2017 Cycling

Septemberclick for this month's league table

The George Inn, Brixworth

Today was a mixture of old and new roads, steep and steeper hills. Ten Embers tackled the terrain with the usual gusto, starting from Harborough and heading south.

We found our way to the The George Inn at Blixworth where our old buddy Chris Jepson found us as we staggered out for our ride back.

Our return route took us along roads we haven't seen before and up hills we wish we still hadn't seen. We were glad of refreshements and cake back at Harborough.

Lord Nelson, Sutton on Trent

Instead of heading west as we usually do, today we explored new roads northwards from Southwell. We were rewarded with a bright sunny morning for a rare full turnout of riders.

A well researched route was carefully followed to Sutton on Trent and the Lord Nelson pub.

There were fourteen Embers, counting Spike, taking refreshements. When we set off back we were delayed by a level crossing and a fall. This meant we were near the shelter of trees when a promised downpour arrived to soak the roads.

When we returned to Southwell we piled into the Alfresco Caffé for coffee and cake to finish off another good day.

Appleby Inn, Appleby Parva

Today was another rare change from Thursday to Friday to catch better weather. Nine Embers met at Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre, most arriving by car but a sturdy few cycled in from further afield.

For a change we cycled due west and then looped round in a big half circle that took us to the Appleby Inn. What a surprise!

The route back proved a bit confusing because we usually head back to Donisthorpe or Coalville from here. We were back on track as soon as we joined the canal towpath back to Sutton Wharf Café. After tea and cake the group broke ranks here for our various return journeys.

Grainstore Brewery, Oakham

Today nine Embers scaled Rutland Mountains, starting at Manton and warming up with a lap of Rutland Water.

This week's banana break took place on Rutland Water Dam.

We then took on fuel at the Grainstore Brewery in Oakham before tackling the track round Hambleton peninsular.

Survivors returned to Wellies Cafe in Rutland Water Garden Nursery before splitting up to head home. Brilliant day to finish off our September cycling.

Time to move on to October.