Wednesday 1st October 2025

Short Ride 1

Report by Derek

The morning ride, shared by Dave, Robert, Dennis, Margaret, Marcus and lead by Derek unfolded into twenty-eight miles of crisp, clean air and dappled sunlight filtering through the clouds. 

The first part of the ride was a steady climb out of the town and on to rolling farmland, testing the legs but rewarding the effort with panoramic views of the Soar valley below. The road soon levelled out as we made our way through the villages via a slight detour to Bradgate park. As we entered the park it was quiet due to the earlier rain, the only sounds were the crunch of gravel under the tires and the melodic rush of the water from the stream to the left. 

Dave leading Marcus through Bradgate Park

We paused briefly while watching a heron fish, before embarking on the final push to Jades tearoom. 

We all enjoyed tea and cakes and conversation about many subjects the main one being why Amazon use such big boxes for such small items inside.

Dave, Robert, Margaret, Dennis, Derek and Marcus outside the Jade Tea Room.

 We set of on our exhilarating descent back home. The cool rush of the wind on the downhill run was the perfect reward, ending the journey with a satisfying fatigue and a deep sense of accomplishment.

Short Ride 2

Report by John

The forecast of the previous afternoon had been for light drizzle at times during the morning. The revised forecast was for rain in the early morning, clearing towards lunch time. John therefore offered a ride to the Rowena Garden Centre whose capacious cafe would provide comfortable accommodation while the rain fell. He was joined by Myles, Rob, Ian, Mick, Andrew, Chris and Dom and the riders took the direct route down the old A6 for an early refreshment stop just south of Mountsorrel.

After a relaxed top up with food and drink, the riders headed outside to find that the rain had stopped. They then headed west using Cross Lane to get to The Ridings.

Myles, Rob, Ian, Mick, Andrew, Chris and Dom

Here they headed south before turning onto the Ridgeway to Rothley Station. From here the riders headed down Thurcaston Lane that took them to Cropston Road where they turned north over the reservoir dam. The water level was about 20ft. below the overflow ledge that had seen copious amount of water rushing over it last winter.

Ian heading for home along Brand Lane

The group then returned to Loughborough via Swithland, Woodhouse and Quorn.