Wednesday 27th September 2023

Medium Ride

Report by Keith

Short of volunteer leaders, John asked Keith to take a ride, so an impromptu trip to Melbourne was planned, with the help of Chris, Phil, Betty, Robert and Lourens.

Through the Uni and cycle paths we reached Hathern, then Diseworth and down the steps at Tonge to the Cloud Trail.

Phil had recently been to a “new” café in Melbourne so we arrived at Meak’s, parking our bikes safely around the back and sitting out in the rear courtyard. Several bacon sandwiches were appreciatively consumed in between kicking over dog’s drinking bowls, attacking car wing mirrors (though they are not on the wings anymore) and falling over low privet hedges. The café is well worth a return visit.

Robert, Betty, Laurence, Phil, Chris and Keith at Meak's cafe in Melbourne

Home was via the Cloud trail again and Cycle Route 6 through Osgathorpe and Shepshed. Back about 12.25 after around 30 miles.

Short Ride 1

Report by John

There were a lot of riders opting for the short ride this week, so Dennis was roped in to lead one to Bradgate Park, while John led another, with Rosalind, Eric, Pat, John N., David, Fiona and Leigh, to Birstall

The Riders headed south to Quorn from where they climbed up past the Quarry, turning left onto the Ridings for Rothley. Here they rejoined the old A6 and headed south, navigating the construction work around the area where Bentleys used to be. The group then climbed to the Wanlip roundabout and took the bridge over the A6 to join the pedestrian/cycle track to Wanlip. Unfortunately fine gravel and sand had been washed down the slope of the track and collected at the bottom, where there is a sharp right turn. This caused Rosalind's rear wheel to lose traction and she ended up in the nettles on the side of the track. Fortunately no major injury was suffered and Rosalind soon recovered and joined the other riders for refreshments at the Methodist Church Hall in Birstall.

Rosalind, Eric, Pat, John, David, Fiona and Leigh at the Methodist Church Hall Tea Room.

After eliminating the home baked Victoria Sponge on offer at the Hall for £1 a slice, the riders returned without further incident via Watermead Park, Cossington, Sileby, Mountsorrel and Quorn, losing riders along the way as they turned off for home, arriving back in Loughborough at 12.30.

Rosalind and Pat in Watermead Park

Long Ride

Report by Vic

Another Wednesday morning with a largish group of members assembled at the clubhouse.

JC had asked for leaders and I had offered a medium or longer ride. Keith also kindly offered to lead, so with JC leading there were at least 3 options. It was decided I would lead the longer ride so the destination of Buttercups at Billesdon was proposed.

On our departure there were 6 in the group.

We went out via Cossington, Ratcliffe, Rearsby through Gadesby where we turned off to Barsby. We then headed uphill and then turned down towards Baggrave, at the junction there was a Road Closed sign which of course we ignored. Baggrave sits in a dip so the descent is followed by a steepish ascent., once out of the gates at the end we turned towards Cold Newton and then onto the feared Sludge Hill. We all worked our way up at our own pace, at the top we regathered and then covered the last mile to the stop.

After refreshments we returned via Billesdon past the Coplow through Keyham, Beeby, Barkby and onto Syston where we joined the canal to Cossington. Here I left the group to find their own way home.

I had covered 41 miles.

I hope all enjoyed the ride.