Forecast is for rain from mid morning so no ride this week. Details of how to book for the Xmas lunch are in the entry below. This may be of interest - CLOSING DOWN SALE The proprietors of Unicycles, are retiring and selling off their remaining cycling stock (cash only) from 7pm on Friday 25th September at Unit 5a Prince William Rd, Loughborough (behind Aldi) at heavily discounted prices. This includes Tools (including some Park tools) Spare parts (including much of the Shimano range) Cycle clothing Cycling shoes They also had a business selling other leisure and travel items which are also being sold off at very low prices.

We will once again be having our Xmas Lunch at Rothley Court . You can use this form for booking your place and selecting your courses. Derek is organising the event and you can pay him by crediting his account direct. Details are towards the end of the form. You need to reserve you place by 19th November. YOU MUST CLICK THE SUBMIT BUTTON AT THE FOOT OF THE FORM FOR YOUR ENTRIES TO REGISTER. Once you have clicked on the submit button you should get a confirmation screen in your browser so you can check your choices. If can't complete the form please email your choices (a screen shot of the form should suffice) to  wxmaslunch@leic.org.uk . Marcus will be running the raffle again this year and donations of prizes will be gratefully received.

Short Ride Report by Andrew Who? A very popular and well subscribed ride led by Ian. Fellow riders included (in alphabetical order) … Andrew, Bryan, Chris, Clyde, David, Dom, Matt, Max, Mick, Myles, Pete and Robert. Where did you go? If you like the Beatles … it's The Cavern Club If you like football … it's The Nou Camp If you like Gaudi architecture … it's Barcelona If you like Shakespeare … it's Stratford on Avon If you like coffee shops … it's JADES in Newtown Linford where we went today. Fantastic to sit out the front, more than ever now that Severn Trent have finished their works. David,Ian, Max, Chris, Robert, Bryan, Dom, Clyde, Matt, Mick, Myles and Pete at Jade Tea Room, Newtown Linford. How did you get there? Route out:- Quorn - Thurcaston - Through Bradgate Park - Newtown Linford, Route back:- Through Bradgate Park - Swithland and Woodhouse. How many miles did you clock up? It was just over 22 miles, arriving, back in Loughborough at aroun...

Short Ride Report by John Following two weeks with no "official" ride due to rain, four groups left Holt Drive. John was offering a short ride to Oaklands in Kegworth and was joined by Eric, Margaret and Mike. The riders headed out through the University, climbed to Shepshed and headed on north to Long Whatton. Mike followed by Margaret climbing Ashby Road They then took Kegworth Lane up to the bypass before a rapid descent into Kegworth. Margaret, Mike and Eric and Oaklands After taking refreshments outside, Eric took the direct route home, down the A6, while the 3 remaining riders crossed the Soar and headed south through Sutton Bonnington. Here Margaret and Mike peeled off to visit Betty, who is recovering from a fall that resulted in some broken bones, leaving John to ride the final leg solo back to...

Short Ride 1 Report by Andrew A beautiful day warm and sunny without the recent oppressive heat and a fresh feeling following on from the first overnight rain in ages. Ian kindly offered a 26 miler to Thrussington and was joined by Andrew (myself), Betty, Chris, David, Helen, Keith, Mick, Myles and Peter. I could do with guidance from the brilliant and ubiquitous travel journalist Simon Calder over our route, but was advised that the outbound section included Barrow, Seagrave, Ragdale and Hoby and the inbound journey was through Cossington, Sileby, Mountsorrel and Quorn. Ian leading. The roads were in decent condition, although we were nearly stymied by a road closure near Thrussington. The Coffee Shop was the excellent Thrussington Tea Rooms and we enjoyed their splendid offerings provisions on the Village Green. Peter, Keith, Helen, Betty, Mick, Myles, Chris, David and Ian on the Village Green, Thrussington Usual excellent and eloquent discussions over refreshments including t...

Short Ride 1 Report by John The forecast for a very hot day, and possibly people being on holiday, produced a below average turnout, with 3 rides departing Holt Drive. John offered a ride to the Garden Centre at Cossington and was joined by Derek, Rob, John N. and Vic. The riders headed south departing via Cross Lane and Shelthorpe, taking Wood Lane in Quorn and moving on to Rothley along The Ridings. Taking the path past Rothley Primary School, the group continued south along Loughborough Road, joining the new cycle tracks past the dried out drainage ponds and then climbing up to cross the A46 before descending to Birstall, meandering across to the Meadow Lane entrance to Watermead Park. Rob in Watermead Park Turning north, the riders wended their way to the Hope and Anchor, which now appears to be back in business, before taking the towpath towards Cossington. A large vacant shaded table was located and refreshments were taken in the garden. Eric, John C., Derek, Rob, John N. ...

Short Ride 1 Report by Andrew Another lovely summer day with various rides on offer, including a ride of approx 26 miles to Six Acres Nurseries near to Costock. This rider hasn't been there for a couple of years so took advantage of this when Ian offered it up. The riders joining Ian were myself (Andrew), David, John, Mick and Rob P. The route out was via Barrow, Burton on The Wolds, Wymeswold and Wysall with a couple of “hydration breaks” en-route. Ian leading The return journey was via East Leake, West Leake and Normanton, with some of the pot holed roads causing my bones to shake and teeth to chatter! The coffee refreshments were excellent and in my opinion reasonably priced, the teas were nice, despite being in paper cups and I fully recommend the delightful carrot cake. Andrew, Mick, John, Ian, David & Rob There was the usual eloquent discussion and debates over our refreshments. I recall the narrative being about our first musical concerts and the first singles we...

