2016 Cycling

Marchclick for this month's league table

Red Lion, Huncote

Twelve Embers turned out for a shortish ride to Mallory Park and back to the pub. Sixteen miles for the Easy Embers and over fifty miles for the Energetic Embers. Choose your own target.

We were met at the Red Lion by Tony Loach who is determined to meet us more often this year.

Royal Horseshoes, Waltham

After heavy rain had flooded swathes of the county, eleven Embers were lucky to have another dry day for their cycling. Less lucky was Helen who had a puncture early on.

Helen's puncture gave us an excuse to stop at the Royal Horseshoes for lunch in record breaking time; we were banging on their door at twenty to twelve!

After lunch we looped back avoiding the main roads as much as we could. The day remained dull throughout but we were as cheerful as ever.

Toby Carvery, Binley

Nine Embers had an exciting ride - crossing the A5 on a bicycle is always a dice with death!

Taking things easy in the spring sunshine we paused for tea at Malt Kiln Farm Shop before completing our morning ramble at the Toby Carvery in Binley where we did some more (eating) practice for our forthcoming Embers Tour.

The day was so good we had to find a longer route back to make the most of it.

Appleby Inn, Appleby Parva

Eight Embers risked the rain and kept to fairly familiar roads (apart from one stretch unsuitable for motor vehicles). We were joined at Appleby Inn by Bob Nash who didn't want to miss out on the jollies.

For the ride back we donned our waterproofs and had a brisk following breeze hurrying us to coffee and cake at Beesley's Garden Centre.

The Grainstore, Oakham

Eleven Embers gathered at Manton for a circuit of Rutland Water on a brilliant spring morning. Lots of other cyclists about during the Easter school break.

At The Grainstore we were joined by Chis and Clive Hodgkin and tucked into a hearty lunch washed down with the local brewery beer.

From Oakham it was a short ride back to the start and a bit further to the Rutland Water Garden Nursery for coffee and cake in the Wellies Café.

April, opening with this year's Embers' Tour.