Wednesday, 26th October 2022

The Medium but ‘Slow’ Ride

Report by Eric

As there was a dearth of Volunteers taking ownership of rides this week, Eric felt obliged to offer his meagre talents once again. The offer was a medium but slow ride to the Bison Farm at Nether Broughton on an unsettled day. 5 poor souls decided to follow: John N, Keith, Dave and Jeff.

Despite the “slow' tag they set off at a hectic pace through town and emerged at Cotes. A regroup there and a briefing on what they had let themselves in for and they were off again.

Up Bandall’s lane and across to Barrow road and up the first hill to challenge them for the day, on the way to Burton on the wolds. From Burton they took Burton Lane to Wymeswold. Up east road at a steady pace heading to Willoughby on the Wolds. By this point there had already been at least 2 stops for the will it -won’t it dance of the rain jackets. The elderly contingent on the ride erred on the side of caution fearing that pneumonia may carry them away at any time in this delicate state whilst Jeff soldiered on with complete abandon and disregard to ones health in the way that only youth can understand!

They crossed over the A46 near the Karting track and came to the peace and quiet on the undulations on Station road to Upper Broughton. At Upper Broughton they turned right onto the A606 and faced the challenge of the hill climb to the Nethermost part of those regions … Nether Broughton! From the back there seemed the obligatory plaintiff cry of “are we nearly there yet” from the youngest member and sure enough a mile on they arrived at The Bison farm and the excellent through the gate cafe.

Their selection was as ever excellent and sausage rolls and Bacon and egg cobs were washed down with coffee and the local delicacy of Bison Burger was even tried. They sat out under the shelter in some sunshine. Conversation stayed on the gastronomic as Eric explained the best recipe for Yorkshire puddings to accompany Roast rib of beef and Dave bemoaned who would cook his dinner if his live in Ukrainian refugees, were ever fortunate to find paid employment. As there were stirrings to move and make tracks home Jeff suddenly announced there was about to be a massive rain storm and there was time for cake! There was the look of benign scepticism from Keith, that is common from the wise elders of a community but it was decided indulgence of the young should prevail. As Jeff munched on cake, mutterings of “no storm to been seen ‘ started to circulate amongst The Grumpies. But the muttering had barely had time to rise into sarcastic ribaldry, when suddenly …..the heavens opened!! There were many apologies and a new found respect on the meteorological abilities of Jeff and “THE APP”!

Keith, John, Eric, Jeff & David at Bison Farm, Nether Broughton

They were all saved from a good soaking rain jackets or none. As rainfall gave way to sunshine they saddled up and headed for Old Dalby… a cafe was spied near the Brewery site and noted for another day.

The last big challenge for the day was the beast that is Longcliffe hill. All made it just about and a nice dawdle down Gibson's lane in the sun helped them recover having already admired the view across the vale of Belvoir. They turned left onto Paddys lane and as they came up the incline Eric took on a distinctive comedy wobble as if his bike had been borrowed from a circus clown. They stopped as they turned onto six hills road and he discover that his left crank arm was departing from his crank spindle ! Without the larger size Allen key required Keith, ever the engineer, cobbled together a Heath Robinson device to try to find a solution. They got as far as the Top of Berrycote lane when Coco the Clown started his act again. It was only now, realising they may never get home at this rate, that David and John both admitted that a joke can only go so far and took out the correct tool that each of them had and an effective repair was made. 

The trip down Berrycote provided more gorgeous views across to Charnwood in the sun although it was hard going into a strong wind. Through Seagrave and down into Sileby. Eric turned left at St Marys Church and the rest turned right and headed home to Loughborough. There had cycled just over 30 miles on a blustery sometimes wet sometimes sunny day.

The Short Ride

Report by Derek

My morning started with a quick check on the weather as ride co-ordinator its my job to make sure the rider are safe to go out. Alexa said no rain forcast while BBC said slight chance of rain. Turns out BBC were correct. 

After sorting out the 40 and 30 mile riders and getting them away safely we were left with Robert, Leigh, Marcus, Sue, Myles , Dom, Betty and myself. 

After a quick chat we decided that we would give Mucklin Wood a miss and head out through Quorn. We also had a discussion and decided we would get the hills out of the way before refreshments making it an easy ride back to Loughborough. 

We headed out along the A6 to Quorn turning right up to Woodhouse Eaves. We regrouped at the Bulls head for a rest before heading into the village and turning right to tackle the uphill climb on Maplewell Road. Regrouping at the top of the hill we turned right on to Joe Moores Lane then left onto Benscliffe Road to complete our climb. We then headed in to Newtown Linford turning left into Bradgate Park. By this time we had been through a rain shower and the sun was out showing the park in its glory. Once through the park we were pleased to see the road works that interfered with our ride on Reservoir Road had gone allowing us access to Station Road. Heading down Station Road to our destination of Rothley Station. We managed to secure a table in the corner where the ladies served us our refreshments. Topic of conversation was the Christmas lunch and how glad we had taken Marcus's advice and got the hills out of the way before our stop.

 

We headed back through the Ridgeway admiring the lovely houses before turning left on to the Ridings taking us over Swithland Reservoir north viewpoint. We pressed on to Swithland, then to Woodhouse where we said our goodbyes as some were heading through Mucklin Wood others were heading to Barrow and the rest heading back along the A6 to Loughborough. On reflection writing this I must take my hat off to John who does the co-ordinator role week in and week out and gets the riders into their groups so they can have an enjoyable morning out riding. Also if you have have not lead a ride and think you have a ride up your sleeve let John know. I found it immensely satisfying leading my group today and would highly recommended it. 

Derek Adams