Wednesday 21st February 2018
Post date: 20-Feb-2018 08:27:07
A rather dull and damp, but reasonably mild, day awaited Terry, Rosalind, Phil, Derek, Lyn, Clyde, Patrick, new rider Rob, Pat, Jeff, Marcus and John. With a slight north east wind blowing it was decided to attempt a fairly ambitious ride (as the weather was forecast to turn very cold next week) out to the Cherry Lane Garden Centre at Bradmore. The riders negotiated Loughborough Market Place and Nottingham Road before reaching the quieter roads around Prestwold. Turning east at Hoton the group was able to appreciate the size of the solar farm on the old airport site as the proceeded along Wymeswold Road. From Wymeswold the group headed north to Wysall before taking a left onto Bradmore Lane which lead to a rapid descent down Windmill Hill.
Normally, mid week, the garden centre tea rooms are not to busy, however it turned out the be half term in Nottinghamshire and there was a queue for refreshments. However the staff dealt with us expeditiously and we benefited from a 10% discount that is available to those who travel to the Cherry Lane by bicycle.
The return journey avoided climbing Windmill Hill by enduring the rather rough surface of the narrow but quiet lane that runs alongside Fairham Brook. With the wind at their backs the riders made good progress along Gotham Lane before heading south for home past Rushcliffe Halt where Great Central trains will call once the new bridge can be brought into use. Due to the length of the ride and the rather busy cafe, it was gone 12-30 before the riders were back in Loughborough.