2014 Cycling

August

Tall Chimney, Swadlincote

We started out August adventures with thirteen riders beginning closer to home. John and Derek took us on some unfamiliar roads, cycleways, tracks and footpaths including a lot of gates and a few stiles.

A couple of years ago we had lunch at the Navigation Inn near Conkers. We must have ruined them because the place is now boarded up. So we made out way to Swadlincote and the Tall Chimney Hungry Horse.

Ian Bower, Peter Wright, Grahame Billington, John Ashworth, Richard Sleath, Helen Ayriss, Mick Ayriss, Rusty Mann, Bob Nash, Justin Front, John Muschialli, Richard Clark, Derek Jordan, Dave Parry, Ben Crossley
Roll your mousewheel to zoom in for shocking closeups.

The route back stayed on smoother roads with a stop for ice creams at Ibstock. Mentioning no names but three gannets scoffed two each.

Dovecote Inn, Laxton

Would you believe we could not get into the workhouse? We had to go into Southwell and beg for charity.

Although the original car park wasn't open, the Dovecote Inn that John Ashworth lead us to was (by noon) and it proved to be one of the best this year. Even better because Richard Clark bought the drinks to celebrate his birthday.

The return journey included a brief stop for ice cream. We paused just long enough to let a black rain cloud move from our route.

The Cutting Room, Melton

The only reason we change cycling day is for a pilgrimage to Melton Market. A chilly morning but we soon warmed up with a brisk ... er ... chat.

After bidding for a flock of sheep we retired to The Cutting Room for lunch then off to the Alpine Cafe for cake and coffee. 'Tis a hard life.

Boars Head, Hampton Lucy

Another new start location this week. We shared the car park with a crowd of boule players from the local U3A. Warwickshire has some fine cycle routes but they are a well kept secret. We couldn't find them. However we did find our way to the Boars Head at Hampton Lucy.

As we reached Stratford on Avon the heavens opened ... so we had to shelter in Wetherspoons and then feast on cake at a cafe until the rain passed over (the Passover Feast?).

Our ride back on different roads was blessed with warm sunshine and a following wind. We loitered to admire some vintage motorcycles at one village where Beryl Hollard came out to chat.