Wednesday 10th July 2019
Post date: 09-Jul-2019 18:09:27
Having decided to risk a ride despite the forecast of light rain, the weather was in fact very good with a comfortable temperature and a considerable amount of sunshine.
Short Ride
The majority of the riders having opted to the longer ride led by Eric, the remainder consisting of John, Rosalind, Myles and Rob decided to aim to be close to home for refreshments as Myles needed to get back before noon. The riders therefore headed out past Mucklin Wood and took the road up to Woodhouse Eaves and then to Maplewell before turning left onto Joe Moores Lane and a long freewheel through the Lingdale Golf Course. After passing the northern entrance to Bradgate Park the riders crossed the Reservoir Dam to Cropston and then turned left to Rothley Station and the Ridgeway before taking a left to Swithland and refreshment at Odd John's Kitchen. From here Myles headed back into Loughboroug while the remainder enjoyed the sunshine before returning via Quorn.
Long ride report :
On a warm humid day, with rain forecast, the Wednesday cyclists awaited the leader for the long ride. Eric has a few miles to cover before he gets to Loughborough, but with clothing suitably adjusted, he was well-set to lead us on a new ride out to Eye Kettleby lakes.
Although eight of us set off, we were ten in number by the time we reached the Epinal way, joined by Craig, who joined us during a short visit from his usual abode in Qatar.So, the main group consisted of Eric, Alan, Jeff, Philip, Brian, Keith, David, Terry, Marcus and Craig.
Before we left Loughborough, the route had taken us to places seldom visited by long-standing local folk through what could have been a tradesman’s entrance to the endowed schools. There was a drop of rain in the air, but could easily have been missed as we took Queen’s Road out towards the dusty site of the former 3M building being converted to flats. On the way to Wymeswold we encountered what was to be the first of many road works, at Prestwold and again at Hoton. These can be both a blessing and a curse for cyclists, and on a few occasions, we had vehicles pass close to us as their drivers tried to make up time. One of these was a pie van, ironically not far from “Nice Pie” geographically – but a long way gastronomically.
Narrow Lane seemed to be the first hilly stretch, until we dropped down through Grimston. We proceeded past Saxilbye, Asfordby and on to the A607 by the Flying Childers. This is a winding up and down road so we divided the group, but were soon involuntarily reunited at yet another set of road works. As we reached a summit on a bend, the turning for Kirby Road came as a relief. By the time we turned into the Eye Kettleby lakes site, there were still hills to climb and gravel to negotiate and - yes – more roadworks. But the venue was mainly quiet apart from the slosh of a paddle wheel aerator in one of the lakes. The sun came out as we approached the club house. This was a spacious venue with comfortable seats indoors, and outdoors a pond with carp and grassy banks, where we sat and had cakes and drinks delivered. There was even a choice of beers for anyone not bothered about the ride home. The rock cakes would take some beating. Brian and Eric were sporting head protection from the sun, which most of us would do well to emulate. Suitably refreshed, we set off for the A607, but this time took the Thorpe Satchville Road. Knowing we were heading for Gaddesby, Marcus, Philip and Keith took the short cut, and probably got to their destinations before the rest of us. We were soon on familiar ground as we passed Ashby Folville, and turned through Gaddesby, Rearsby, Thrussington and Ratcliffe-on-the-Wreake. At the top of the hill past the A46 bridge, Eric and Craig had a route back via Humble Lane, while Jeff led the rest of us through the top end of Sileby and via Mountsorrel. This was a memorable ride for the choices of route; thanks to Eric for researching it. The 40 miles passed without serious hill climbing or incident, and the club house is worth another visit.
