Wednesday 27th June 2018

15 riders gathered at Outwoods Drive on a lovely morning, so John again decided that a split into 2 groups would be prudent.

Ride report for the longer ride:

Howard led off first for a longer ride Northwards, followed by Clyde, Jeff, Phil, Derek, Mick, Pat, Rob and Rob. Howard avoided our usual routine of swerving around the pedestrians across Market Place by leading us through the byways of Loughborough to join the canal at Bridge Street. Passing the fabled Lynroy's we continued along the canal to rejoin Meadow Lane, and the traffic, by The Boat Inn. The ride up Meadow Lane took us to Stanford then Normanton-on-Soar before crossing the A6006 and on into Sutton Bonington. The promised climb, (up Hungry La.) out of Sutton Bonington proved not to be as fierce as anticipated (or maybe we're all just getting better at hills!). A lovely quiet road took us past West Leake, then on through East Leake where we arrived at Love and Piste, on the road between East Leake and Costock. This was a venue new to most of the group, having opened relatively recently, but well worth a visit. Unfortunately we were beaten to the picnic tables outside by a group of club riders from Long Eaton who had arrived just before us. Instead sitting inside we proceeded to order our refreshments, which were duly delivered once the staff had figured out which orders were for inside and which for outside! (This was a change of coffee stop from the suggested Bradmoor Garden Centre).

Moving on from our coffee stop the lead passed to Clyde, who guided us on to Costock, then via Wysall and along the gradually rising road to Wymeswold, scene of Derek's recent confusion on the way back from Skeggy. No such problems this morning, as the group splintered in various directions - some with a mere couple of minutes ride home, some heading towards Burton on the Wolds and the remainder heading back towards Loughborough via Hoton.

Ride report kindly written by Pat R.

While the longer distance riders meandered off north, Norman, Gustavo (a new rider on a new bike), Rosalind, Patrick, John and Lyn decided on a short ride as several of them wanted to get back to Loughborough early. So in lovely sunshine the riders headed out past Mucklin Wood, through Woodhouse and then taking School Lane before turning left and onto the rather rough surface of Rushey Lane.

After crossing Swithland Dam the riders checked out the "new" road, Bier Way, through the new housing estate to the south of Rothley which furnished some very good views to the south.

Refreshments were taken indoors at Stonehurst Farm as a horde of flies was attracted by the bright colours or the cycling tops.

Taking the direct route back to Loughborough ensured that all were back within the town well before noon.