Wednesday 29th August 2018
Post date: 28-Aug-2018 07:55:50
A rather overcast and cool morning saw another good turnout. Jeff had agreed to lead a short ride and set off trailed by Anne, Terry, Myles, Anne, new rider Arthur, Brian, Patrick, John and Lawrie. The riders wended their way through Shelthorpe Estate and the new South Loughborough development to find the track past Mucklin Wood and to Beaumanor. From here the group headed for Swithland and then to Granites Cafe for a pleasant sojourn in the sun which had now broken through. Here they were joined by Ray who discussed the pros and cons of electric bikes with Anne. The riders then headed east to Mount Sorrel although Patrick had to make quick return as he had left an item at the Cafe. He and Lawrie caught up with the group as it passed through Quorn, getting back into Loughborough just before noon.
Meanwhile those of a more ambitious dispositon had followed Howard. The seven intrepid riders (Pat, two Davids, Rob, Phil, Marcus and Howard himself) started off quite straightforward through the Uni. out to the A6 to Hathern. Left and up the hill to Belton and out to Tonge, Wilson and Melbourne. From Melbourne we side-tracked alongside Staunton Harold Reservoir emerging out on the road leading to Calke Abbey. Then along the drive to the cafe in the grounds.
Coming back we exited the other side and up the hill to Melbourne Road then turning off down and up Burney Lane to Breedon. To get back a bit quicker the riders returned through Garendon Park. For all the details see the map.
Where is Eric? We need better ride reports than this! (I hope everyone enjoyed the ride though,) Howard.
Some stats (for the longer ride):
- 52k (32 miles)
- moving time, 3hours 15 min.
- Avg moving speed 16kph (10mph),
- elapsed time nearly 4hrs,
- total elevation 560m (1837 feet).
