2023 Cycling

Marchclick for this month's league table

Old Red Lion, Welham

Eleven Embers headed into a chill north-easter but soon warmed up climbing from Kibworth to Gumley. After a banana break at Great Bowden, we slithered along the Welham Road to our lunch stop.

The Old Red Lion provided lunch and puddings at bargain prices, but were out of good beer. From there we took the short route back with the wind behind us and a few loitered at The Well for a final coffee.

This week many Embers cycled miles between them.

Red Lion, Huncote

This week seven Embers took the unprecedented precaution of bringing their cycling forward to Wednesday to avoid bleak weather.

No heroics this week. First to Birdland for a warming drink, then cold and hungry cyclists returned to the Red Lion for a hot lunch.

We tried hard to choose a better day. At least the snow was light and didn't settle.

It is now agreed that, when our day is changed from the regular Thursday, solo ride miles will be permitted. Therefore many Embers, including solo riders, this week totalled miles on different days.

Grove Farm, Leicester

No change of day this week. Prepared for a wet day which never came. Back to lifting pints but no cake and unfortunately missing a few Embers, but not a bad day.

- Peter Wright

This week many Embers cycled miles between them.

Golden Fleece, Stamford

Thirteen Embers assembled at the Café @ Rutland Nurseries, formerly known as Wellies. Starting as we intended to go on. We had the wind behind us all the way to Stamford.

We reached the Golden Fleece wet from a shower. We were dry by the time we rolled out of the pub but the heavens opened with a torrential hail storm, forcing us to delay our return while we sheltered beneath nearby awnings. Our return was delayed again with a puncture on the way. But we reached our final café before the rain restarted.

On Tuesday Helen cycled 11 qualifying miles to practice for our up-coming Embers Tour.

This week many Embers cycled miles between them.

The Elms, Lutterworth

Only five dedicated Embers riding on a showery day. Our short route to Lutterworth was topped and tailed in the cafe at Cosby.

After a particularly sharp deluge when we were far from any shelter, we were glad to reach The Elms just before noon.

This week many Embers cycled miles between them.

Hoping for warm pubs in April.