2019 Cycling

Novemberclick for this month's league table

Stilton Cheese Inn, Somerby

A chill wind from the north blew away the rain that had forced us to potpone this week's ride until Friday. From Houghton on the Hill we climbed to the Stilton Cheese Inn at Somerby to avoid as much local flooding as possible.

By changing day we managed to keep dry and even saw a few flashes of sunshine. On the way back we saw Pete Vines in Twyford as we freewheeled almost all the way back. Except for the hill from Ingarsby back to base that finished our ride and very nearly finished one or two Embers.

Red Lion, Market Bosworth

Another postponement to Friday due to dismal weather. However, seven Embers braved the elements with a start from Ratby. We picked our way round Thornton Reservoir and straight into the garden centre cafe for coffee and cake.

We then set out for the Red Lion in Market Bosworth where we took a leisurely lunch and suitable refreshments.

As we set off back we had a few drops of rain, but pausing at the Real Macaw Cafe, Tropical Birdland, for more coffee and cake gave it time to pass over.

Start of quotation Saw you all riding up the hill out of Botcheston towards Thornton today. Not a pretty sight!

We were going the other way, otherwise we would have given you a shove. Honest. End of quotation

- Barry Dunn

Appleby Inn, Appleby Parva

Ten Embers braved an unwelcome wild north-easter that was bringing bitterly cold air o'er the Danish Rhineland from its frozen home. We didn't hang about but went quickly in search of some hills to warm up.

When that didn't work we went to Plan B: Get to the pub quickly!

We arrived at the Appleby Inn just before noon. That was a good thing because many tables were reserved for seasonal parties and the rest were quickly occupied.

Left to right as visible: Ben Crossley, Peter Wright, John Muschialli, Grahame Billington, Ian Jacques, Ian Bower, Richard Clark, John Ashworth and Mick Ayriss. Photo taken by Simon Over.

Coach and Horses, Markfield

After a third postponement we only fielded five Embers on probably the best day of November. From Mush's we took an easy route straight to the Deer Barn Tearooms in Bradgate Park.

From there we moved quickly on to the Coach and Horses, Markfield to meet Bob Nash and Ian Bower (not cycling because of a busted rib - don't ask)

Ian and Bob forgoing food and refreshments as penance for not cycling. (Not really)

We couldn't take a shortcut back to the cakes that Jan Muschialli had bakes specially for us - because the route out was the shortest possible. So we retraced it as quickly as we could.

One more month/three more rides this year. Let's finish this!