A largely overcast, gloomy cold day with some drizzle/rain produced a surprisingly good turnout. Short Ride Report by David About 20 riders gathered, despite the intermittent drizzle of today’s weather. A theme for today was about being knocked off one’s bike, and the report by TV presenter Dan Walker would hopefully bring it to the attention of the public. But it does not seem to have had much influence yet, judging from the behaviour of some of today’s drivers. David led Vic, Keith, Margaret and Betty on a ride to the Cherry Lane garden centre at Bradmore. There was an occasional cold wind against us on the outward leg, particularly on higher roads; although the sun shone briefly more than once. Daffodils were in flower in some places, but yet to emerge in others, on this St David’s Day. While other riders had been treated to Rocky Road cake, we had the rocky roads on this ride. For instance, there are some very bumpy roads in Rushcliffe Borough. At coffee, we spoke of c...

Following overnight rain there was still some drizzle in the air as a surprisingly large number of cyclists gathered at Holt Drive. Short Ride Report by Keith In the slightly damp conditions 5 riders joined Keith for a round-trip to Bawdon Lodge. So Betty, Margaret, Philip, David, Paul and Keith set off via Cross Hill Lane towards the A6 and then to Quorn, where we met Eric who was glad we were on a shortish ride and not a fit, keen 40+ miler. A pretty standard route was taken past the Granite Café then to Cropston, turning right to go past the Bradgate park entrance, Beacon crossroads and to Bawdon Lodge. The excess wokery of today’s world had been discussed en route, but over drinks my end of the table was involved in a pleasant tour of New Zealand – good for a holiday, but too far from everything to live there was concluded! David, Margaret, Paul & Eric at Bawdon Lodge. Philip and Margaret took the direct road back to L’boro, whilst in the wan sunlight the rest of us ...

A sunny fairly mild (for February) morning , with no rain forecast until the afternoon, saw a good turnout of riders with four groups departing from Holt Drive. Long Ride Report by Jeff♀ The weather was lovely at Holt Drive, with only a light breeze and a blue sky. Howard offered a ride to Trent Lock Tearooms with a warning of some "rough stuff", and was followed by me (Jeff♀), Mick and Dave. I was borrowing a GPS from Howard, with the route instructions loaded on it, while Howard still had his own GPS as well. We set out on a zig-zag route through town to leave Loughborough along Meadow lane, taking the bridge over our first railway line. Further along Meadow Lane, we went under the second rail track belonging to the Great Central Railway. From Stanford, we took Normanton Lane up Fox Hill, and back over the Great Central line, marking our third crossing. I put some good effort into Fox Hill, as I want to get faster at cycling. Not so that I can join a fast road club or...

Short Ride Report by John The short ride hadn't been through Bradgate Park since November, so this cold and frosty morning seemed a good opportunity to take advantage of the fact that most children are in school. John, Rob, Myles, Robert, Eric, Derek and Andrew headed south past Mucklin Wood and then through Woodhouse and Swithland, enjoying the sunshine while the frost cleared and the temperature crept up. An executive decision by Eric resulted in the riders enjoying their refreshments in the upstairs room of the Jade Cafe, which provided its normal swift service and excellent cakes. Rob, Myles, Robert, Eric, Derek and Andrew at the north end of Bradgate Park. The group returned through the park, successfully avoiding several dog leads extending over the full width of the track. A left turn saw them climbing to Roecliffe Manor before descending back to Loughbrough via Woodhouse and Quorn. Intermediate ride Report by David There was understandable unease about riding ...

A bright but blustery morning saw a good turnout or riders with four groups departing from Holt Drive. Short Ride Report by John A surprisingly large number of riders opted for the short ride with Clyde, Andrew, Myles, Pat, Rosalind, John N., Dom, Eric, Dave and John choosing this ride. It was decided to head out up wind through the University to Shepshed. However before even reaching the University site Andrew found he had a puncture. Pat, Clyde & Myles volunteered to stay with him while the remaining riders continued out to Tickow Lane and Charley Road to reach the tea room at Bawdon Lodge where Ray Clay was already ensconced. Rosalind & Eric on Charley Road It was some time before the pucture repair team joined them, having managed to puncture a new inner tube while refitting a very tight tyre. Clyde, Andrew, Myles & Pat. After refreshment the riders headed for the Beacon with some peeling off to head for Swithland while other continued back to Loughborough via ...

The temperature having only just got above freezing in the morning for the first time in over a week, the gaggle of cyclists at Holt Drive was not as large as that seen on some occaisions. Never the less three rides set out Short Ride Report by John The last attempt at taking refreshments at Millies Farm Shop had to be aborted as they were still closed for the Xmas break, so John, Phil, Rosalind and Margaret decided that another attempt was warranted. As they departed they were joined by Paul who had been delayed on route. The group went through town, departing via Meadow Lane before turning east and joining the main road up to Hoton where they joined Wymeswold Road that eventually morphed into Narrow Lane, taking them to Six Hill. By now it was foggy. Paul (Rosalind hidden) leading Philip and Margaret along a drizzly  Paudy Lane. Turning west onto Paudy Lane, the riders found themselves riding through drizzle as they passed the intermediate group, regathering at the top o...

Short Ride Medium  Walk Report by Andrew On Tuesday night our illustrious leader Mr. Catt decided that the roads / ice rinks would be unfit for Wednesday rides. Within nano seconds of the puffs of smoke appearing on the website to confirm this, Eric offered up a walk - presumably to keep him and us from the double delights of shopping and housework. So, at 10.00am on Wednesday about twenty walkers and one dog met in the Moat Road car park and headed off to The Outwoods, rambling along 'pignut spinney'. Would there be a refreshments stop, I nervously and anxiously pondered??  The good news was of course there would be!!  Was there ever any serious doubt??!! 😀😀 We descended on Olivia's in The Outwoods Car Park for teas, various coffees, croissants, cakes and scones which went down a treat aligned with the usual excellent and varied eloquence. I was interested in the signs they had in the car park advising the park rangers are going to be cutting back non nat...

Shortish Ride Report by Eric The sun was trying to shine as we met at Holt drive and temperatures were struggling up to 7 degrees. What was remarkable was how many very fit and able riders decided to join the distinctly unfit and unable riders, on Howard's shortish flatish ride to Syston. What was unsure was whether it was the possibility of the early onset rain in the forecast that led to this prudence or indeed the early onset of dementia that led some to forget how far they were capable of riding? Alternatively it could just be January blues and recovery from over indulgence during the festive season that meant this was seen more as a recovery ride than a full blown fitness exercise! We will not name who falls, into which category, in order to protect the guilty. So onto Outwoods drive Beacon Road and Crosshill lane,  went Howard followed by : Vic, Rob, Keith, John, Clyde, Mick, Jeff, Eric, Andy and Dave. Howard led us across Park road and gave us a guided tour of Loughboroug...