drive. Short Ride to Colliery Café, Report by David The weather was warm, still and dry for the time of year, and the autumn drop of leaves had not started yet. There were 9 riders, led by David, even though the destination made some form of hill inevitable. The other riders were Keith, Phil, Eric, Marcus, Sue, Margaret, Pat and Andrew. When plotted out on a map, this ride looks a bit like a horse’s head. Yet the ride did not proceed at a gallop, and the measured pace helped us conquer any hills that we might have encountered. It is always best when these rides pass without incident, except for the gentle baaing of sheep and the wit of friends at the coffee table. The route we took went through the University, along the A512 to Shepshed, right onto Leicester Road, then left along Cambridge/Oxford/Anson Streets/Roads to Tickow Lane.

A cool but sunny early autumn morning produced an excellent turnout with four groups setting out. Short Ride Report by John After the departure of the other three groups just Russell, Rob, Patrick, Rosalind and John remained. The options were Newtown Linford or Long Whatton and the general consensus was for the former. Russell leading Rob, Rosalind & Patrick The ride headed out over the rough track past Mucklin Wood before heading for Swithland and then onto the Ridings following a circuitous route past Rothley Station. The group then diverted along Bradgate Road as Reservoir Road was shut due to a recent explosion. The ride through Bradgate Park was uneventful as the school holidays are over and avoiding walkers posed no problems. Rob, Patrick, Rosalind, Russell & John at the Jade Cafe The usual excellent refreshments were enjoyed at the Jade Cafe before the riders returned t;hrough the park and then via Swithland, Woodhouse and Quorn, arriving back in Loughborough at

An early autumn day, which followed the forecast with sunny intervals and showers developing later, saw a good turnout and 3 groups leaving Holt Drive. Long Ride Report by Vic Another Wednesday dawned but the forecast was for rain later. I had offered to lead a long ride to Launde but on canvassing a few opinions on my arrival at Holt Drive and with the forecast I changed this to Eye Kettleby Lakes. JC duly appeared and read out the menu of rides I ended up with eight. We set off via the A6 cycle path to Quorn across the Slabs to Barrow up Ratcliffe Road to Ratcliffe then to Thrussington, Hoby, Rotherby, Gaddesby and finally Grest Dalby which left a mile to our destination. The cake selection was as comprehensive as normal and I liked look the look of the plum tart. Some large scones were consumed by others. On departing we decided to avoid the main roads so headed back to Great Dalby and a roundabout route to Ashby Folville then back via Gaddsby, Rearsby, East Goscote and o

The sky was overcast when the riders gathered but as the day wore on the sky's cleared and excellent conditions awaited the four groups that left Holt Drive for different destinations. Longish Ride Report by Vic Quite a largish group had gathered by the time JC arrived. As he had not got any willing leaders he asked around for volunteers. Mick and I were thrust forward as potential cannon fodder! He suggested Mick went to the Deli in Long Clawson (the very destination I was considering!) so I quickly recalculated and suggested The Welcome Cafe at Twyford. There was a largish group for the shorter rides but I had a group of 5. As the hedge had been cut on the A6 cycle path I decided to head out via Maucklen Wood to Woodhouse then Swithland and onto Cossington where we picked up the canal path to Syston. Anyone who knows my leading will recognise this as my usual return route! We headed through Barkby past Hungarton and through Loseby estate grounds and onto the road about a mile