Wednesday 6th December 2017
Post date: 30-Nov-2017 18:45:09
As their was sixteen of us we split into two groups and both Rosalind and Eric have kindly supplied a report for each of their groups. (Report by Rosalind). Ian, Brian, Jeff, Pat, Ian, Rosalind, Patrick and John (on his semi-recumbent) followed John down the hill, then south onto Epinal Way and at the Woodthorpe roundabout, we turned right onto the path alongside Allendale Road, an attractive route that was new to some of us. Further along we joined the more familiar path through a muddy Mucklin Wood and out to Woodhouse Road by Beaumanor Hall. John demonstrated his best two wheel manoeuvres on his semi recumbent to get through some of the narrower gateways. From there we cycled out through Woodhouse, taking the left fork at the triangle onto Brand Lane and then down into Swithland. From there we cycled along past the Cropston Reservoir and into Bradgate Park, stopping for tea and cake at the Deer Barn Café.
Report by Eric. Such is the popularity of the Wednesday Cycling group that it's fame has spread far and wide. So much so, that 16 willing volunteers were prepared to sacrifice themselves to the altar of physical rigour this week. However because the group was so large we needed to be split down into subgroups once more, so that the fortunate coffee establishments we were to patronise would not have to do a second bake for the day. After a thorough examination and testing of fitness levels had been done, the lesser group followed Howard down Beacon Road. The stresses of recent leadership roles thrust upon a man of such tender years however proved too much and leadership handed over to Terry faster than a Zimbabwean coup.
So it was under new management who insisted immediately on being called Obergruppenführer that we set off South along the A6. Following were, Derek, Lyn, Clyde, Howard, Eric, Phil and Mick. Turning right in Quorn, out past the Manor to Old Woodhouse then left at the church into School lane. We stopped briefly for a mini history lesson from Derek, who showed us the quaintly named "Pestilence cottage" (having the unique advantage of several owners but none for very long said the estate agent blurb) which was the one time home of Mr. Rawlins and therefore original site of school of same name.
Up Brand Lane we went and down towards Swithland but turning right prior to going into village and up Swithland road. We climbed a steep hill then down briefly only to climb again and crossing Joe Moores lane we then tackled Warren Hill. No records were broken, but we all managed to struggle to the top and then glide gently down into Newtown Linford and the welcome sight of Jade tea rooms. The choice of cake and other confections is immense here but sacrifices have to be made and so the orders flew in thick and fast. We sat outside and lapped up the balmy December weather 19 days prior to Christmas.
Refreshed, we set off again through Bradgate Park and passing The Deer Barn we met by happen chance The A Team just leaving. We therefore reformed under the fine qualities of John, who assumed the mantle of leadership like a man born to rule. Along the Cropston Reservoir Damn and turning right into the village we cycled through to Rothley passing North's and the Great Central Railway station we came down to Rothley Court. Here we stopped to pay for Next week's Christmas dinner and threw the place into a tailspin.
As 11 people tried to pay 9 pounds each and order pretty much they same menu it all was too much to take in for them. Thankfully in Derek we have an organisational genius, and he soon had them whipped into shape and we could carry on our merry way. Down the Ridings, turn right and past Granites cafe and the Quorn Grange to meet up with the A6. Turning North and heading back to Loughborough.
Next week we are meeting at the same place and time but it includes Christmas dinner also towards the end of the ride. 11 are signed up however more could be accommodated ... just phone first and add you name to the table.
A Wednesday Cycling Crew Whatsapp group has now been set up. For those who want to join just download the WhatsApp app onto your phone and give Eric your phone number and he will add you. (If you need Eric's phone number please email me, Howard.)
John says - remember we have a Facebook Page. If you are on Facebook please give it a Like. https://www.facebook.com/Wcyclists/