Wednesday 20th May 2026

Short Ride

Report by John

Another cool morning with the possibility of showers produced a surprising high turnout with 4 rides departing Holt Drive.

John offered a ride to Birstall and was joined by Rob, Derek, Dennis and Phil (on a brief visit from Shropshire - having been a regular rider in years past).

The group set off via Cross Lane and through Shelthorpe following the old A6 to Quorn where they turned up Wood Lane past the Quarry to the Ridings, where they were joined by Marcus, who had decided to drop back for this ride, rather than the one to Newtown Linford.

The Riders descended into Rothley and rejoined the A6, negotiating the maze of cycle tracks past Broadnook and climbing over the Western Bypass before dropping down into Birstall and the excellent value tea/coffee and cake at the Methodist Church Hall.

Phil, Marcus, Derek, Dennis and Rob at the Methodist Church Hall, Birstall

Duly refreshed, Phil opted to leave the group to return to Loughborough for an appointment, while the remaining riders negotiated their way back via Watermead Park, Cossington, Sileby (where Derek left), Mountsorrel and Quorn, arriving back in Loughborough around noon.

Derek followed by Marcus, Rob and Dennis in Watermead Park.

Short Ride 2

Report by Andrew

Short version

24 miles, Jade's, nine riders

Long version

Who was on the ride?

An elite group of super fit athletes, see photo below, including Phil, a very welcome cyclist to the group for his first ride.

Where did you go?

Jade's was on offer so it took me about two seconds (if that) to decide to go there.

It was as great as always a great venue, although Severn Trent Water were attending to a water leak in the road immediately outside and to keep away from the noise and dust, we sat inside.

How did you get there and back?

Via a circuitous** route

**Phrase used when I can't recall it very well but here goes!!

The outward journey

To Quorn
Up past the quarry to Swithland
Turn right at the crossroads and head past Stuart Broad's pub
Turn left and head towards Cropston
Turn right and pass by the entrance to Bradgate Park
Carry along Joe Moore's Lane between greens and fairways at Lingdale Golf Club
Up the hill and turn left onto Ulversctoft Road at the crossroads
Head towards Bradgate Park and turn right along Sharply hill into Newtown Linford
Jade's

Terry, Phil, Chris, Myles, MIck, John and David at the southern entrance to Bradgate Park.

The return journey

Through Bradgate Park and turn right
Head to the Badgers sett at Cropston and turn left
At the Great Central Railway bridge in Rothley go down The Ridgeway With the mansions and turn left
Turn right onto Swithland Lane Back into Quorn and home about 1245.

What were the cycling conditions?

Generally good, the roads were fairly busy but in relatively good condition, the only hold up was the three way lights at a junction between Cropston and Rothley. There was a road closure in Newtown Linford near to our destination while a water leak was being repaired.

When did you get back?

About 1245 after around 24 miles

Why did you ride today?

Exercise? 👍
Excellent company?👍
Nice coffee shop?👍
Great countryside? 👍