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 fou...

Short Rides Report by Andrew Shorter version Ride 1:- 26 miles Ride 1a:- 40 miles Ride 1:- 8 riders Ride 1a:- 3 riders Ride 1:- Bryer’s (East Leake) Ride 1a:- Unknown! Longer version July 22nd was a glorious morning, with a lovely temperature, warm but not hot and glorious dappled sunshine. Where did you go? Good question!! Eleven of us cycled up through Normanton and West Leake to The Dovecote at Barton in Fabis. While The Dovecote looked in good order, sadly it was closed today and could be for a while, although it had the tempter of a sign saying opening soon!! Three riders headed “north”, for a ride totalling 40 miles, while eight “mere mortals” including myself headed on with our 26 miler, back through Gotham and onto our coffee stop at East Leake. What was your coffee shop? It was the fantastic Bryer’s in East Leake, I hadn't been there here for ages, but really good to sit out and enjoy the excellent conversation and ambiance. Their refreshment offerings we...

Short Ride 1 Report by Andrew Short version 25 miles, Cherry Tree Garden Centre, 10 riders Less short version Who? David lead an eclectic group of riders including:- Andrew, Betty, Chris, another David, Helen, Janet (Andrew’s long suffering partner on her first ride), Mick G x 2 and Peter. Chris, Betty, Janet, David, Peter, Helen, Mick and David Where did you go? We went up to the fabulous Cherry Tree Garden Centre up near Bradmore, fabulous location and great to sit out. If I had gone in the car I could have spent some serious cash on some of the marvellous items for my garden! What topics did you discuss at coffee time? I'm not sure why, but lots about Michael O'Leary and Ryan Air today, especially how to avoid incurring extra charges at the airport!! What was your route? No idea, I just follow the person in front!! Fortunately, a fellow rider recorded it and here it is! What were the roads like? To be honest some really need resurfacing schemes, for example th...

Short Ride Report by Andrew Short version 8 riders, 19 Miles, East Goscote Nurseries Longer version Who? Ian led a group of riders including myself, Mick, Chris, Betty, Terry, Anne, as well as Ian's wife Jo who retired from work the previous day!! Andrew, Mick, Chris, Betty, Terry, Ian and Jo (partially hidden) at the Tea Garden Cafe, Cossington Where did you go? We went to the fantastic coffee shop at East Goscote Nurseries just outside Cossington. It was as brilliant as always and sitting out in the shade was a delight. The offerings at East Goscote nurseries were as delicious as always and I'm led to believe the cakes were an absolute treat! I rather let the side down just managing the small free “jammy dodger” accompanying my tea rather than lovely portions. What were the roads like? There were three sets of temporary traffic lights to navigate in...

Short Ride Report by Andrew Short version 25 miles, Normanton Community Centre, nine riders Less short version Who? Ian offered up a 25 miler to Normanton Community Centre, those accepting included myself (Andrew) along with Betty, Chris, David, Mick, Myles, Pat and Robert. David, Robert, Ian, Chris, Pat, Betty, Mick, Andrew (in the pink) and Myles. I'm in the pink cycling shirt, the first time I've ever worn a cycling top, which was kindly donated to me. Any thoughts that I had of this resulting in me becoming a better cyclist would prove to be totally self delusional!! Where? We went to the excellent Normanton Community Centre, with splendid refreshments and as always welcoming staff. In their main hall there's often naughty boys and girls on the speed awareness workshop course. Today, however, there were folks learning to dance with top hats and fancy walking sticks. The Normanton experience was even sweeter than usual as I had a free drink thanks to a nicel...

Short Ride Report by Andrew Short version 14 miles, Millie's, 7 riders —-- Less short version How did you cope with the heat? Today was a seriously hot day with a hot morning and the temperatures rising to the mid 30s during the afternoon. So, there were three rides on offer, which were shortened for the 16 intrepid Holt Drive heroic cyclists. Who? Ian led an eclectic band of riders with six others, Andrew (myself), Betty, Matt, Mick, Myles and Peter back from a few weeks abroad. Where? We headed out to Millie's, always a fantastic location sitting outside in the shade and enjoying their as always excellent offerings. Due to the heat we must have stayed there for ages outside under cover. Matt, Ian, Peter, Mick, Myles, Betty and Andrew There was the usual fabulous and incisive discussions including the derivation of such classics as “Hey Jude”, “Let it Be” and “Your So Vain”. What was your route? Out to Millie's… through the Meadows, across to Coates and Wa...

Short Ride Report by John A rather dull morning with rain showers forecast produced a reduced turnout with 3 groups departing Holt Drive. John offered a ride to Jades in Newtown Linford and was joined by John N. and Dennis with late arrivals Eric and Matt adding to the numbers. The riders set out through Shelthorped and on south through Quorn and then climbed Wood Lane past the Quarry and on to Rothley Station. Here they turned south east along Station Road to Cropston where they turned north onto Reservoir Road and met Ian's group coming south. Dennis and Matt in Bradgate Park The group then turned into Bradgate Park and negotiated several crocodiles of school children exploring the Park. Dennis, Matt, Eric and John N. exiting Bradgate Park After partaking of the excellent refreshments at Jades the riders returned via Swithland, Woodhouse and Quorn with riders dropping off at various points. Short Ride 2 Report by Andrew Short version 21 miles, 9 riders, StoneHurst Far...