Wednesday 31st January 2024

There was an early morning frost on the ground and roofs, but the air temperature seemed warmer as more than 20 riders gathered at Holt Drive for 10am.

Medium Ride to Ulverscroft

Report by David

Terry led a ride over the hills south-west of Loughborough, accompanied by Trisha, Rob Smith, Mick, David and Anne. We followed the Epinal Way to Garendon Road, then crossed Alan Moss Road to Kenilworth Avenue to emerge onto the Garendon estate at the end of Coe Avenue. There was some mud and tractor tyre channels to negotiate on the track, such that we could not wave at a bevy of passing walkers with both hands needed firmly on the handlebars.

Through Shepshed via Countrymans Way and Lansdowne Road we arrived onto Oakley Road. Wind was beginning to pick up as we negotiated pot holes that extended right across the carriageway. Coming up Tickow Lane, what used to be remote cottages now have the overbearing of houses under construction behind a thin line of trees. We crossed the A512 and continued through gusts of crosswind, up Charley Road. We then turned right onto Abbey Road, where we were against the wind and generally uphill for 1.6 miles. This was not the only trouble for both Terry and Anne. Terry’s gear cable snapped leaving gears to decide, according to a former version of artificial intelligence (in the form of a spring), to move into the highest gear. Anne’s cycle computer had a screw loose (literally, not in such a way as provide illogical data, or at least I presume not), and that was remedied when we reached the peak, which I think is called High Tor, where we rested for a few minutes.

We came down onto Warren Hills Road, overtaken by a car that suddenly found itself facing a tractor slowly coming up. Somehow, the driver managed to avoid skittling a few cyclists as it took evasive action away from the tractor. Following Warren Hills Road past the Bulls Head at Abbots Oak (which prides itself on being 787 feet above sea level) we were beset by motorists all the way to the end of Whitwick Road. The earlier sun was now shrouded by cloud, so we would not have got the best of views over to Loughborough, even if we had allowed ourselves to be so distracted. We continued on the Whitwick Road, crossing the B591, until the turning for Ulverscroft Grange.

The Grange was quite busy with seniors and nicely warm after the chill of the road. We were served efficiently with our various orders, including a substantial coffee and walnut cake to help with mounting the next lot of hills.

Rob, Mike, Tricia, Anne and Terry at Ulverscroft.

After the steep return climb to the Whitwick Road, we carried on down until Priory Lane. The first part of Priory Lane is also down, but then it rises to a peak where it meets Polly Botts Lane, and affords a view to the south. Polly Botts Lane was all downhill, a lot of downhill. It took us onto Ulverscoft Lane, a well-to-do country site with large houses and a gentle incline to Sharply Hill. After coming down Sharply Hill we were in Newtown Linford. We turned into Bradgate Park and negotiated the first kissing gate. With the wind behind us, the ride through the park was a walk in the park. Deer were out exploring; ducks were swimming and there were a few people too.

Emerging from Bradgate Park around Cropston Reservoir, we turned down Bradgate Road, then up Swithland Road. Just before we got to Swithland, there were some temporary traffic lights. The ride up through Swithland took us to Brand Lane and Woodhouse. At Beaumanor Drive, Trisha and Mick set off for Quorn, while Rob, David, Anne and Terry cut through Mucklin Wood. Despite earlier recollections, parts of this ride are still decidedly bumpy. Once into the outskirts of Loughborough, we continued to our homes, and will have arrived by 1:45 pm.

The ride back to Holt Drive would be 24 miles, with an altitude gain of 1800 feet. An average speed of 9.1 mph was achieved.

Short Ride 1 to Birstall

Report by John

Once the other two groups had departed John was left with Clyde, Eric, Dave, Dom and Dennis and the intention was to take refreshment at the Methodist Church Hall in Birstall.

The riders set off along Cross Lane, through some of the Shelthorpe estate and then to Quorn. From there they climbed up past the Quarry and on to Rothley. Here they joined the old A46 which had road closed signs up. A brief conversation with a workman and it was ascertained that we could use the footpath. After negotiating the extensive road works in the area that used to be Bentley' Nurseries, the group dropped down into Birstall and wended their way to the Hall.

However, having started to park up, it was discovered that the Hall was closed as some of the essential volunteers who run it were ill. "Never mind" John said, "there is another cafe just up the road". However this was also closed.

After a brief debate as to whether to seek another cafe in the centre of Birstall, or carry on through Watermead, and get refreshment at the garden centre in Cossington, the latter option won out.

Clyde, Eric, Dave, Dom and Dennis at Cossington

A rather late cafe stop provided the necessary warmth and nourishment and following the necessary replenishment, the rider returned to Loughborough (with Eric just turning off into his drive in Sileby) arriving back around 1pm.

Short Ride 2 to Thrussington

Report by Vic

A large group had gathered at the clubhouse for the weekly ride.

I’d offered a short ride to Thrussington as selfishly I needed to be back by 12.30pm. I feel a bit sorry for the cafe at Thrussington as these days it seems few riders use them, when not so long ago in lockdown their outdoor hatch was thronged with thirsty and hungry cyclists.

I started out with 9 others but by the time we’d reached our destination we’d dropped 3 at E Goscote Nursery due to the pace of the group and notes from their mum excusing them excessive exercise!!

Howard also didn’t partake of the facilities so 6 of us enjoyed the food and drink on offer.

We’d passed through Mountsorrel on the way where a car transporter was grounded on the humpback bridge so we carried onto Rothley and up through Cossington.

On the return half chose to take the shortest route crossing the A46 and back through Seagrave and Walton.

The others followed me to Cossington where I left them to make their own way back.

Apologies to those we left trailing in our wake. Hopefully all managed to enjoy their ride.