Wednesday 11th June 2025

Short Ride to Birstall

Report by John

After the other three groups had left, John remained with David, Elaine and Duncan for a ride to Birstall.

The riders departed Loughborough past Mucklin Wood and the now closed Beaumanor Hall, following the problems with an insecure chimney. They then headed for Swithland and onto Rothley before climbing to the A46 junction, then taking the bridge over the A6 to Wanlip (taking care not to skid on the gravel of the eroded cycle track).

Arriving at the Methodist Church, they found that Patrick and Laurie (who have ridden with us in the past) has just arrived and we all sat around one table to enjoy the very reasonable priced fare (£2 for a pot of tea and a piece of fruit cake).

The group returned via Watermead Park and took the path alongside the Grand Union canal, which at one point appeared to be blocked by cattle cooling off in the water.

The final leg home was via Sileby, Mountsorrel and Quorn, arriving back just after noon.

Short Ride to Sutton Bonnington

Report by Andrew

 Version 1

A glorious day and a lovely short ride of approx 20 miles lead by Keith out to the Cafe (Gallery 119) at Sutton Bonnington.

We travelled out on a circuitous route of about 14 miles, with a return along the A6 through Hathern of approximately 6 miles, with riders departing the peloton at regular stages.

There were eleven of us on this excellent ride and we had the usual banter seated in the lovely coffee shop grounds, with much debate about University days both back in the day and also nowadays!!

John, Eric, Mick, Chris, Brian, Trish,Max, Myles, Keith, Helen and Andrew at Gallery 119, Sutton Bonnington.

Version 2

(With a little help from Noel Gallagher/ Don't Look Back in Anger)

Slip inside the eye of your mind

The ride leaders are kind 

As they lead as all away

You say that you've never been 

As you ride past fields green

Each and every Wednesday 

I'm gonna plan a bike ride from my bed

Cuz the coffee shops have gone right to my head

Sit outside cuz summer times in bloom 

Stand on your pedals with grace

Ride up those hills with pace

Cuz you ain't ever gonna burn your tyres out

So the leaders can wait 

At Jade's near Bradgate

As we are  riding on by

The cars wizz by each day 

But don't look at them in anger

I heard you say 

Take me to the place where you go

Riding up hill I blow

Each and every Wednesday 

Please don't put your life in the hands

In the cakes on a stand 

They’ll be many miles away

So the leaders can wait 

At Jade's near Bradgate

As we riding on by

The cars wizz by each day 

But don't look at them in anger

I heard you say 

PS … see photo attached from Sutton Bonnington coffee shop ground, I'm sure I can find a small prize to the first responder who correctly identifies what the red and white posts are and what the colours / numbers on them refer to!!!