Wednesday 18th October 2023

A cool overcast morning with rain forecast saw a lower than normal turnout.

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

Long Ride

Report by Vic

JC had got a note from his mum excusing him from duties due to a hip problem. Derek had been tasked to organise the weeks rides.

I had offered a 30ish miler to Bradmore Garden centre. There were probably a few less members at the clubhouse than has been the recent norm. I managed to attract 6 with my offer so 7 of us set off via some back streets and cycle ways crossing paths a couple of times with Robs group.

We went out via Meadow Lane then onto Sutton Bonnington, West Leake, East Leake, Costock and Wysall where we turned off down the steep hill and onto Bradmore.

We were glad to see that cyclists were still entitled to a discount and Keith was just in time for the Early Bird Breakfast offer.

On our return we went via Plumtree, Keyworth, Widmerepool, Wysall and Wymeswold where several of the group returned via Hoton whist the remainder went via Burton and Barrow.

I had covered 43 miles so I guess the ride from Holt drive would have been about 34 miles.

Hopefully all enjoyed the ride.

Short Ride

Report by Derek

With our leader being incapacitated with a bad hip I was charged with coordinating the rides today.

Having got the other two longer ride groups away, Marcus Dennis and Eric were left on the shorter ride. We decided on Bowden Lodge Farm as Eric had set his sites on a bacon sandwich.

Just as we were departing John arrived saying he could ride better than he could walk. He then told us about a new route through Garendon Park to Shepshed. 

New route to Shepshed via the Old Coach Road (image from https://www.openstreetmap.org

We jumped at the chance of trying this as it cuts out the motorway roundabout. So heading out via the university to Ashby Road We picked up the new track that brought us out to Cumbrian way in Shepshed.

John leading Dennis, Eric and Marcus along the Old Coach Road

Going under the M1

From there we went through the new estate heading towards Charley then on to Bowden Lodge Farm. John thought it would be best if he headed home as he did not want to much strain on his hip.

The rest of us stopped for coffee and cake and Eric got his bacon sandwich.

Dennis, Marcus, Eric and Derek at Bawdon Lodge

After we were suitably refreshed we headed out towards Cropstone as we were all keen to get our 20 miles in. At Rothley Station we split and Marcus and myself headed back to Loughborough whilst Dennis and Eric headed down to the A6 towards home.

The Route