2026 Cycling
Marchclick for this month's league table
Stilton Cheese Inn, Somerby
A dozen Embers met at Houghton-on-the-Sunnyside and cycled through Tilton-on-the-Mend, to reach the Stilton Cheese Inn at Somerby. We then returned through Burrough-on-the-Off-Chance.
Two cafe stops, several roadside repairs, walking up steep inclines all kept our pace suitable for enjoying the sunshine and views.
Whatever you do — don't mention the hills!
This week many Embers cycled miles between them.
Red Lion, Market Bosworth
Eight Embers braved the high winds and met at Desford for today’s ride.
We started by heading south west into the wind towards Kirkby Mallory then onto the Sutton Wharf café just past Sutton Cheney. With hills and high winds it was tough at times but those on electric bikes came into their own. After coffee we passed up through Ambion Wood on muddy tracks going north to Bosworth Country Park buildings. From there we wended our way roughly northwards to the Red Lion pub in Market Bosworth.
Due to shortages lunch was a little slow but we finally charmed the staff and got our food and beer. Our return route to Desford took us south back to Sutton Cheney then thankfully east and north with a following wind through Kirkby Mallory to the car park. It was good to get out despite the weather. We were also lucky as most of the rain fell while we were either in the café or the pub.
- Simon Over
This week many Embers cycled miles between them.
The Stag, Maidwell
A superb turnout today with fifteen Embers meeting at the Market Harborough leisure centre.
Left to right: Simon Over, Richard Clark, Mick Ayriss, Ben Crossley, Ian Bower, Grahame Billington, John Muschialli, Peter Wright, Kathy Lines, Richard Sleath, Carol Homa, Derek Jordan, Tim Wicks, Nigel Lines, John Ashworth. Roll mouse wheel to zoom in
After a slightly delayed start, the day saw us heading southwards to Braybrooke.
Just before Arthingworth we had our banana break then set off tackling even more hills. After Arthingworth we carried on south towards Harrington and Draughton.
The last leg of the morning route took us to The Stag pub at Maidwell who managed to accommodate all 15 of us.
As the morning ride was very hilly, after lunch ten of the fifteen took a flat but bumpy route north back to Market Harborough along the Brampton Way. The other five tried out a bridleway going north just outside Maidwell and then on up to Market Harborough along a variety of roads.
The weather was simply brilliant with little wind, bright sunshine and no rain. With no mechanicals it was a fantastic day out despite the 920ft of ascent.
- Simon Over
On Thursday fifteen Embers enjoyed 428 miles together.
Making the most of the fine weather, nine Embers joined the Ride Leicester group on Sunday to follow the last journeys of Richard III. In 1485 he entered Leicester at the head of his army, then they went off to Bosworth (we didn't) to defeat at the swords of Henry's army.
We visited his Greyfriars, where his remains were rediscovered in 2012, then followed him to Leicester University where he was positively identified. Finally back to Leicester Cathedral, where his remains are now more respectfully interred.
Alas, poor Richard was not able to join us at Silver Street Cafe for lunch.
With a few higher miles covered on our Sunday ride, the many Embers scored miles on bright but cold spring days.
Waterside Inn, Mountsorrel
Another good turnout as thirteen Embers met at Kirby Muxloe Royal Oak pub with two more joining us later for lunch. Richard Sleath organised well today and took us on a route going north east. After the obligatory coffee at the pub we made for the old railway line between Ratby and Glenfield. From there we went along Gynsill Lane towards Anstey and then up the road to Cropston. After Cropston we headed to Rothley Station for a late banana break before riding on to Moutsorrel where we had lunch at the Waterside Inn. There we met Kathy’s sister, Teresa and Richard Stott.
Post lunch saw the group splitting up with just seven heading back to Kirby Muxloe with the others heading home by various routes. The seven were again led by Richard Sleath and started by going via Rothley Plain to Swithland. From there to Cropston reservoir and into Bradgate Park for an ice cream before finally returning to Kirby through Newtown Linford, Groby and Ratby. A great day out with a superb route and the weather was excellent.
- Simon Over
This week many Embers cycled miles between them.