Wednesday 23rd April 2025

Intermediate Ride to Vale View Equestrian Centre, Old Dalby

Report by David G.

It was a little cloudy and cool at first, but brightened up and got warmer, as the ride progressed.

St George’s Day might have been a good day to take a coffee while watching trusty steeds taken through their paces.

So, David led Brian, Betty, Dave J., Arnold, Tim, Mick, Nim and Rob on a circuitous route via the Equestrian Centre.

The large group of us stuck together during the ride across Loughborough, which used the canal towpath to get to Meadow Lane. There was little traffic in the centre, but large cargoes heading into town on Meadow Lane.

Our first hill of note was the Leake Lane. It may have been tempting to turn off and sit amongst the bluebells when we got to the top, but we coasted down to East Leake on Castle Hill, then headed for Costock. There was little delay at the A60, and we waited for a fellow cyclist speeding down the hill before setting off.

We continued through Wysall, taking a brief pause there, then on almost to Widmerpool. This road has a glorious downhill, which gave riders a first opportunity to experience speed. We took the Willoughby Road just before Widmerpool, then climbed to get to Willoughby on the Wolds. Here, we cut the corner to Back Lane. Back Lane takes a semicircular bridging course over the A46. Soon after this, we turned right onto Nottingham Road, which roughly follows the escarpment above Old Dalby. I say “roughly” also because the road is pitted and puddled and at times an obstacle course. It takes heavy traffic from the numerous horse-carrying vehicles, many of which are quite big.

The Equestrian Centre had tables for us indoors, but no trusty steeds were performing; perhaps because it was not actually St George’s Day! We were compensated by the fine quality of tea and coffee and whole carrot cakes (small whole cakes, that is). As we were approaching the exit to leave, it became apparent that a large gate would impede our passage. Somehow, our vain attempts to punch in a passcode were rewarded by the sliding of metal, and we were free.

Tim, Rob, Arnold, David J., Nim, David G., Betty, Brian and Mike at Vale View Equestrian Centre, Old Dalby

At the end of Nottingham Road, we joined Six Hills Lane, then hollered the instruction to turn right and traverse the rather busy village of Grimston. It was lovely to have another opportunity at speed just before the village, even if we had to slow abruptly once there. Coasting down towards Saxelbye was to be enjoyed before the climb on the Saxelby Road, upon which one really needs to pace oneself. Another fast stretch followed, leading to the A6006, which we crossed and stayed on a few yards right of the T-junction. Shortly afterwards, we turned down the road leading back to Asfordby Hill, then immediately right onto Hoby Road. The Hoby Road was mostly easy cycling with a slight wind behind us. The Race Hub at Frisby Lakes was closed.

The vicious final climb on the Hoby Road (at this stage called Frisby Road), just before Hoby took its toll on Mick’s chain. News of Mick’s broken chain reached the lead riders just before Thrussington. Mick had assured one of us that he had kit to fix the chain, which is one better than the rest of us, so, after discussing the options, we continued on our way. We later heard that Mick had managed to fix his chain and get home.

We passed through the quiet village of Thrussington and on the way to Ratcliffe on the Wreake came face-to-face with a tractor bearing a grass cutting machine on the end of a long arm. We came in peace, and the driver graciously let us through.

Following the climb up Ratcliffe Road, we parked for a while at the top of Humble Lane. Oilseed Rape had come into flower. There was another chance for speed coming down to Cossington, and we said goodbye to Nim, after he had joined us on the detour along Bennett’s Lane.

We had another stroke of luck with the traffic lights on Cossington Road, then passed through Sileby. Having turned left by the church, we crossed the flood plain to Mountsorrel. In Quorn, the substantial excavations laying black pipes presented minor challenges to get through. After that, we were all set for home.

The ride returning to Holt Drive was 34.4 miles, with elevations gains of 1512 feet. Most of us would have been home by 1:30pm. The average speed for the ride 10.4 mph, including all the stops while cycling.

Short Ride

Report by John

John offered a short ride to the Flying Goose Cafe attached to the Swim Centre at Six Hills. He was joined by Clyde, Andrew, Dom, Eric and Myles.

The group headed south through Shelthorpe to the outskirts of Quorn where they turned east to Barrow and then took Melton Road to Six Hills (and resisting the temptation to call in at Millies).

Clyde, Dom, Myles and Eric on Paudy Lane

The Flying Goose Cafe has been upgraded with a much increased seating area inside. However the riders chose to stay out in the fresh air for their refreshments.

Clyde, Andrew, Dom, Eric and Myles

The riders returned via Narrow Lane (apart from Eric who headed for home along Paudy Lane) to Wymeswold and then onto Cotes where they turned off for Stanford, returning to Loughborough via Meadow Lane.