Wednesday 23rd October 2019
Post date: 21-Oct-2019 20:59:05
The forecast had been quite good for light clouds with sunny spells anda there were some signs of sunshine as riders gathered (minus some of the usual stalwarts) at Outwoods Roundabout.
Short Ride
With the wind forecast to be light from the south east Rob, John, Robert, Mick, Dom, Wendy (a new rider), Myles and Rosalind headed east through fairly dense mist via Barrow onto the Salt Way to Six Hills. While the sky above was blue, the sun could be perceived but did not burn away the mist which made it difficult of motor traffic (not that there was much of it) to overtake. Refreshments were taken at the Race Hub Cafe where the lake was like a mirror with barely a ripple to be seen as a weak sun succeeded in breaking through. After refreshment the riders returned via Narrow Lane to Wymeswold and then on to Hoton and Cotes, taking Stanford Lane to return to Loughborogh along Meadow Lane that had recently emerged from the floods.
Long Ride
It was a misty start to an autumnal day, of a kind that tempts one to daydream and think of sunnier times, although it portends the spookiness of Halloween and witches on broomsticks.
There were 7 of us who swept out in the general direction of the great Gaddesby – Philip led, with Brian, John (from Quorn), Marcus, Pat, Tricia and David.
This was the first ride that Philip had led, and he did very well. We set off at a sedate speed and had gone many miles before we encountered anything that looked like a hill. Passing Quorn, Mountsorrel, Rothley and out towards Queniborough, the mists began to clear. The countryside came into view, particularly along Ridgemere Lane, which afforded views in all directions.
We stopped at South Croxton for our leader to encourage us by saying we were a third of the way round and not to worry about the hill we were about to climb. Perhaps we need not have worried about that one, when we saw what was to follow. We took the Twyford Road and turned past Hollands Nurseries - one of our haunts for warmer times.
Through Twyford we entered John O’Gaunt. This nondescript place appears to have been named after a 14th century prince, but now home to a few small businesses. Next, we came through Burrough on the Hill (or was it mountain) and stopped briefly at the junction with Melton Road to get out breath back. Melton Road was a pleasant downhill coast, to start with, followed by the last hill (we hoped) before our coffee stop.
But then, Philip could not find Kirby Road. John obliged by looking up Google maps on his phone.
After returning to the Great Dalby we passed over the brow of a hill. Was this the Kirby Road that Philip was looking for, or just some dirt track? One day archaeologists will find a pristine tarmac road underneath the compacted mud. I am sure of this because we duly arrived at the March House Farm. Yes, it was here, our coffee destination.
Previous visitors to this spacious oasis of farm shop may recall that Philip has been here before, and endured unjust criticism. Well we were here to put that demon to rest today.
Outside the March House Farm Shop were stacked hundreds of large pumpkins. Evidently, we had arrived too early for the pumpkin soup. David’s right pedal had bent during the journey, seemingly without the help of Yuri Geller. Philip was quick to help by screwing it back into place with a remaining screw, then later finding a further screw in his garage to complete the repair.
Tables were neatly arranged at the café. We were treated like royalty, although nobody dared ask the staff to photograph us. We rather missed Eric, who was away to revert to the world of work (good on him, but he still needs to put in the miles). There was a selection of sponge cakes and very nice Americano coffee, but if one so desired there was one coffin-shaped shortbread with black icing – at least there was when we entered the shop.
We returned by a shorter route. There was no mistaking Pasture Lane, it had three signs to that effect – quite a contrast to Kirby Lane. It also had a sign saying “Ice for 440 yards”. I reckon the local highways department went through a wacky period.
The remainder of our return journey was fairly direct, including a small short cut through Gaddesby. We took the direct route to Sileby via Ratcliffe on the Wreake, then through Barrow upon Soar. John and Tricia left us at Quorn and the rest of us made our way home.
We covered 39.5 miles, and in the course of that climbed 620 metres, Route and profile picture depicts the Long ride. The Report has been kindly supplied by David.
