Wednesday 28th May 2025

Short Ride 1

Report by David

With scattered showers, it was a wonder to see so many riders at Holt Drive.

David volunteered to lead a ride to the Ellis tea rooms, and was joined by Andrew, Chris, John, Rob Pinsent, Leigh and Myles.

There were some early issues with the Garmin and Strava denied access to the chosen route, possibly due to non-payment of the subscription. The contributions from the Garmin before we finally reached our coffee break were “off course”, “recalculating” and “make a U-turn”.

We set off towards Barrow-upon-Soar as the clouds gathered in the distance, and by the time we reached the Flesh Hovel roundabout there was enough rain to justify a stop to don waterproofs.

We took a right turn at the Dinosaur roundabout, noting that there was a road closure to the left. An articulated lorry was parked with its hazard warning lights, so it was a while before we could pass on our way to Sileby. By now the Garmin was illegible due to the depth of rain on the screen, and glasses were an additional hinderance to be cast aside.

Slash Lane came into view, and it became a matter of interest to see what this place would throw at us. So, we took off down there, and the only issue was the amount of traffic converging on the junction with Mountsorrel Lane. We made our way to Mountsorrel, where our left turn onto the old A6 was marked with repeated road closure signs. But there emerged an obvious gap via the pavement to get us to The Green, where we turned right.

After going up the slope to Rothley Road we headed for Rothley. We reached the roundabout with Walton Way. Walton Way has evidently become a major road, and it seemed that continuing along Mountsorrel Lane might be a bit of a hill if we ever got that far, so, we went right and followed Walton Way until West Cross Lane, where we turned left, then right again onto The Ridings.

At last, the rain was subsiding. We turned left onto Swithland Road, where water was still running down the gutters. Straight across Station Road was the entrance to the Ellis tea rooms. When we got there, it was evident that the tea rooms were not only closed, but effectively boarded up. Oh dear!

Nearby, on the Great Central railway, a large diesel locomotive passed hauling several coaches and with a steam locomotive at the back in reverse. We waved to the travellers.

Getting back on track, it was decided that we should head for Jade’s tea rooms in Newtown Linford. We rejoined Station Road and rode into Cropston. From here, we took Reservoir Road and Roecliffe Road to the entrance to Bradgate Park. There were not many people here, but a few vehicles were using the track through the park, and the sun was beginning to appear through the clouds.

David leading John, Myles and Rob south through Bradgate Park.

It was a relief to get through to Jade’s tea rooms, and to sit outside without much competition for seating and with the sun now shining. Jade’s is renowned for the choice of cakes and hot drinks, and we were given excellent counter service. By now, we had covered a reasonable distance for the first leg of a short ride, so we would have headed straight for home, if there had been a straight route on navigable tracks.

Rob, Myles, John N., Leigh, Chris, Andrew and David outside the Jade Tea Room.

We went back via Bradgate Park, where more people had come out, including a man who asked where we had been for lunch. I instantly recommended Jade’s, and it made me consider that I probably didn’t actually need lunch after a slice of their carrot cake.

From the Cropston entrance we went right, then down Bradgate Road to Leicester Lane, then over the bumps to Swithland. At Swithland, the Garmin gave its first useful instruction - to turn left onto Main Street. This followed into Brand Lane, then School Lane, Old Woodhouse. Most of us continued to Quorn before taking our various routes home, able to dry off the earlier rain.

The route was 22.6 miles with an elevation gain of 1000 feet. The average speed was 10.1 mph, and home arrival time was about 1 pm.

Short Ride 2

Report by John

Despite a forecast for showers there was an excellent turnout of over 30 riders at Holt Drive, with four rides departing to various destinations.

John was joined by David, Betty, Clyde, Dom and Dave for a ride to Bawdon Lodge.

The groups set out through the University and as they climbed towards Shepshed the rain started to come down. in the distance ahead of them appeared the group led by Keith which had departed before them. Presumably they had tried the track across Garendon and found it blocked.

The cycle path at the junction with Leicester Road was blocked, so the riders had to divert through the Aldi car park.

The shower had passed by the time the group departed Shepshed via Tickow Lane. They then climbed Charley Road to Bawdon Lodge where refreshments were taken inside as there still appeared to be a threat of showers.

As the group prepared to depart a rider arrived who turned out to be on holiday from York and was exploring Leicestershire from a base in Melton Mowbray.

Dave leading the group down Brand Lane

The group returned to Loughborough via Roecliffe, Woodhouse and Quorn.