Category: Easy Wheelers

More pictures from the Loughborough cycle ride

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Cycle Group Ride to Loughborough Two-Day Adventure

On Sunday, 14th September, eleven enthusiastic riders from the Cycle Group embarked on an exciting two-day cycling adventure to Loughborough. Setting off in fine spirits on Sunday, the group covered a total distance of 46 miles, enjoying pleasant but drizzly weather and lively conversation along the way. The route offered a delightful mix of countryside, canal paths, picturesque villages, and two well-earned refreshment stops, making the journey both enjoyable and memorable for all involved.

Upon arrival in Loughborough, we checked into the Travelodge for a well-deserved rest. After freshening up, everyone gathered for an evening meal at Wetherspoons, where good value food, drink and plenty of camaraderie were shared.

The following morning, plans for breakfast at the much-anticipated Tiffany’s were dashed when the group discovered it was closed. Undeterred, we headed back to Wetherspoons, to enjoy a hearty breakfast before setting off for the return journey.

We were greeted with a yellow warning of wind; however we pressed on battling against the elements and tree debris on a shorter return route of 32 miles.

The two-day ride was a great success, and we thank John Saunders and Brian Carr for all their preparation and route selection.

Jim Spray – Cycle Group Leader

2 Day Lincoln Ride 22nd September

The weather forecast for the 2 days was rain sometimes heavy, but 10 riders + 1 backup vehicle left Hucknall Leisure Centre at 8.45am, no rain yet.

The ride went well, and we had a coffee stop at the lovely tea rooms in Bleasby, the ride then continued through Fiskerton and Rolleston, until we reached the Kelham bridge area near Newark where two different cycles got punctures on the same stretch of road. One could be repaired but the other had developed a hole in the tyre and couldn’t be repaired, so our backup vehicle came to the rescue. Bike and rider were now out of action.

The group sheltered under canopy at the Fox Inn, as the rain had now started to fall, whilst the repair was completed to 1st bike. This cost us about an hour in time. The remaining nine riders again set off to our lunch stop at the Brownlow arms near Sutton on Trent, where we were reunited with the backup, all riders now pretty wet!!!

After lunch we continued to our destination, the Travelodge Hotel in Lincoln, 50 miles recorded. The route that Brian Carr had chosen was excellent with minor roads and large stretches traffic free, on Sustrans routes.  All SOGGY riders went to their rooms to shower and get ready for our meal out. In the evening we all went to Wetherspoons for our meal and a few beers etc.

After breakfast at the Hotel and a check outdoors on the weather, we were all very relieved to see that it wasn’t raining. The 9 riders again set off homeward bound with the backup and out of action rider in attendance. This day was puncture free, the route was fantastic about 30miles of it was on traffic free tracks and minor roads. The only hiccup was a closed bridge on Sustrans route 64 across a stream. The workmen wouldn’t let us across, so we had to find a detour which added about 3 miles to our route. We had a coffee stop at a cafe in Collingham, joined by the backup team.

Shortly after this the rain, mainly drizzle started again. We rode on, via minor roads through lovely villages, until we reached our lunch stop, East Bridgeford Garden Centre, again back up in attendance. We then headed home on the final leg via Gunthorpe, Lowdham, Calverton, most were now wet and getting tired. This day we recorded 55 miles.

This was the most miles in a day that some of the riders had ever done. So very well done to all the group, the Backup Driver and mate, and the route planer for a fantastic but wet!!!! 2 days. Looking forward to another one next year.

If anyone would like to join our Group there are three vacancies so if you want to give it a try, please let us know.

John Saunders