Wednesday 29th April 2026

Shortest Ride

Report by John

A beautiful sunny late April Spring morning produced an excellent turnout with 5 rides departing Holt Drive. John offered a short ride to Kegworth and was joined by Eric, Nim, David, Marcus, John N. and Dennis.

The group departed through the University, forgetting that the normal route through Margaret Keay Road was blocked, necessitating a retracing and a climb up University Road.

The riders then joined Ashby rode and ascended to Shepshed that they skirted to join Tickow Lane one which the headed east to take a fast descent down Hallamford Road. They then headed north to Long Whatton, observing a low swooping buzzard (or possibly a Red Kite) along the way.

From Long Whatton the riders joined Kegworth Lane which took them up to the Keworth Bypass that they then descended (on the cycle track) to London Road and a freewheel into Kegworth.

John N. on Kegworth Lane

Most of the riders succumbed to the tempting fare on offer at Oaklands and enjoyed these in the sunshine.

Eric, Nim, David, Marcus, John N. and Dennis at Oaklands

Once refreshments had been consumed, most of the group, apart from John and Dennis, decided that they needed to get back to Loughborough promptly, and opted for the direct route.

John and Dennis opted for a more meandering option and headed out across the Soar towards Sutton Bonnington. They then took Melton Lane towards West Leake and joined Brickyard Lane (closed to motor vehicles) which took them to an ascent up Travell's Hill. After a short stretch on the A6006 they enjoyed the views from Butt Lane (another closed road) as they descended to Normanton on Soar.

They then returned to Loughborough over Fox Hill, arriving just before noon.

Long Ride

Report by David

The weather was fine for cycling - average temperatures, no rain forecast. However, there was a fresh easterly wind.

David led Laurence and Rob Smith through Loughborough to the Nottingham Road, then across the River Soar at Cotes past bright yellow fields and towards Burton on the Wolds. We turned left on Wymeswold Lane, then continued to Wymeswold.

A Red Kite circled above us and dropped its nest material, then flew off to get some more.

We left Wymeswold on Narrow Lane and returned to the Melton Road just before Six Hills. From Six Hills our route took us along Six Hills Lane, crossing the A6006, and eventually turning right onto Ostler Lane. This rather bumpy lane leads down into Saxelbye. Turning left, we began the steep climb up Main Street, which has fields of sheep either side.

Once at the top, we went left and could see a long way across open fields. Shortly before Wartnaby, we turned right and were facing the wind until we entered Ab Kettleby. Fortunately, there were 3-way traffic lights at the A606 operating in our favour when we turned left for a short distance on that road. We took the right fork, Clawson Lane, which was uphill, then near the top of that hill went right on Nursery Lane to Holwell. The road bends towards the south from here, starting with crossing a cattle grid then climbing steeply until a generally downhill stretch to Gorse Lane. Gorse Lane crosses the A606, but into a secluded lane marked as a no through road. In fact, this is a path that leads into the road which has the turning for the Hill Top Farm and Café.

We decided to sit indoors, as the outdoors was exposed to blustery winds. The café service was excellent as was the food and drink. Apparently, the army had turned up for rations, but that didn’t slow down the counter service.

Our homebound trip was somewhat easier with the wind mostly behind us. We went right on St Bartholomew’s Way, which was a fast wide downhill road leading to some inviting open gates to an industrial estate. Shortly before these, was a somewhat hidden turning extending Welby Lane. As we swept round the turning, we surprised two pheasants.

The lane went uphill past a church until a junction, where we turned left. Then there was a wonderfully long downhill run through the trees. Two or three Monk Jack deer jumped out and back again. At the bottom of the hill, we joined a road running parallel to the Melton Road at Asfordby Valley. We crossed the main road and went through Asfordby via Main Street, turning off left onto Hoby Road. This took us past Frisby Lakes to Hoby, the most bendy village in Leicestershire, I reckon.

From here, it was a familiar route home via Thrussington, Ratcliffe on the Wreake, Humble Lane, Cossington, Sileby, Mountsorrel and Road Closed Quorn (didn’t apply to cyclists). The ride home was much faster than the ride out, largely due to the wind direction.

The ride returning to Holt Drive (and doing a lap of honour round the square, which we almost did too at the start of the ride), was 39 miles. The altitude gain was a modest 1906 short feet, and we would all be home by 2pm.

Short Ride

Report by Andrew

Short version

22 miles, 8 riders, St Joseph's Tea Rooms

Less short report

(Again based on Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?)

Who was on the ride?

It was a glorious spring morning, when the football season is reaching it's denouement and the cricket season is underway. I felt for those indoors at the Crucible Theatre watching snooker in the dark on such a glorious day.

There was a big turnout at Holt Drive, with eight of us in our group: Ian (Leader), Andrew, Betty, Chris, Keith, Helen, Mick and Myles.

Where did you go?

We haven't been there for ages and headed off to St Joseph's Tea Rooms near to Mount St Bernard’s Abbey and Oaks in Charnwood Tennis Club.

It was great to sit out, enjoying the countryside, warm air, excellent (if not eclectic and eccentric) conversation, teas / coffees and lovely snacks.

Helen, Ian, Chris, Keith, Myles, Andrew, Mick and Betty at the Monastery Tea Rooms.

When did you get back to Loughborough?

Just before 1pm after a fabulous morning and a great ride. The last few miles into Loughborough being joyously nicely downhill!!

What were the roads like?

Generally ok, although Leicestershire County Council were surface dressing (chipping) the carriageway near St Joseph's. Beware!!

Traffic lights have now been installed at the junction of Charley Road and Nanpantan Road and the junction has been resurfaced in conjunction with these works. Nice!!

How did you get there and back?

We headed out through the University and then on the cycle track up to Shepshed and a right turn at Aldi. It was then through Shepshed, picking up Tickow Lane and riding out to Belton. After which I'm not totally certain although I think we passed through Worthington, Osgathorpe and at some stage Low Woods, before crossing the A512 near to our coffee shop followed by a steep uphill section to our destination.

Heading back home from St Joseph's was along Charley Road to Nanpantan Road with a left turn near to Bowden Lodge and home past the Priory.

Why did you go out today and were your expectations met?

Great ride? 👍
Great weather? 👍
Great crew? 👍
Great coffee shop? 👍