Wednesday 11th January 2023

Shortish Ride

Report by Eric

The sun was trying to shine as we met at Holt drive and temperatures were struggling up to 7 degrees. What was remarkable was how many very fit and able riders decided to join the distinctly unfit and unable riders, on Howard's shortish flatish ride to Syston. What was unsure was whether it was the possibility of the early onset rain in the forecast that led to this prudence or indeed the early onset of dementia that led some to forget how far they were capable of riding? Alternatively it could just be January blues and recovery from over indulgence during the festive season that meant this was seen more as a recovery ride than a full blown fitness exercise! We will not name who falls, into which category, in order to protect the guilty.

So onto Outwoods drive Beacon Road and Crosshill lane,  went Howard followed by : Vic, Rob, Keith, John, Clyde, Mick, Jeff, Eric, Andy and Dave. Howard led us across Park road and gave us a guided tour of Loughborough estates built in the 90s and early 2000s. Finally we came out on the A 6 near Aldi and the followed the old A 6 to Quorn. At the lights we turned left onto Farley Way and headed to Barrow on Soar (not yet under the Soar in spite of recent heavy rain).

At the Dinosaur roundabout we turned right and made progress on the road towards the ever sunny Sileby. At the end of Main Street Cossington we turned left at the `T junction and crossing the  railway we went over the large roundabout and did some battle with the trucks and trailers coming off the dual carriageway as we went under the A46 and at the next Roundabout we turned right towards Syston. Passing the Gate Hangs Well we continued into  Syston via a path by the brook and through Central Park. I hasten to add we were still in  Syston … not in its larger cousin in the Big Apple … this was not so much Little Apple or even Crab Apple … more Apple pip!

We arrived at The New World Cafe (where do all these American references come from in an insignificant Leicestershire town?) and commandeered several tables. Conversations included the sad demise of David Duckham, the sadder demise of rugby as a spectator sport and the horrors of the Mugabe regime — although not necessarily were all of these topics related!

After tea and buns all round we set off again. Back through the park following the Barkby Brook and crossing Fosse way we headed towards the canal hoping the towpath was not yet flooded. On the way the leaf mulch and mould proved once again hazardous as Eric in an attempt to avoid Vic's wheels, braked and the front wheel went from under him on the old leaf sludge prevalent at this time of year and came down with a thump that was considerably heavier than it would have been prior to Christmas! He got to his feet with the 2 bruised Es (Elbow and Ego) only to find his watch was not only asking him if he was ok but was also demanding a status report or it would call an ambulance!! Technology is a wonderful thing but……its bad enough having The wife, the daughter, and also Alexa and Siri, bossing you about in your dotage without another woman, Wendy The Watch, chipping in too! Anyway all was well and we headed onto the canal towpath and found to our relief that it was not yet submerged and we cycled to the top of Platts lane without falling in. Here Vic and Eric departed to Cossington and Sileby respectively.

Eric, Dave?, Mick, Jeff♀, Andy,  Keith, Rob,  Vic,  John,and Clyde at Cossington.

Howard and the rest of the merry band turned left into Rothley and went back to Loughborough passing Budden Wood and down into Quorn.

A grand day out all before the rain arrived!

Short Ride report
Newtown Linford

Report by David

There was a cold wind in the air, but low chance of rain provided we were not late back. Earlier in the week, there had been torrential rain.

David’s ride was planned to stop in Newtown Linford on the way back from Anstey, covering about 21 miles. We set off via Outwoods Avenue towards Shelthorpe via Cross Hill Lane, then Broadway, Manor Drive and a narrow jitty through to John Boden Way and Allendale Road. There was a brief moment when we stopped at the roundabout by Aldi to check who was on the ride, then we continued towards Quorn. There was Myles, Rob Pinsent, Rob Stephens, Margaret, Betty and Andrew.

On Terry Yardley Way, an ambulance was on its way to Loughborough - evidently an emergency shout in view of the strike. We turned the corner by One Ash roundabout and crossed over onto Loughborough Road. We turned right at the traffic lights into Woodhouse Road, in 2 stages due to some of us being caught by the lights. The ride to Woodhouse was a bit uphill against the wind, and we were glad of a breather just before School Lane. We continued along Brand Lane, then round the corner to Main Street, and off at the triangular junction to Swithland Road. This has an appreciable climb, so another breather at the high point was in order.

Margaret set off first and when we got to the crossroads, we turned left into Roecliffe Road. This was largely downhill. We passed the Cropston Reservoir and carried on through Cropston towards Anstey. As we were entering Anstey, there was an interest to use Link Road rather than going into the centre to observe the unapprehensive people of Anstey, so this is what we did. However, the leader created his own apprehension by riding over a large piece of bubble wrap, and sounding like a burst tyre. After Betty had kindly retrieved the fragments of bubble wrap, the ride continued without incident to Bradgate Road. There was some more hill climbing before we descended into Newtown Linford looking for the Old Post Office.

Having parked our bikes there, near the bins, leading coffee drinkers observed that the venue was rather full, and we would take a long time to be served. So, we walked to the Jade Tearooms. We received excellent service at the Jade Tearooms, and were soon sat outside in the shelter of their building. The sun came out. On return to the bikes a passing gentleman kindly took a group photo of all of us, following a reminder from Andrew.

Robert, Betty, Margaret, Myles, Andrew, David & Rob at the Old Post Office, Newtown Linford.

After consuming cake, we were now fired up for a 400 ft climb to the Beacon… weren’t we? Thankfully, the front runners, having climbed Sharply Hill, waited at the junction with Benscliffe Road for the leader to arrive puffing and glad not to have chosen the Priory Lane route.

We continued on this straight road, giving time for Rob P to disappear briefly into the Bundu. There had been quite a lot of rain the previous day, and it was washing down the road. Many were grateful for a ride of high altitude and Strava would not be categorizing it as a swim.

Before we turned into Beacon Road, Rob S continued towards Shepshed for his homeward ride. The rest of us met briefly at the highest point of the ride before the long rapid descent with the wind behind us. Despite the wind speed, we were overtaking the wind on the way down.

We reached the crossroads with Loughborough Road and continued our homeward rides.

The average sped was 10.3 mph, and we gained 1417 ft over the course of the ride. The wind speed was 18.5 mph from the SW. Anyone going directly home will have been home by about 1 pm, before the rain set in.

Short Ride 2

Report by John

As David's short ride appeared to be somewhat over subscribed, Anne, Terry, Rosalind and Laurence ageed to join John for a ride out to Long Whatton.

The group headed for Shepshed via the University site and then onward to Belton. Choosing the intermediate route from Belton, the riders departed via Mill Lane for Diseworth. On this let Laurence found that his front tyre had gone flat. It was decided that it was a slow puncture and after the tyre had been reflated he managed to get to the outskirts of Long Whatton before more air was needed.

The riders heading for Diseworth

Once the tyre was up to pressure once more John and Laurence head rapidly for the Farm Shop, in order to avoid the need for another stop, leaving the other riders to continue at a more relaxed pace.

While Laurence and Terry concentrated on sorting out the puncture, the remaining riders did battle with the shop's coffee machine. Once milk has been provided and the machine properly primed, coffee was eventually produced.

The riders were joined by a peacock as they sampled the organic cakes on offer, before heading back to Loughborough via Hathern.