Wednesday 25th February 2026

Short Ride 1

Report by John

A bright mild morning produced a good turnout with riders navigating the road works around Holt Drive to get to the gathering place. As a large number of riders had opted for the short ride, Ian kindly agreed to lead one section to Millies while John offered another to the Methodist Church Hall at Birstall.

John was joined by Bryan, Robert, Mike and Derek and they headed south through Quorn then climbed Wood Lane past Granites before dropping down to Rothley to rejoin the old A6 to then follow the signed route through Birstall to the tea room.

The tea room was very crowded since it was one of the "Warm" day events they hold when the tea and cakes are free. We were told there was a room upstairs we could use, to which the group retreated after leaving an appropriate amount in the donations box.

Riding in Watermead Park

After finishing off the supply of cake at the Church Hall, the riders returned through Watermead Park with Bryan taking a more direct route back from Cossington. The remaining riders returned via Sileby and Mountsorrel.

Bryan, Robert, Mike and Derek outside the Methodist Church Hall at Birstall

Short Ride 2

Report by Andrew

Wednesday 25th February 2026. A date to remember as after some wet / cold Wednesdays it felt like the first day of spring with some beautiful warm sunshine and clearing skies.

Ian kindly agreed to lead a short ride to Millie's and six of us joined him, myself (Andrew .. no not that one in the news!!), Betty, Chris, Mick, Myles and Rob Pinsent.

We headed out through town and then picked up Meadow Lane, safely navigating the challenging right hand turn at Stanford. Then it was onto Prestwold and Hoton, between which there was a glorious display of snow drops and dwarf daffodils.

Then it was on through Wymeswold at which stage my recollection of the route is a bit of a blur as all my energies were dedicated to trying (in vain) to keep up with my fellow cyclists, although prior to Millie's I recall passing Seagrave!

Upon arrival at Millie's, which seems to be expanding their number of static caravans, there was sunshine, so along with a couple of other cycling groups we sat outside to enjoy refreshments while catching some rays and Vitamin D.

Ian, Myles, Betty, Mick, Chris and Rob at Millies

Typical excellent conversation ensued including running, trips abroad, pot holes, electric bikes and much more.

Then it was downhill through Barrow, Quorn arriving back in Loughborough just after 1230 with just over 21 miles on the clock.