Loughborough Wednesday Cyclists

Intermediate Ride to Shackerstone Report by David It was a still and hazy day with a slight chill, but thankfully no rain. There were lots of dandelions in flower across the county, having taken over from the daffodils. Seven riders headed towards Quorn via the Shelthorpe parade and One Ash roundabout. They were Vic, Robert Stephens, Rob Smith, Bryan, Alan, Mick and David, led by David promising a ride of 34.4 miles. At the first Quorn traffic lights, we went right and made for Woodhouse. Turning left onto School Lane, we did the double bend where Strava warns to “beware stray pensioners”, then continued up Brand Hill, round the bend and right at the triangle. This took us up around S withland Wood in a surprisingly steep climb. Across Roecliffe Road onto Warren Hill, the climb got steeper and we passed some Severn Trent staff digging a hole and asking if we’d prefer to be doing that rather than cycling. On the way up Warren Hill, Robert suffered from a glucose-insulin

A dull April morning, with a forecast for the sun putting in an appearance later, produced a good turnout at Holt Drive. Longer Short Ride Report by Vic There was a large gathering of riders, some new faces and some habitual criminals assembled awaiting this weeks offer. JC arrived looking normal except for the apparent absence of teeth. This in no way interfered with his efficient organising of the rabble. I offered a ride to the Deli / Cafe at Thrussington somewhere I had been meaning to go as I felt they must be wondering what had happened to all those cyclists that frequented there during the covid times. A small but select band of 5 of us departed and we wended our way out of Loughborough via the Cricket club, the endowed schools and King Street past the. Station to Cotes and then Prestwold. We carried on up the hill to Hoton where we turned towards Wymeswold. The strong easterly wind was cold and directly into Our face. We carried on through Wymeswold and then took the

A forecast for increasing showers and blustery winds combined with the Easter break, saw a much reduced turnout at Holt Drive with just two groups setting out. Short Ride Report by John John, Rob, Myles, Rosalind, Andrew and Phil decided to head upwind to the Methodist Church Hall in Birstall. Taking Cross Lane and then through Shelthorpe, the riders followed the old A6 to the junction with the A46 and then crossed the Hallam Fields bridge to descend to Wanlip before turning south for refreshments at the Church Hall which was already busy. Rob & Myles heading for Wanlip Having almost exhausted the Hall's (excellent value) cakes and scones the riders remounted and headed through Watermead Park to the Hope and Anchor. They had been warned by riders, who had been out the previous week, that the cycle path at Cossington was blocked. However there were no notices up warning of any problems, so the riders continued north alongside the canal. However when the reached the bridge

Short Ride Report by John The forecast, when John published that the rides would be on, had been for a sunny morning with rain moving in for the afternoon. However it was arriving much sooner and this probably accounts for the larger than usual number of riders opting for the short ride. John led Rosalind, Betty, Mike, Myles, Bryan, Eric, John, Robert, Philip and Marcus south via Cross Lane and Shelthorpe to Quorn and then up past the Quarry before taking the right turn for Swithland. By this time the first drops of rain could be felt and rather than head up to Roecliffe the riders took a left onto Leicester Road. John decided to extend the ride a little by following Bradgate Road up to Reservoir Road, to cross the dam to Cropston, before turning onto Station Road and arrive at Rothley Station. Rosalind and Philip however had decided to take the direct route to the station and had tables set up under umbrellas by the time the main cohort arrived. John leading down to Ellis'