Wednesday 28th August

Short ride (report by David) With a statistical percentage chance of rain (I calculated it to be 70%, based on BBC forecasts), we were reminded to bring waterproofs. David led the short ride and was joined by Patrick, Rosalind, Myles, Sue, Anne, Keith and Marcus.

We set off across Loughborough via Emmanuel Way, Chestnut Street and Bridge Street, with the sun beginning to get stronger. Taking Meadow Lane, we were quickly through Stanford on Soar, and proceeded the climb up Fox Hill. At the summit it was time for a breather and drink. Was this the biggest hill of the ride? Probably not quite.

Crossing two railways we approached Normanton on Soar, and turned up Butt Lane. With some care crossing the A6006 we took Travell’s Hill slowly so as not to miss the hidden turn for Brickyard Lane. This lane has some willow trees providing shade. After negotiating a double junction on the way into West Leake, we headed north up another hill. There was a stony track to one side where we stopped for photos over the brow of the hill. Further on West Leake Lane we turned left. This road passes alongside the stone wall of an imposing property on the left – Kingston Park. Passing through Kingston on Soar and under the railway bridge we turned down Kingston Lane over the river Soar, then left down Mill Lane to the centre of Kegworth.

We stopped at Oaklands, which is always good for the hungry cyclist, especially having done more than half the ride at an average 10.4 mph. They had billionaire’s flapjack to tempt us. But after refreshments came further challenges as we climbed to the new by-pass to find Whatton Road. Whatton Road took us to Long Whatton which at last had us on a homeward track, via Blackbrook Way. The total distance was 21.3 miles, and I did not feel any rain.

The Longer ride (report by John)

With most of the riders who normally opt for the longer ride taking a much longer all day ride to Wymondham Windmill there were only 3 takers for John's longer ride. Offered the options of a 25mile, 30mile or 40 mile ride, the group opted for the longest options and head out for Sutton Wharf. The riders headed out past Mucklin Wood and then had a warm up climb over Beacon Hill heading straight on for Copt Oak. From here they headed south to Stanton under Bardon and Thornton where they turned west for Bagworth and Barlesdon. Descending Barlesdon Road the riders encountered two boys galloping towards them riding bare back on two horses that were obviously bred for work rather than speed. Presumably they were from the Travellers site at the foot of the hill. It was then on to Carlton past "The Gate Hangs Well" pub and then south parallel to the Battlefield railway line past the Bosworth Water Trust site Fenn Lanes where the group turned east and headed for refreshments at Sutton Wharf. The riders then returned home via the gated Sutton Lane that led them into Market Bosworth from where they took some small lanes towards Merrylees and then on through Thornton and then Loughborough along the outward track until Copt Oak. A fast decent down the B591 saw the riders back in Loughborough before 14.00. A gpx file of our route can be found on our "Routes" page.

Extended Long Ride (Report by Philip and Eric.)

On the Wednesday 28th August, Philip, Howard, and Brian left the Outwoods roundabout at two minutes past nine on the extended long ride promised the week before. At Farley Way, some four more members joined the group including Trish, Graham, his brother Neil, and Jeff. Onwards to Barrow where we picked up Eric, and Vic, making a total group of nine; who took an unusual route out of Barrow to Walton and then Wymeswold where nine became ten with the addition of Pat. Onwards through Willoughby, Upper and Nether Broughton and so on to Long Clawson of the cheese fame.

As we came out of Long Clawson we turned right and took a long and painful climb up Waltham Road and onto the ridge. Here we turned right and after a while right following the road to Scalford, then passing Whicomb and Chadwell before turning right up the hill to Waltham on the Wolds where a threatened mutiny by Pat and Philip was held off with a coffee stop at the delicatessen. Fast expresso was ordered by the addicts and some comestibles by those too lazy to have made breakfast.

After a short break, now refreshed, we took some lovely long quiet lanes (which few of us had been down previously)Gypsy Nook through to Garforth although there were a few mechanical issues to deal with including gear problems for Trish. Then the group rode through to Wymondham where lunch was taken at the rather pleasant old Windmill tea rooms boasting pictures of Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood on their walls. An interesting Villier's engined motorbike of 1950s vintage distracted nearly everyone's attention from a magnificent series 2 E type in Carmen red in the car park, only long enough to ensure the wasps had fully taken over Pat's ginger beer. Much cake and tea an coffee was consumed and even a couple of full English breakfasts. Graham’s brother Neil, left proceeding towards Peterborough because all the way to London was too far to ride in one day. The lucky nine then rode on encountering a small shower whence rain capes were donned but this shower was short lived and it barely spoiled the ride. After the Windmill stop we came down more long unfamiliar lanes led by the Wizard and his Garmin. We came through Whissendine and then headed to The Dalbys Little and Great. However before we arrived there Howard had one final treat when he pulled into The Dairy Barn and announced .. “Ice Cream?” With great eagerness we piled in and greedy eyes boggled at the selection. In a daring move Eric went for Liquorice and Berries and the rest were most bemused that such a dull fellow could have such bizarre tastes. After the Ices we came through the Dalbys and back onto more familiar ground through Gaddesby. Turning right we headed on the up and down section to Rotherby and then Hoby. Gradually riders peeled off but those doing the full distance covered more than 63 miles (100K) back to Loughborough. Great ride out in generally good weather and in some good company.