Wednesday 24th May 2023

A beautiful late May spring morning with a pure blue sky and a forecast of dawn to dusk sunshine, saw a very high turnout at Holt Drive with 4 groups departing in various directions.

Short Ride

Report by John

The short ride proved very popular this week with Pat, Roman, Rosalind, Duncan, Betty, Fiona, Myles, Robert, Andrew and John opting for a ride to the East Goscote garden centre at Cossington.

The riders departed through Shelthorpe and then proceeded south towards Quorn but turing left to Barrow and on up onto the Saltway. This they followed until Berrycott Lane was reached and they turned south west towards Seagrave.

Duncan & Robert leading the ride.

Fiona leads Andrew, Myles, Betty, Rosalind, Pat and Roman down Berrycott Lane

Unfortunately as the riders began the descent to Seagrave, Fiona encountered a pothole and gravel which in combination took her off, resulting in some severe grazes and bruising. Pat and Roman very kindly volunteered to ride back to Wymeswold and get their car to take Fiona and her bike home, which they did.

The remaining riders then decided to shorten the intended ride by heading to Millies for refreshments. Rosalind skipped this and proceeded home as she had an appointment.

The remaining riders returned via Barrow with some peeling off when close to home.

Medium Ride

Report by Bryan

Bryan, Mick, Rob, Tricia, Margaret and Max

Good bits: 

1. The weather.

2. Mainly quiet roads.

3. No crazed drivers.

4. Good company.

Bad bits:

Just the pot holes

31 miles; 990ft climbing

Granite Ride

Report by Philip

Lawrence, Clyde, Derek, Marcus, Rob P, John N, Phil, Eric, otherwise known as the Granite gang left Holt drive in high spirits. A good deed was to be done! Travelling along the west side of the epinal way extension, an unmarked police car was observed. Perhaps it was chasing the motorcycle observed moments before hooning northwards and weaving through traffic. No further incidents were noted until arrival at Graham's House in Woodhouse. Dear reader, I begged them to stop but as ever I was ignored and some riders sailed past the tastefully appointed Cameron residence. At once, most of the group rushed inside but luckily I kept my wits about me and reigning in my own needs, stayed outside to lLook after the abandoned bikes, replete with computers, lights, pumps etcetera. All too soon, the marble was on the move. Redolent of the movement of the stones used to build the pyramids , the marble worktop was eased out of the house pushed over a series of wooden blocks to aid movement. I only had to break out the discipline whip once. A nasty incident was averted when Eric nearly got stuck in the narrowest part of the hall way and I thought we might need a repeat of the Winnie the Pooh stuck in Piglet's house scenario. Equally, we were all alert to the innocent question, and when did you first decide the kitchen needed updating, Graham?

There was no time for messing around and after a quick decision which pleased no one, we continued on to the Jade cafe.  Here Eric was reminded that it's the unsung heroes of the hospitality industry who wield most power and can slice cake thinly or thickly dependent upon perceived slight to operatives work output rate, even when expressed obliquely. Topics of discussion over coffee  included a commendation by Derek of canal  boat hire as being very cost effective for larger parties. There was also chats about various children's TV programmes about which Marcus appeared well read. The art of the double entendre was explained with reference to those well known children's favourites, Muffin the mule and Captain Pugwash. Recent goings on in Cardiff were also mused upon.

Then it was time for a remount , and back via a Rothley Station regroup. The group then went their separate ways back.,
Well done Team Granite Philip.

 

Long Ride

Report by Howard

On a delightful day with perfect weather, our group of Loughborough Wednesday Cyclists embarked on a long ride to the Mulberry Tree Café at Strelley Hall. We, Bryan, Dave, Jeff♀, Russell, and myself, were looking forward to explore a new route to a different destination and enjoy some well-deserved treats.

The initial part of our journey was familiar as we made our way through East Leake, Gotham, and Clifton, following roads and lanes we had traversed on previous rides. However, once we reached Nottingham, our ride took on a new character. We navigated through the urban back streets, and through subways adorned with vibrant graffiti, before abruptly transitioning from housing estates to the countryside on entering Strelley village.

The weather conditions were idyllic for a ride, with hot sunny blue skies and only a scattering of fluffy clouds. This perfect backdrop set the stage for an enjoyable exploration of new places.

Upon reaching Strelley Hall, we were pleasantly surprised by its design and ambiance, reminiscent of the Stables at Staunton Harold Estate.  Nestled within the hall, the Mulberry Tree Café awaited us with a tantalizing array of cakes. From Tiffin to Rocky Road, Flap Jacks to Millionaires shortbread, the selection was mouthwatering. We found a comfortable spot in the shade to relax and relish our well-deserved desserts.Beyond the Mulberry Tree Café, the Stable block of Strelley Hall held more delights for us to explore. There were a variety of shops and attractions, including the Nottingham Teddy Bear Repair Centre, a craft and gift shop, a picture framing service, and an art gallery.

On our way back, we passed by the Hemlock Stone, located just after Bramcote Crematorium. Continuing through Stapleford and Sandiacre, we eventually reached the scenic canal towpath. This picturesque route, running alongside the canal and later the River Trent, took us through to Sawley. From there, we followed our usual path back to Kegworth before taking the path alongside the A6 back to Loughborough. 

Below is a picture of Strelley Hall from the front.