Wednesday 19th November 2025

Short Ride 1

Report by Derek

As we all decided what rides we fancied this morning a lot opted for John's shortish ride to Jades tearoom rooms. Probably because it was just above freezing outside. We all thought that the group was too big so I offered to lead a ride to Pillings lock marina.

John, Marcus, Eric and Vic decided to join me and we headed out to over the forest to Mucklin wood to avoid the busy A6 ring road, we were surprised that after all the rain it was not that muddy. We then went on to Woodhouse, Swithland and on to Rothley before dropping down to Mountsorrel and on to Quorn.

Marcus unfortunately got a puncture and decided to phone his local recovery team i.e. Sue his wife. The rest of us carried on to Pillings Marina.

The restaurant had been closed for a while as it flooded early part of the year, we were all pleasantly surprised how nice the new decor was. The staff were very friendly and brought out a lovely selection of cakes and things to try.

Vic, John, Eric and Derek

After we were suitably refreshed, we went back out in the cold and headed for home. I covered about 22 miles once home.

Short Ride 2

Report by John

The forecast proved correct and the rain cleared before riders gathered at Holt Drive on a cold morning with a fresh breeze, so that the wind chill took the effective temperature to below freezing.

John offered a ride to Jades at Newtown Linford and was joined by Mick, Chris, Myles, Ian, Andrew and Helen.

The groups headed out via Cross Lane and Shelthorpe to Quorn, where they turned up Wood Lane which took them to Rothley Station. There they turned for Cropston and then up to the the Reservoir where they regathered. Although there had been a lot of rain the water level was many feet below the overflow wall.

The riders then took the track through Bradgate Park to Jades and its warmth. 

Ian and Myles in Bradgate Park

Myles by this time was feeling the cold and was not feeling well, probably with mild hypothermia. After everyone had warmed up and had some hot drinks, Myles was still not feeling too good so a phone call was made for his wife, Sue, to come and pick him up. Having established that Myles would be in good hands, the group returned through the park and back to Loughborough via Swithland, Woodhouse and Quorn.

Mick taking the lead.