As it was the day of the Yuletide Lunch many riders had decided that sorting themselves out for the event took priority over a ride on a rather wintery morning. However Neil (first time out with the group), Howard, Ian, Alan, John and Mike had decided to venture out. Since some wanted to get to the lunch a short ride ending up in either Quorn or Mountsorrel was agreed upon.  The group set out through Loughborough and onto Meadow Lane, turning south in Stanford to Cotes and then through Walton on the Wolds. At the cross roads at the Salt Way Howard and his brother Neil decided to head back for Loughborough so they would have time to change and get to the lunch. The remaining riders then headed east towards Six Hills turning off at Berrycott Lane to descend to Seagrave.  The decision then had to be made as to whether to head for Barrow or Sileby. As time was moving on the Sileby option was chosen with the riders proceeding on to coffee at Stonehurst Farm in Mountsorrel. Her...

Long Ride report by Vic. It was cold and overcast on Wednesday morning when about 20 of the usual suspects assembled at the meeting point on Holt Drive. There were a few of the regular leaders absent, so myself Howard and John C. were tasked with this role. Howard declared first and offered a shortish ride to Syston, I was next offering an alluring choice of a long ride to Hill top Farm or Buttercups, however JC had played his cards close to his chest and pulled a rabbit from under his hat, offering the prospect of a short ride to a new cafe at Bawdon Lodge. I could see that the allure of my offering was fading and so I was left with a motley bunch of 5 misfits. It was with resignation that Dave, Paul, Rob, Mick and myself set off towards Quorn via the cycle path, crossing horns with Howard's large group entering Quorn. We proceeded at a stately pace via Mountsorrel, Sileby, Cossington, E. Goscote, Queniborough and then onto one of Micks favourite lanes, Ridgemere Lane from...

A sunny but slightly chilly autumn morning saw another good turnout on a day when the autumnal colours were at their best. Short Ride Report by John After the other 3 rides had departed John, Ian (who we had not seen our for a couple of years), Lyn, Derek, Phil and Patrick decided to try and find the best autumnal colours and the best cake by heading for Bradgate Park and the Jade tea room in Newton Linford. To ensure that Phil was properly challenged the group decided to escape from Loughborough using the path past Mucklin Wood to Woodhouse. The riders then headed for Swithland and on to  Bradgate Park. After partaking of the excellent fare at the tea room the riders returned through the park and back to Loughborough via Cossington, Swithland, Woodhouse and Quorn. Arriving back in Loughborough just after noon. Intermediate ride to Kinoulton David led, accompanied by Pat, Margaret and Betty. It was a mild November morning, and the sun came out strongly for the second half ...

Long Ride Report, by Alan. Another golden rule broken. On signing the oath of allegiance when joining the Wednesday Cycling Group, rule number 1 was, never ever to cycle in the rain. That rule was sadly broken today and John should be subject to firm disciplinary action for sending the groups off in a light drizzle. We are all too old to get wet whilst outdoors. Onto the long ride ... My route was to loop around Scraptoft a distance of 41 miles. I could see from some of the faces that that idea didn’t exactly resonate, in fact I’m sure I saw Phil actually shudder. Maybe it’s the unappealing name? It was left to my loyal companions, Trish, Vic and Marcus, (collectively known variously as “The Monday Crew”, “The Monday Splitters” or more commonly as “those F***ing Splitters”), to set off with me. We meandered through the new build housing estate to emerge at the Aldi roundabout. From there it was off to Cossington via Quorn, Mountsorrel,and Sileby. We skipped over the Syston Road/ ...

A rather blustery and overcast autumn Wednesday saw a record turnout of over 30 riders. Short Ride Report by John Once the hordes had left, just Rosalind, Pat, Eric, Lynn, Derek, Siva and John remained for the short ride. Various options including Ulverscroft and Syston were discussed but in the end it was decided to take the gentle route up the Beacon via Shephed and Charley Road. As the rider departed they were suddenly joined by Mike G who had been held up by having to wait after his booster jab. The group headed out through the University to Shepshed, skirting the town to Tickow Lane and then up into the Forest along Charley Road. At the Nanpantan cross roads John spotted that Bowdon Lodge Farm was now offering refreshments. Whilst the other riders pressed on he investigated and discovered that while currently you can get drinks and snacks on a takeway basis, they are converting a barn into a tea shop that should be opening before the end of the year. Having caught...

Short Ride Report by John This week the short ride proved to be less popular. In contrast to the ride a month ago when ten opted for short rides, John was left with just Eric and Dom after the other three rides had departed. It was decided to head out across Garendon to Belton where the riders were offered a variety of routes to Long Whatton Post Ofiice. The intermediate Mill Lane option was decided upon and the rider headed to coffee via Diseworth. After eliminating the village supply of large sausage rolls (heated to an absurdly high temperature in the microwav) some blue sky appeared and the riders were able to enjoy their refreshments in the sunshine. The group returned to Loughborough after diverting through Hathern village centre arriving back before noon. Medium Ride Report by Keith After gathering yet more cash for my holiday fund, I (Keith) set off with Vic, Pat, Andrew, Siva, David, Mick and Paul heading for Nice Pie. We braved the Nottingham Road from Cotes to Hot...

Long Ride - The A team! Report by Rob Nine riders opted for the long ride to Willington. We decided to split the ride into two groups. The cream rose to the top and the A Team was formed with Marcus, Brian and Rob setting out under the superb leadership of Alan. After extricating ourselves from Loughborough, into a serious headwind, via the A6 and Long Whatton we took the cycle path onto East Midlands Airport and cut through there and through Donnington Park to avoid traffic on our way to Melbourne. From Melbourne we crossed the Trent via the causeway from Stanton by Bridge and then took back roads to the Mercian Marina at Willington. We were happy to recommend the cake and bacon buttties when the B Team finally arrived. We returned through Repton and Ticknall with strict instructions from Alan not to stop on the way through Calke Abbey - we didn't have our NT cards with us! We returned to Loughborough from there through Belton and Shepshed. The wind, fortunately decided n...

Loughborough Wednesday Cyclists Christmas Lunch This has been provisionally booked for:   12.30 on Wednesday 1 December at Rothley Court Hotel, Westfield Ln, Rothley, LE7 7LG.  A £5 deposit per person is needed to secure the booking. Numbers ASAP please as if we are more than 25 we need to book a separate room from the restaurant.   Please let Keith have your name and the number of additional guests, and let him have your £5pp deposit ASAP – either cash or BACS, email wxmaslunch@ctclr.org.uk  for bank details or any other questions.  3 course menu tbc ( similar to previous years), cost approx £12.