Wednesday 1st January 2020

Seven arrived at Outwoods Drive "early" on New Years Day six more than I expected, so thank you Trisha, Keith, Lynn, Alan, Brian and Jeff. Before setting off for Staunton Harold nursery, I was asked if it was open, I hope so because the only other I knew would be open was Asfordby making quite a long ride if I was wrong!We set off over the green belt towards Morrisons and along the Black Brook the ramp at the side of the rugby club was blocked by a car this is getting quite usual! and on to Hathern, Long Whatton and Diseworth the roads as expected were very quiet. Left in Diseworth towards Tonge, at the right turn after going under the A42 Lynn went straight on, he was under orders to be back by 12:30.

As we went down the hill for the left turn to Tonge someone shot past me, I shouted to watch the loose gravel on the corner, one day someone is going to come a cropper there.

Through Tonge to Breedon and passed Scotland farm, we went into Staunton Harold estate via the "back entrance". On reaching the nursery there was hardly any cars in the car park, panic started to set in, I went ahead to check they were open only to find the first door to the cafe was locked even more panic. I found a lady who said it was open relief at last. On returning to the group a worker had already told the rest of the riders the cafe was open and they were on their way to find it.

Tea and cake were fine and a good alternative to the Ferrers centre.

We left fully refreshed and headed back to Loughborough via Osgathorpe and Belton. We decided to risk returning through Garendon Park Jeff on narrow slick tyres said it would be ok. It was only a little muddy and slippery but we all survived. On reaching Knightthorpe Road the intrepid group started to disintegrate with the lame excuse they lived nearby. Further disintegration took place crossing the Forest Road. Terry being the only person to really complete the ride by going back to Outwoods Drive. All in all a lovely way to start the new year, already on target for 2020 mileage quota!!