2019 Cycling

Augustclick for this month's league table

Yew Tree Inn, Cauldon

After an early start from Hartington Station and an early coffee stop fifteen minutes later at Hulme End, eight Embers set off along the Manifold Trail.

By noon we were climbing the long hill to Cauldon and the Yew Tree Inn. The pub is full of curiosities - eight more when we were inside.

We then learned the hard lesson not to try shortcuts in the Peak District when we took on the longest, steepest, muddiest track to get to Tissington for more tea and cake at Herbert's fine English tea rooms.

Then, despite loitering along the Tissington Trail, we just made it back to Hartington Station before the heavens opened.

Overstone Arms, Pytchley

Eleven Embers gathered at East Carlton Country Park and were welcomed by Stuart Drage of the K&DMCC whose local wisdom gave us a pub to aim for. John Ashworth navigated us to a hidden tunnel below the A14 and onwards to the Overstone Arms, Pytchley in time for lunch.

Our return route retraced the start and finish but missed out the tunnel and the bit where we had to lift our bikes over a five bar gate.

Meanwhile, closer to home, Bob and Peter went for a trial in the Bradgate park area and are pleased to report that everyone is still up to eating large lunches.

Bubble Inn, Furnace End

John Ashworth did his level best to find lots of hills on a serpentine route. Full marks for finding one of the best lunches at the Bubble Inn, Furnace End.

Our concertina route to the pub meant it was a very short ride back to Kingsbury Water Park coffee and more cake.

Arkwright Arms, Duckmanton

Nine Embers gathered at a new rendevous this week, including Bob Nash back in the group on his new bike. We set off from Brierley Forest Park and took the Five Pits Trail towards a meeting with Tony Loach at the Arkwright Arms, Duckmanton.

Our return journey took us up a killer hill into Bolsover and then a well earned coffee at Glapwell Tea Room & Coffee Shop. Then it was along more forest trails and minor roads back to our start.

Star and Garter, Chelveston

Eight eager Embers embarked on another exploration of the River Nene and Stanwick Lakes. Stuart Drage of the K&DMCC saw us off before joining Northants TOMCC for their Pidley ride. (We know the feeling).

Bridges have been built, routes signposted and, thanks to John Ashworth's homing pigeon instincts, we found our way to the Star and Garter in Chelveston.

With full tummies we braved a crossing of the A14 into Bythorn. Continuing off road, we forced our way through the elephant grass to return to Bennett's for well earned coffee and cake.

Cooling down into September.