2019 Cycling

Septemberclick for this month's league table

Castle Inn, Castle Bytham

Nine Embers chose a new start location at Woolsthorpe Manor. We couldn't take advantage of their cafe because if was behind an expensive paywall.

We crossed the Great North Road heading east and found our way onto a long track southward alongside the railway line where Mallard set the steam train record. We didn't quite reach 126mph. But Mallard didn't take a banana break. We did.

Once more on tarmac roads we reached the Castle Inn Bytham just after midday, glad for a rest.

From there, while the rest of the Embers beat into a cool westerly, Ben had the advantage of a warm following wind due to his lunchtime faggots.

John Ashworth and Ian Jacques then cycled to Wymondham Windmill Tea Rooms and the rest of us met them there after picking up our cars.

John Thompson Inn, Ingleby

Seven Embers met at Donisthorpe today and were led a merry dance around Derbyshire by Velo John. Mick and Ian Bower came by car but the others cycled in from various locations. Velo John, Graham and Derek from Coalville, Richard Sleath from Shackerstone and Simon from Market Bosworth.

The days route started in Leicestershire but most of it was around Derbyshire. Velo John again chose a great course and took us north to the river Trent via Swadlincote, Bretby and Newton Solnay to lunch at the John Thompson Inn at Ingleby. The carvery was excellent and enjoyed by all.

Our return journey took us via Ticknall and then to the Foremark Reservoir Café for coffee. After navigating gravel tracks and wooden steps along cycleways and footpaths we emerged onto tarmac again at the southern end of the reservoir. Great fun. We continued south by skirting east of Swadlincote to Hicks Lodge where we found Hicks Lodge and had ice cream. You can tell we are all dedicated cyclists, well café experts anyway! At this point three split off and returned to Coalville while the rest returned to Donisthorpe and then home.

The weather was kind with no rain even if the clouds threatened problems that did not materialise.

- Simon Over


Wye Cycle (when you can walk?)

Meanwhile Dave, Peter, Richard C and Ben did their Thirsty ride as part of their holiday in the Wye Valley. Previous rides in the week had taken them to Monmouth, the Fern Ticket at Cinderford and the White Hart Inn on the Severn at Broadoak.

We cycled north from Ross on Wye as far as Holme Lacy Bridge, pausing at the Lucksall Camping and Caravan Park for a very civilised breakfast that is served until 12.30pm. Then on to the New Harp Inn at Hoarwithy for more refreshements. Hills were steep but this was the only day we didn't dismount and walk.

George & Dragon, Seaton

A bright late summer day brought ten Embers to Manton for the start of this week's cycle ride.

John Ashworth lead us across fields and up hills to the George & Dragon at Seaton for lunch.

We returned via Harrington Viaduct, Eyebrook Reservoir and lots more hills, bidding farewell to Grahame Billington and Simon Over at Belton in Rutland. We then completed our figure-8 ride back for tea at the Horse and Jockey.

Wharf Inn, Welford

Embers who cycled to our start location in Lutterworth had to contend with rain. Once assembled we managed to get through the whole day with some sunshine and no more rain.

John Ashworth found a route that covered a few more fresh roads (and hills) on our way to the Wharf Inn in Welford.

From there we headed back with a pause at North Kilworth for coffee and cake at Alberts Cafe and Tea Room before breaking up to find our separate routes home.

Now fall into autumn with our October campaign.