2014 Cycling

May

Blue Bell, Hoby

It's the bluebell season so where else would we go? This week we had twelve dedicated Embers taking to the roads.

At Ashby Folville the group split into two groups with eight riders heading for Borough on the Hill while four made directly back to the pub.

With such a crowd of riders we found it helped the landlord when we took our lunch in first and second sittings.

From left to right: Ben Crossley, John Ashworth, Dave Parry, Grahame Billington, Derek Jordan, John Muschialli, Ian Bower, Richard Clark, Helen Ayriss, Richard Sleath, Peter Wright, Mick Ayriss

Although it threatened to rain we stayed dry at least as far as Ian's house. Not so sure if everyone got home in the dry.

White Horse, Old

Fourteen Embers decided to cheer on the Womens GB Bike Tour. Due to continuous rain a dozen of us chose to start from Kelmarsh after a coffee at Harborough.

We left Brampton Way near to Draughton and made our way up and down hills to join hundreds of bedraggled spectators on the causeway at the Pixford Water. From there we rushed back to the White Horse at Old for food, refreshments and shelter.

I don't think we'd choose to ride in such diabolical weather but it seemed only fair to show support for these fine sports women.

Belper Arms, Newton Burgoland

Today saw a few knees emerge from hibernation and it wasn't a pretty sight. Eight riders took to the cycle trails from Donisthorpe.

A mixed route took us to railways, along canal towpaths, a visits to see restored Triumph cars and to be measured up at Motorcycle Funerals Ltd in Measham.

Hopefully we won't be needing their services too soon.

Old Lion, Harborough Magna

This week there were nine riders dodging the rain on a big loop across the A5 into Warwickshire.

John Ashworth, Grahame Billington, Dave Parry and Derek Jordan added extra miles to their day by starting from Cosby. After loitering over coffee at Lutterworth Leisure Centre they probably had a soaking on their last leg.

Plank & Leggit, Sawley

Ten riders were not put off by a few drops of rain from the National Water Sports centre (nowhere near Holme Pierrepont according to SatNavs) We then navigated the river Trent with a brief stop to refuel at Sawley. Better value than last week!

The route back included a detour along Beeston Canal to avoid some of the mud and puddles by the river.

Best things about today - great company - good food - no hills!

Nick Reeves Ben Crossley Richard Sleath Derek Jordan John Ashworth Grahame Billington John Muschialli Richard Clark