Wednesday 21st June 2023

Short Ride

Report by John

A beautiful warm sunny midsummer's day morning produced a good turnoout at Holt Drive. After the longer rides had left Dom, Clyde, Dennis, John C., Rob, Fiona, John N., Eric, Rosalind, Andrew and Duncan remained.

It was decided to head for Bawdon Lodge Farm Cafe, this venue being reported to be fully operatonal again. As the route to Shepshed via Garendon Park hadn't been used for some time this option was chosen. However Clyde and Dom didn't fancy the "rough stuff" so it was agreed they would take the tarmac to Shepshed and rejoin the group on Tickow Lane.

John leading Eric, Rosalind and Dom up Charley Road

The remaining riders head out through the University and meandered over to Coe Avenue to take the somewhat puddle ridden trail to Shepshed where they re-united with Clyde and Dom. The group then climbed Charley Road to Bawdon Lodge where refreshments were taken outside in the adjoining field.

Dom, Clyde, Dennis and Rob at Bawdon Lodge Farm

One point of conversation that arose related to Rob's top which featured BOB in large capitals. Rob explained that this stood for Brothers on Bikes, a group whose "aim is to share our love of cycling with other brothers from all faiths and beliefs and help those looking to start or get back into it all!" 

https://www.brothersonbikes.cc

Fiona, John, Eric, Rosalind, Andrew and Duncan at Bawdon Lodge Farm

The riders returned via the Beacon, Woodhouse and Quorn where they met Patrick returning from a ride. The group was back in Loughborough by noon.

Long Ride

Report by Vic

A large turnout of riders on a warm day gathered at the clubhouse.

When JC arrived he confirmed there had only been one offer of a ride,< That being a hilly 25 miler to Thornton led by Howard.

He asked if I would lead a ride so I offered a 40 ish miler to Eye Kettleby Lakes.

Some 6 riders moved over to my section of the green. There were some of the usual suspects but also 2 new faces. One was Ged from Birstall who had been recruited by JC when their paths had crossed on a ride, and Dave who admitted to having been out once before with us 2 years ago.

We set off via Walton, Seagrave and up Berrycott Lane onto Ragdale, through Hoby and Rotherby over the Melton Road eventually skirting Gadesby and Great Dalby.

We arrived to be met by the usual large display of cakes but had just missed breakfast. We ordered and found some seating outside in the shade, where some of us proceeded to put the world to right and conform to the Grumpy Old Man stereotype!

On departure we retraced our route back to Gadesby but then proceeded on to Rearsby, E Goscote, Ratcliffe and down into Cossington. Here I left the group to make their own way back.

I had covered just over 42 miles hopefully all had enjoyed the ride.

Vic