2014 Cycling

January

Foxton Locks Inn

Our first ride of the New Year and we were again blessed with bright sunshine and very little wind. Ten riders met at Fleckney for and we began by riding through Saddington, Mowsley and Laughton to Lubenham.

At Lubenham we paused briefly to consume the obligatory bananas - and other fruit to provide a bit of instant energy.

John Muschialli then lead us to the Triumph club displays. Not the motorcycles. These are Triumph cars, mostly Herald and Vitesse. And one bicycle.

From there we made tracks to Foxton Locks for lunch. The Foxton Locks Inn was crowded because of the school holidays and the good weather tempting families out into the fresh air.

After we had taken our own form of refreshments we began our journey back, returning to the road past the flight of locks.

Back at Fleckney we had time for a coffee at the Old Crown where we discussed next week's ride and looked forward to cycling and motorcycling further afield later in the new year.

Bluebell, Hoby

Another fine day despite the recent wind and rain. Today we welcomed Graham Billington to our ranks so eleven riders set off from Ian's to see how long we could resist the lure of a friendly pub.

We couldn't cycle past Wartnaby without wishing Ian Goodson Happy New Year. While a couple of us did that, some explored St Michaels church that was built in 1190. Didn't realise M&S had been going so long!

We took our lunch at the Blue Bell in Hoby where we are always sure to get good food and drink and a friendly welcome. Then we returned to Syston for a coffee at the Brooke Studio Café before making different ways home.

The Elms, Lutterworth

Met at Cosby car park on Thursday, 16th January at 1000hrs.

Cycled to Lutteworth 9.1 miles, went to PJ's cafe for coffee, then a very short ride to THE ELMS pub in Lutterworth for a carvery stop.

Cycled to Cosby where we had coffee at Granny Smith's tea room.

A good day was had by all. Weather was great until we got to Cosby car park, when it started to rain!

Grahame Billington

Old Red Lion, Welham

Starting from Derek's house, Grahame and John cycled in from Syston, Peter and Dave from Leicester. Then we waited a few minutes until the rain passed over before setting out.

The rain caught us by Carlton Curlieu where we stopped for a banana break.

By the time we had put on waterproofs there were blue skies again.

Derek chose a route that consisted of more uphills than downhills and today was a tough ride.

Bulls Head, Thringstone

Seven brave riders made the full figure 8 from the Bulls Head car park but I chose to call it a day after just doing the lower o to St Joseph Tea Rooms in the morning.

Despite an optimistic forecast the weather stayed cold with snow flurries and after lunch some hail.

Winter was late coming but by the end of January it was spilling into our Thursday rides.

- Ben

Derek Jordan Grahame Billington Ian Bower Dave Parry John Muschialli John Ashworth Peter Wright Mick Ayriss Bob Nash