Wednesday 25th September 2024

Medium Ride

Report by Tim

Jeff, Leigh, Faizia, Tim, Andy, Margaret and Mark set out to Thrussington on a grey morning led by Howard. We worked our way through Loughborough to Meadow Lane, crossed the meadow (with some signs of flooding) then took the turn for Cotes just before Stanford. After crossing the A60 we headed to Burton on the Wolds then along the back road to Wymeswold where we took Brook Street then Narrow Lane, an undulating route (euphemism for coasting down a hill, only to have to climb back up again multiple times) this brought us onto the B676 that we had turned off 20 minutes earlier. The detour was much more pleasant than this main road which we were back on for the next mile, passing under the A46 until we came to the Hoby turn, and quieter cycling.

We got some excellent views over East Leicestershire from the road through to Ragdale. This was also 'undulating' but on a scale that made Narrow Lane seem almost flat. A more gentle ride through Hoby (some beautiful old buildings) brought us to Thrussington (more beautiful old buildings) and '39, The Green' where we parked our bikes and went for coffee/tea/cake in the delicatessen and coffee shop. 

Andy, Jeff♀, Margaret, Mark, Leigh, Faizia, Howard and Tim

Suitably refreshed we headed back to Loughborough by a shorter route across the A46 to Seagrave (more undulations, and some awkward 3-way lights in the village that only let two cars or three bikes through) then Paudy Lane to Barrow. We took a more direct route back to Loughborough this week via Farley Way. 25.5 miles in around two and a half hours with some unexpected sunshine and good scenery.

A Slightly longer Medium Ride

Report by Tricia

Six of us set off from Holt Drive - Mick, Rob, Divendra, Dave, Jed and Tricia. We headed out to Sileby through Barrow, because of other roads being closed with flooding, and made our way to Gaddesby. The hill up from the pub at Gaddesby is a bit much, but worth it to reach Pasture Lane, Green Lane and Klondyke Lane. This last was new to some, and a favourite for those who knew it. It's long, downhill, traffic-free and with good views. From here we headed to Asfordby, turning off to get to Frisby Lake. We were momentarily thwarted at the entrance to the lake and cafe by a sizeable puddle, no-one prepared to risk the water, but intrepid Jed showed the way and came out the other side dry. 

Mick, Rob, Divendra, Dave and Jed

We sat outside in sunshine with our refreshments, as the swimmers started arriving and preparing for their dip. Tempted as we were by a cold swim, and considerably more so by the smell of jacket potatoes prepared especially for chilly swimmers, we dragged ourselves away, and returned via Hoby and Thrussington.

Short Ride

Report by John

The short ride this week was joined by John, Keith, Andrew, Dom, Clyde and Dennis and headed out through Quorn and up Wood Lane past the Quarry to take a right turn into the Ridings and headed for Swithland. Declining the temptation of a coffee morning at St. Leonard's Church the group continued through the village to tackle the climb up Swithland Road to Roecliffe.

From Roecliffe it was mainly a descent to Cropston Reservoir before turning through Cropston and a short ride to Ellis' Tea Room for refreshment.

Keith, Andrew, Dom, Clyde and Dennis 

The Riders returned via Swithland and Quorn arriving back in Loughborough around noon.

John leading home.