Wednesday 4th December 2019 (Yuletide Lunch)

In stark contrast to recent bumper turnouts, only six dedicated souls pitched up today at Outwoods Drive, eager to work up a sweat and an appetite. Actually, only five were there for a morning preprandial workout as Howard was only present to officiate and see them off. So, on a clear, cold, sunny December morning, Marcus, Mick, Rob, Trish and Jeff (leading) reworked one of the recent intermediate ride routes to Barkby Thorpe having reasoned that this would deposit them in suitable proximity to Rothley Court, the lunchtime destination. Thus they headed South along the Soar Valley, through Quorn and Mountsorrel, where they took Sileby Road. Mick departed from the group at the T-junction by Sileby church, and went North towards Barrow, whereas the remaining four headed South towards Cossington. Turning right at the top of Humble Lane they swept downward through Ratcliffe to Rearsby, whence they struck out along Gaddesby Lane. On leaving Gaddesby they took the next right to Barsby and then out along Station Road towards South Croxton. At the crossroads, Marcus turned right towards Queniborough, in order to return home to exchange lycra for festive rags, prior to the lunchtime engagement.

And then there were three, who continued straight on up, then down through picturesque South Croxton. On leaving the village they turned left onto Croxton Road, only to be presented with yet another lengthy stretch of ascending tarmac rolling up into the distance ahead of them. However, once atop this lofty location, their spirits were raised a tad by the clear blue skies and the sun casting its low, wintry rays over a quiescent, rural backdrop. From this tranquil vantage point they cruised down to Beeby and then turned towards Barkby. There now remained one final, short, steep grind up to Roots Farm Shop Cafe at Barkby Thorpe.