Wednesday 3rd July 2024

Annual Long Ride Report

Report by Vic

Finally the 3rd of July arrived but the weather was still cool and with possible rain showers and a fresh S. Westerly wind slated for our return. I arrived at the clubhouse at 8.55am ready for the 9.00am early start. There were three or four riders there already and over the next few minutes our numbers swelled to nine, unfortunately Graham had not managed to sort his washing machine malfunction in time.

Due to the size of the group we decided to head for the quieter roads via Quorn, Mountsorrel, Sileby and eventually at Cossington we headed uphill towards Ratcliffe.

We meandered along the Wreake Valley climbing away from it at Asfordby and onto Wartnaby and then the long descent to our morning stop at the Long Clawson Cafe. We all had to cram around a table as several of the indoor areas were reserved for a walking group.

Fortunately the staff were very efficient and we soon had our chosen refreshments, Divendra being the last to be served as he had ordered a semi breakfast.

Refilled and refreshed we departed turning at the end of the village towards Colston Basset here we turned again towards Langar. We made our way to Elton on the Hill via Sutton Granby, at Elton we crossed the A52 and then onto Orston, Thoroton and eventually arriving at Screvington and our destination Cafe Velo Verde.

It wasn’t particularly busy and as it was cool outside we sat around the large sharing table inside, again the ordering and arrival of refreshments was efficiently done except when Mick tried to pay by old fashioned cash but they only take digital payments!!

At about 2.00pm after a convivial hour of chat and refuelling we departed heading into the wind towards Car Colston we then joined the Old Fosse for a mile before we turned off and into Bingham where we had a longish wait at the level crossing. After safely negotiating the A52 at the staggered crossroads we headed towards Langar but turned off after a mile or so towards Tithby and then through Cropwell Butler and Cropwell Bishop and onto Kinoulton. The intention was to then to stop at the wharf at Hickling for more fuel and rest but everyone was full from lunch and so we turned up the hill and emerged at the A46, Melton Road roundabout where we went over the A46 and then turned down towards Widmerpool then Wysal and Wymeswold here several of the group split off to return via Hoton whilst the rest headed back via Burton and onto Barrow.

I had covered 75 miles, unfortunately my Strava had malfunctioned on the return leg so I don’t have an accurate record.

It was an enjoyable ride and I returned home at about 4.30pm we had only had one light shower and the headwind was no where near as bad as feared for our return.

Hopefully all enjoyed themselves.

Short Ride

Report by Andrew

Another of Andrew's reports with a strong 1980s musical theme. This time many thanks to George Michael.

Wake me up before you go go

After our superheroes went on their long mega ride to Newcastle or somewhere else nearly as far up north, I think that there were about 15 of us left at Holt Drive today and four of us headed off on our splendid ride led by Derek, freshly back from sunny Spain.

I was half asleep (nothing new there) and so enjoyed and handed round chocies for the wake me up sugar boost prior to departure.

Young Guns (Go For It)

The team who headed out along with me (Andrew) and Derek, were Myles, Betty and Margaret.

One cyclist (no names no pack drill) had a chocolate and then headed off with another group!!! A report has been sent to the relevant authorities for such reprehensible and unacceptable behavior, punishment to be determined!!

The Edge of Heaven

We headed out on The old A6 to Quorn and turned right at the lights, then up through Woodhouse and Swithland past Stuart Broad’s pub which name escapes me.

We headed along The Ridgeway, where I marvelled at the incredible properties.

Myles, Margaret, Betty and Derek cycling along the Ridgeway.

Jades in Newton Linford where we would be stopping is definitely Heaven so passing through Bradgate Park was The Edge of Heaven

Derek, Myles, Betty and Margaret at the north entrance to Bradgate Park

where we stopped and saw some fabulous deer.

Deer in Bradgate Park

Bad Boys

Once we arrived at jade's there was the usual magnificent and magical banter generally putting the world to rights.

Andrew, Myles, Margaret and Betty at the Jade Cafe

Derek was one of the Bad Boys enjoying probably the biggest scone I have ever seen, along with mountains of jam and whipped cream. 

 There was even an element of disappointment that there was no butter with this magical offering!!

Derek with his refreshments.

Young Guns Go For It (Part 2)

After refreshments we headed for home, where we were lucky to bump into Nim in Bradgate Park, he was heading out for a jaunt as he recovers from a horrendous sounding recent stroke. He joined us for a few miles and seemed in good spirits and we hope that he can join us again ASAP.

All in all a great morning out and back approximately 1pm!!!