Wednesday 29th July 2026

Short Ride

Report by Andrew

Where did you go?

The 29th July was a warm morning, even at 9.30am. Ian kindly offered a ride in the mid teen miles up to “The Abbey” coffee shop in Charnwood, previously known as St, Joseph's. Always a great location and too good to turn down!!

Ian leading the group.

Who was on the ride?

Peter, Andrew, Ian, Mick, Myles, Matt, John, Chris, Terry and Anne.

Peter, Andrew, Myles, Ian, Matt, Chris, John and Terry at the Abbey Coffee Shop.

How did you get there and back?

Up through The Uni and over the M1, through Shepshed and along Tickow Lane, then it was up to Burton where we met up with one of our groups on a 28 mile ride to Castle Donnington.

From here we carried on into Charnwood and onto our much anticipated stop, The Abbey Coffee Shop, with lovely shady outdoor seating.

It was a short route back to Loughborough, past The Priory and Nanpantan Road.

What was discussed over coffees?

It was a real “school day” for me as I learned there are four international airports in Moscow (no idea how this cropped up).

If you don't believe me ... .and if you are interested (you need to get out more), here's the list!!

• Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO): Located 29 km northwest of central Moscow, it is the busiest airport in Russia and the main hub for Aeroflot.
• Moscow Domodedovo Airport (DME): Located 42 km southeast of the city center, it is a primary hub for domestic and international flights.
• Vnukovo International Airport (VKO) Situated 28 km southwest of the center, it is the oldest and one of the busiest airports in the region.
• Zhukovsky International Airport (ZIA): Located 40 km southeast of the center, it primarily handles international and charter flights.

There was also debate and discussion about The Smiths, the 90s band from Manchester and how influential they were over the Indie scene.

Gluten free cakes were discussed at length as were the benefits of drinks from fine china (definitely preferable to paper cups!!!).

When did you get back to Loughborough?

At about 1215 following on from an excellent morning with a great ride, company, conversation and coffee shop!!

Short Ride 2

Report by John

John offered what is probable our flattest ride, heading south up the Soar Valley to Syston. He was joined by Derek, Dennis, Rob, Margaret and Mike.

The riders set out through Shelthorpe and continued south to Mountsorrel where they turned left to Sileby and they continued south to Cossington.

Mike on cycle path heading towards the Grand Union Canal.

Here they joined the cycle path taking them to the Grand Union Canal which they followed to Meadow Lane, were they turned east, and after going under two railway lines found themselves at the Duck and Willow Cafe in Syston.

The cafe was busy and most of the tables outside occupied. However after a bit of negotiation a spare table was located and spare chairs co-opted from other tables.

Derek, Dennis, Rob, Margaret and Mike outside the Duck and Willow Cafe, Syston

After consuming some excellent refreshments, the riders returned whence they had come, arriving back in Loughborough just after mid-day.