Wednesday 4th June 2025

Short Ride

Report by John

A cool but largely sunny early summer morning produced an excellent turnout at Holt Drive, but once the other three rides had departed John was left with just David, Rob and Nim for a short ride to the Farm Shop in Long Whatton.

The group set out through the University, wound their way to Coe Avenue and took the track across Garendon to Shepshed from where they took Carr Lane to Belton. They then followed the cycle route through Osgathorpe and up Breedon Lane to Top Brand. As most of the riders had not seen Cloud Hill Quarry (perhaps it should now be Cloud Hole) the riders descended the cycle track to the viewing platform and the statues.

Rob, Nim and Dave on Top Brand

Returning to Top Brand, the riders headed north to Gelscoe Lane and then Diseworth from where they had an easy down wind ride to Long Whatton. Since there was only seating for 4 at the farm shop, the low take up proved to be fortuitous. After refreshment the riders returned to Loughborough via Hathern.

Rob, Dave and Nim at the Farm Shop, Long Whatton

Short Ride to Goscote Nurseries, Cossington

Report by David

It was a fine day for cycling, with mild temperature and a westerly breeze. David pulled away from Holt Drive, and was followed by a string of cyclists. The cyclists took Cross Hill Lane and crossed Park Road to Broadway. There were 11 of us – David, Keith, Margaret, Dennis, Mick Gibson, Chris Gibson, Myles, Stuart, John Nuttall, Arnold and Eric.

Unfortunately, Eric’s bike sustained punctures and, despite our roadside efforts, we were unable to fix the bike; so, Eric decided to take it to Cycle-Trax, just down the road. Meanwhile, Arnold received some unwelcome news on his phone from the building trade, and needed to head home.

Now there were nine of us, and we went via Manor Drive and John Boden Way to the opposite side of Allendale Road, thereby avoiding most of the habitual road hazards. Then, we rode to the first crossroads in Quorn and turned right towards Old Woodhouse. With the generally uphill road and headwind, David set a challenging pace and we all met at the top of School Lane.

The next stretch took us down then up Brand Lane to the end of Brand Hill, where we gathered again. After this, we cycled into Swithland and took the right turn on Leicester Road towards Cropston. At the triangle we went right and joined Reservoir Road along the end of Cropston Reservoir. In Cropston, we turned left onto Station Road, then right onto the straight road through Thurcaston, with its downs and ups. This became Ashton Green Road and was provided with a cycle path. The cycle path took us conveniently into Greengate Lane for the descent into Birstall. We crossed the main road to enter Sibson Road, past a parade of shops; then took a complicated detour around Church Hill and Front Street.

The navigation system took a bit of a spin, so the leader sniffed for beer to get a sense of direction. We passed the White Horse pub, which was closed, then continued north along the bank of the River Soar. After one of the tightest plate barriers (for bikes with straight handlebars), we entered the shade of Watermead Park. We passed between 2 lakes, then took a left before the River Soar and headed north crossing the river on a narrow bridge of loose concrete slabs by a weir. We then generally followed the canal until Wanlip Road.

Just after a plate barrier, we got onto the towpath then climbed the steep slope up to the road. The ramp to the Hope and Anchor car park is still closed with a concrete barrier, so we had to use the steps. By now, the riders were getting thirsty, and a short ride through the lakes and along the Syston Road was all it took to get to our rendezvous point, Goscote Nurseries. At the bike park, if one reaches through the thick hedge, there is a palisade fence that can be locked onto.

We were joined by Eric and Andrew. Cycle-Trax had been closed, so Eric had to call upon favours to get him here. Andrew was clearly in need of dental treatment. We were temporarily back to 11. The catering was efficient. The scones would melt in the mouth, if not on the plate.

Mick Gibson  Myles, Stuart, Chris Gibson,  Eric (hidden), Margaret, Dennis, , Keith, John Nuttall, Andrew and David at East Goscote Nurseries, Cossington.

For the ride home, we continued along Syston Road, then turned left through Cossington. The road took us through Sileby, where we turned left at the church and crossed the flood plain. Hence, we traversed Mountsorrel and Quorn.

The ride was 23 miles, which we took at an average moving speed of 11 mph, with an altitude gain of 915 feet. Most would be home before 1pm.