Short Ride Report by John The rain had cleared (for a bit) and the sun was shining when riders gathered at Holt Drive. After the two longer rides had departed, there were still 14 riders remaining that had opted for the short ride. Howard kindly offered a ride to Sawley and John remained with Rob, Andrew, Myles, Chris, Mick, Derek and David for a ride to Syston. John led the riders through Shelthorpe and down the old A6 through Quorn. As they approached Mountsorrel the rain started to come down quite hard and the group sheltered under the quarry bridge for those not wearing waterproofs to "cape up". The riders carried on across the Soar to Sileby and south to Cossington. By now the rain had stopped so there was a brief pause while waterproofs were removed. The group then joined the track down to the Grand Union Canal, leaving it at Meadow Lane to take the route under the railway lines to the Duck and Willow Cafe in Syston. Chris leading Mick towards Syston. After drying...

Short Ride Report by John An overcast morning brought another good turnout and after John offered a ride to Oaklands in Kegworth, he was left with 14 riders after the other groups had departed. This would have been too large for comfort so he was very pleased that Graham offered a ride to Millies, reducing the group to David, Chris, Myles, Dave, Dom, Clyde and Mick. The riders set out through the University and climbed Ashby Road to Shepshed, which they skirted using Anson Road to get to Tickow Lane, where they turned right to reach the steep descent down Hallamford Road leading them via Smithy Lane to Long Whatton. Dave leading the group along Smithy Lane Here they took a left up Kegworth Lane and after negotiating the bypass dropped down to Oaklands for refreshments, where they were joined by Andrew. David, Chris, Myles, Andrew, Dave, Dom, Clyde and Mick at Oaklands in Kegworth. Having refuelled the riders exited Kegworth via Station Road and headed for Kingston before turning s...

Short Ride Report by John While the long ride that departed at 9am had attracted a good turnout, there were still enough riders arriving for the 9.30am start to justify two groups. John offered a short ride to the Jade Cafe at Newtown Linford and was joined by Margaret, Dennis, Myles, Derek,Andrew, Chris, Mick and John N. As he had announced that they would be departing via Mucklin Wood, Clyde and Dom opted to keep to the tarmac and meet the other riders at Beaumanor. The rendezvous duly achieved, the riders continued on to Swithland where they turned right up Leicester Lane and wended their way to the north entrance of Bradgate Park. As the schools hadn't yet broken up, it was possible to make good progress through the Park to Jades. John N. leading Margaret through Bradgate Park. After sampling the excellent cakes on offer, the riders returned through the park and then followed Reservoir Road to Cropston where they turned left for Rothley Station. Here they joined the Ridg...

Short Ride Report by John A cooler and overcast day produced an excellent turnout with Vic's 50 mile ride proving very popular. John offered a short ride to Normanton on Soar and thought that it would be just him and Derek after the rides by Rob and Howard attracted large numbers. However it was apparent that those rides were over subscribed and Andrew, Myles, Mick and Chris returned to join the ride. The group headed out through the University and crossed Garendon Park where intial building work was apparent. They then headed north to Long Whatton and up Kegworth Lane to the bypass. Here they took the cycle path alongside the bypass down to London Road and then into Kegworth, departing via an untried route along Mill Lane to Station Road and the bridge over the Soar. Mick leading Chris down Butt Lane. The riders then followed (the closed) Melton Road to West Leake, continuing along Brickyard Lane to the ascent of Travell's Hill. After negotiating the A6006 the group des...