Wednesday 12th July 2023

A cool overcast morning but with sunny spells saw an excellent turnout at Holt Drive with four groups setting out.

Short Ride

Report by John

Once the longer three rides had left, Steve, John, Andrew, Ian, Clyde, Lee, Derek, Duncan and Fiona remained for a short ride to Rothley Station.

As Rothley Station is close, even for a short ride, John chose meander the route intially heading out via Haddon Way to take the cycle track down to Woodthorpe. This was a bit of a mistake as the exit near the Woodthorpe roundabout was covered by a large muddy puddle as a result ot the heavy rain from the previous day. Eventually all the riders negotiated this obstacle without mishap and the group proceeded on south through Quorn.

The riders then headed up Wood Lane out or the valley and past the quarry before taking a right to Swithand. Here they turned left up Leicester Road and proceeded to Reservoir Road which took them to Anstey Lane and onwards to the station.

Derek and Fiona followed by Steve and Andrew.

After refreshments the group returned via the Ridings, Mountsorrel and Quorn, arriving back in Loughborough just after noon.

Steve, Andrew, Ian, Clyde (head only), Lee, Derek, Duncan (another head) and Fiona at Rothley Station.

Intermediate Ride

Report by Keith

There were six of us who set off for what was billed by Keith as a 30 mile ride – Vic, Rob P, John, Phil D, Max and Keith. A simple route took us in a big sort of circle, out though Quorn, Woodhouse, and Swithland, then past Cropston Reservoir and up to the Beacon cross-roads, and so down to our coffee stop at Bawdon Lodge.

John, Vic, Rob and Max at Bawdon Lodge

John and Vic decided to head back over the Forest to their East of Loughborough homes, whilst the remaining four continued down Charley Road to Shepshed, passing the lovely border display of geraniums by the windmill. Round the back of Shepshed along Tickow Lane, and returning along the Garendon Trail. Something was wrong with Keith’s maths, as it was only about 23 miles, but very pleasant none the less.

Medium Ride to the Dovecote, Barton in Fabis

Report by Bryan

Riders: Lawrence, Dave, David, Terry, Anne, Paul, Robert, Rob, Bryan.

A route along mainly quiet roads which arrived at the Dovecote after 24 miles with most of us more than ready for our refreshments. The only slight hiccup on route was Anne’s chain came off on the section to Wysall. A new entrance made access much easier, still secure and, surprisingly, no other customers. Food was enjoyed by all which were served quickly at the start but brought piecemeal over the next 10 minutes or so.

Rob, Dave, David, Lawrence, Terry, Robert, Paul & Bryan at The Dovecote Cafe, Barton in Fabis

The ride home enjoyed a short sharp climb just past Thrumpton and a hint or two of rain which held off until we all got home.

Thanks to all who joined me for a pleasant morning.