2016 Cycling

Januaryclick for this month's league table

Lancaster Arms, Desford

First ride of the new year with 12 Embers gathering at Abbey Park cafe on a wet and miserable morning.

Luckily the cafe opened earlier than expected so we went for a quick circuit of the park while the kettle boiled. Then in for a warm drink.

Despite the awful weather we pushed on to Desford and were rewarded with an excellent lunch at the Lancaster Arms. We split into smaller groups for our returns home in sunshine.

White Horse, Old

By postponing for a day we enjoyed much better weather. Bitterly cold but bright and sunny. Ten Embers set out from Market Harborough (well, three from further away) and kept to the roads on the outward journey.

Approaching Harrington we encountered ungritted roads and a frozen ford where we stopped for our banana break. (Luckily Ian didn't have any other kind of break!) Then in Harrington we paused at the village hall for as much coffee and cake as we wanted, courtesy of Dave.

The White Horse at Old is under new management since our last visit. We received a warm welcome and excellent quality lunch.

We decided to return on the Brampton Way despite mud and ice, a straighter route avoiding the bitter north wind and any more hills.

Plough, Wysall

Cranking up the miles were 12 Embers who set out from Mountsorrel on a frosty morning. They made their way to the Plough at Wysall where they met up with Tony Loach.

A long route back brought them reward with cakes baked by Jan and Alison. Then another few miles for some.

Red Lion, Gilmorton

Nine Embers gathered at Cosby, many after cycling all the way from their homes. Their route then took them south through Ullesthorpe, Lutterworth to the Red Lion in Gilmorton for lunch.

Back out in the cold in time to fix a puncture then returning to Cosby for cake and coffee in the Cranny in the Nook.

Our 2016 adventures continue in February.