It was a lovely sunny autumn morning for today's ride and, as seems to be the normal now, owing to large numbers we again split into two groups.

The Long Ride. (thanks to Derek for the report)

Howard had researched a ride out to Abbey park in central Leicester. Heading off via Cross Hill lane we regrouped and realised we had 7 experienced riders (Howard, Brian, David, Rob, Tricia, Derek and Alan) so we could up the pace a little as we wanted to be back home around 1pm as Tricia had a meeting to attend.

We soon gave ourselves the name of the Magnificent seven so guns blazing we headed up through the newish Fairmeadows housing estate and marvelled at how large an area it has now become. Dropping down by the new Aldi we turned right heading for Quorn and Mountsorrel. Unbeknown to us innocent riders who thought we were going straight down the old A6. Howard turned right leading us uphill towards Rothley and then heading for Thurcaston we crossed the Leicester Western bypass up to the national Space centre and finally arriving in Abbey park where we stopped for refreshments and of course cake. Abbey park pavilion has now been taken over by the Peppercorns group.

Heading back with the wind mostly behind us we followed the canal to Watermead park then into Cossington and Barrow upon Soar finally heading back to Loughborough.

The Short Ride.

John led Rob, Patrick, Gill, Marcus, Phil, Lyn, Terry, Anne and Rosalind on what some described as a mystery ride to Cossington. Setting out past Mucklin Wood the group then headed west towards Swithland then on to Rothley. After wending their way past Rothley Primary School they climbed to the A6/Western Bypass junction before descending towards Wanlip and the Grand Union Canal, the towpath to which led them north to refreshments at Goscote Nurseries where they were joined by Ray Clay.

After enjoying drinks and cake in the autumn sunshire the riders were wafted back to Loughborough by a tail wind.