Wednesday 4th September 2019
Post date: 03-Sep-2019 07:26:43
It was raining when riders awoke and some who had miles to do to the start had to put on waterproofs. However by the time riders began to gather the rain had stopped and the sun was showing through on a fresh day that was showing the first signs of autumn.
Short RideAfter a large group had set off behind Howard, John, Lyn, Tricia, Dom, Patrick, Rob, Keith & Anne decided on a circuitous route to the village shop in Long Whatton. Setting out through the University they climbed to Shepshed and took the minor roads round the town to Tickow Lane. Heading east for a bit they then descended Hallamford Road and followed the Sustrans route 6 to Belton and then on to Osgathorpe, leaving the route at Cloud Wood. With the wind at their backs the group took Gelscoe Lane to Diseworth where refreshment was taken outside the village shop. The riders returned via Hathern and were back in Loughborough just after noon.
Long Ride, (Report by David).
Although there was a steady fall of rain when most of us were putting on our cycle shorts, faith in the weather forecast paid off and we had a cool breeze and some sunshine to accompany us on our ride.
There were 13 of us game for a ride to Low Woods via Whitwick – Howard led, with Rob, Keith, Graham, Brian, Mick, Jeff, Eric, Terry, Robert, Pat, David and Clyde as back marker.
Perhaps it should be no surprise that we set off in the opposite direction, towards Quorn, since the destination was closer than usual for a long ride. We then turned and picked up speed to pass in single file through Woodhouse and Woodhouse Eaves via Maplewell Road. Evidently, we had not picked up enough speed, as a dark Mercedes passed us with horn blaring, the driver intent on reminding us whom he thought owned the road. The steepest route was avoided by side turnings that allowed us to skirt round Beacon Hill, so we were not tempted to peel off for refreshment at St Joseph’s Tea Room on the way past.
Through tree-shaded lanes, we grouped for an interesting turn that was definitely off-road. It started on a tarmac path, but soon we were in mountain bike territory. One particular dip was through mud, and required various strategies, such as get off and wade, take it at speed, or take a dry detour through the stinging nettles. (This was Grace Dieu Trail bike route 52). Our eventual hosts, the Low Woods Furnishings shop, would have a vested interest in which strategy each potential customer took. The pleasant ride alongside the disused railway line in Grace Dieu Park led to Ashby Road. We crossed to take Grace Dieu Lane and then doubled back to Low Woods farm on a light incline to our refreshment stop. There were enough seats for all of us and extra staff appeared, to cope with the order. Our friendly banter and state of attire was watched over by a big white porcelain hare. When almost home, there was a sudden grinding sound coming from Brian’s bike. As other riders picked up bits of metal from the path, it became clear that Brian’s saddle had come adrift when the main bolt sheared. Naturally, we were all concerned, apparently more so than our prime minister the previous day when losing a seat in the house of commons. Brian continued the ride standing up on the pedals and the rest of us began to disperse to our various destinations.The ride lasted approximately 4hours, during which time we rode about 45 km (27 miles), and climbed over 400 metres. Including spending 1/2 an hour at the coffee stop
