2025 Cycling
Mayclick for this month's league table
The Waggon, Halam
Five Embers met at Gunthorpe Lock. We did a short ride to Jo'hanna's Cafe in Lowdham for tea and coffee while we waited for Four more Embers to join us. We cycled, on poorly maintained roads, to The Waggon Pub at Halam for a pie and pint. Celebrated two birthday drinks.
Then a slow ride back to Gunthorpe Lock, on the hottest May 1st on record. Thirty miles for some and 50 miles for those that parked further afield. Nice to have Simon back with us.
- Grahame Billington
The normal meeting place parking was taken up with construction traffic so we defaulted to the old one by the Gunthorpe café. The long distance guys met us at the Lowdham café. Good to get back in the saddle with the group and a great day out.
- Simon Over
Enterprising Embers continued their exploration of Dorset. They chose their Tuesday ride to Blandford Forum as their qualifying ride this week.
This week many Embers cycled miles between them.
White Horse, Old
Nine embers enjoyed a good day out but the cold wind and VJ’s route kept us moving. We met at Market Harborough as planned and wended our way south avoiding most of the villages except Harrington to reach the White Horse in OLD where some signs said WOLD. We were all grateful for the warmth inside the pub and the food was good.
For the first third of the route back north we stayed together but on meeting the Brampton Way six decided to take the easier way back while VJ, Derek and Nigel chose more hills. Altogether, it was good to be out and about.
- Simon Over
Four Embers cycle locally again. Just an excuse to go and bother Jan.
This week many Embers cycled miles between them.
Sadly, we laid to rest our friend, club member and Ember, Bob Nash on Friday 9 May. Old and recent friends paid their respects.
For those who may not recognise people in suits...
L to R: Peter Wright (Wishbone), Dave Parry, Richard Clark, Brian Porter (BP, club member 60s-70s), Derek Jordan, Ben Crossley, Grahame Billington, Simon Over, Nick Reeves (Bob's neighbour and briefly Embers cyclist)
Malt Shovel, Shardlow
A cool day for some cool dudes. Thirteen Embers made it to Worthington and took the trail under VJ’s guidance. Our route took us past Melbourne and over the River Trent to the nearby canal where we hopped onto the canal towpath. VJ then took us via Challaston and Ashton-on-Trent to the Malt Shovel (circa 1799) at Shardlow.
Tim left early after a quick meal. The remaining Embers headed back to Ashton-on-Trent then to Weston-on-Trent and finally returning onto the Cloud Trail to Worthington.
- Simon Over
On Sunday, five Embers joined the Ride Leicester "Wartime" ride, taking in some of the history of the First and Second World War places in the city, including the location of the American 82nd Airborn camp and memorial, war graves in Welford Road cemetery, and the memorial to Sikh soldiers, recently erected in Victoria Park.
This week many Embers cycled miles between them.
Shires Inn, Peatling Parva
Another cool day to start but we kept moving so kept warm on an altogether relaxed day. Six Embers met in Kibworth at Dodies café so we started well. We headed towards Saddington but turned off down a little used bridleway adjacent to the Grand Union Canal that took us towards Fleckney. From there we went west via Arnesby to a banana break at Peatling Magna. With time to spare we headed to the Shires Inn pub at Peatling Parva by a roundabout route through Willoughby Waterleys and yet another little used bridleway.
With good beer and better company we had a long enjoyable lunch. We then returned to Peatling Magna where the group split up with two heading back to Fleckney and the other four going north and homeward bound.
- Simon Over
This week many Embers cycled miles between them.
Bulls Head, Thringstone
A great day out apart from the wind. Eleven Embers gathered at Shepshed to tackle the hills on the route set by VJ. The legs got quite a workout on the way up to Holy Joe's café near Mount St Bernard Abbey. The route there taking us west of Shepshed and past Blackbrook Reservoir.
After an obligatory coffee we ambled (mostly downhill) to the Bulls Head at Thringstone for a well-earned carvery.
The return trip took us via Grace Dieu Priory to Belton and back to Shepshed with a stop at the Meet ‘N’ Eat café. No rain and good company with a lot of conversation. Magic.
- Simon Over
Carol and Tim went for their thirsty ride to the Mosteirio de Santa María de Penamaior, in Spain.
This week many Embers cycled miles, with Ian and Mick claiming their Wednesday miles, and Carol and Tim cycling abroad.