Wednesday 4th November 2020

Last LWC Short Ride before Lockdown; (Report by Robert).

A gathering of hopeful cyclist gathered at the meeting place to ride for the last time as a group before the new Lockdown rules started.

Of the assembled crowd, one group self selected & disappeared on a “35” mile Alan inspired Odyssey, the remaining riders were seduced by Marcus suggesting a route to Long Whatton Post Office for refreshments.

The gullible riders, Myles, Mick, Jeanette & Rob, set of with Marcus “suggesting” turns from various positions in the Peloton, as he wasn’t accepting the leaders yellow jersey today, just making “suggestion” on a route.

Out towards Quorn we turned towards Woodhouse Eves, along the main street, & then started climbing Maplewell Road, Marcus assured us that once completed, then all the climbing was over.

But, we continued climbing up Benscliffe road, & Beacon Road turning into Charley Rd.

The views in the winter sunshine along Charlrey Lane & then Ticklow Lane were delightful, & we all forgave Marcus being “econonmical with the truth” about how much climbing we would do.

We went along the NCR6 but before the Ashby Rd junction, Rob who was the rear gunner with Jeanette noticed an odd noise from her front wheel, examination at the junction revealed a sizable thorn sticking out. After much debate the wheel came out & Marcus bravely removed the thorn, with his personnel “Baldrick”, Rob, standing ready with tools & repair kit & a cunning plan, only for the tyre to remain fully inflated & putting 2 of its spokes up in a rude gesture, intimating defiance. Trouble averted, wheel back on & the travellers made a hasty retreat to the Post Office at Long Whatton, monitoring the tyres inflation along the way.

The Post Office is remaining open for take away drinks & snacks during the Lock Down, but no cakes were available, only pre wrapped snacks.

After a break in the winter sun, & finding that Marcus is a Leeds Unitied fan, Mick & Rob commiserated with him for the result on Monday against Leicester, back to Loughborough, through Hathern & Derby Rd, completing 26 miles.

N.B. Manor Farm, farm shop has a coffee machine inside and cakes plus seating outside if you're looking for an alternative coffee stop in Long Whatton, open Weds - Saturday. (Checked today, Howard)