2024 Cycling
Februaryclick for this month's league table
Tap & Run, Upper Broughton
Thirteen Embers set off from Syston on a challenging ride into the Vale of Belvoir. The challenge is climbing back out!
Velo John took us all the way to the Tap & Run at Upper Broughton and then led us back via the Blue Bell in Hoby for more refreshments.
A good turnout with many Embers cycling miles.
Wheel & Compass, Weston by Welland
Forecast snow and heavy rain caused a change of day. Wednesday, seven Embers headed off from Market Harborough and headed for Hallaton. But with the Fox Inn under new management unprepared for providing lunches, and the Hare Pie Café converted to a Thai bistro, we returned to the Wheel & Compass at Weston by Welland.
Our first Wednesday at his pub was pleasantly rewarded by it being their carvery day.
A quick ride back took us to a café in Harborough to finish off a fine day.
A lone intrepid Ember braved the weather on a wet Thursday to fulfil his duty. This is a canal, not a flooded road!
This week many Embers cycled miles between them.
Red Lion, Market Bosworth
Nine Embers started their cycling on a warm day from the car park, next to Martinshaw Wood on Markfield Lane, Ratby.
We cycled to up Markfield, then Thorton, Bagworth, Barlestone, crossing over the A447 at Osbaston Toll gate, Carlton, then downhill to the Red Lion Pub in Market Bosworth.
We used the gated road to Sutton Cheney, a short ride on the A447, then uphill to Kirby Mallory, bridal lane to Desford.
Mush & Richard C cycled back to Ratby, the rest of us had coffee & cake at Royal Oak in Kirby Muxloe. A grand day out in good weather.
- Richard Sleath
Sicknote Squadron slouched in on Saturday with a slow cycle through the City centre.
Counting all qualifying rides, many Embers cycled miles this week.
Cherry Tree, Little Bowden
Friday saw nine Embers choose the best day for cycling from Kibworth to Market Harborough. Velo John pursaded us to take the pretty route instead of going diectly.
We were able to find lunch at the Cherry Tree because they are only open in the ewvenings unti Friday.
Our route back was alongside the Harborough arm of the Grand Union Canal, through Foxton to Debdale Wharf. There a puncture delayed progress long enough for us to be caught by a ingle shower of hail.
This week many Embers cycled miles between them.
Man at Arms, Bitteswell
Wishbone joined us on his new bicycle for the start of the ride. We took a damp ride to Gilmorton for our banana break, then went straight to the Man at Arms in Bitteswell.
We were seated next to the wood stove where we could dry wet gloves. The pub is now part of King Henry's Taverns group and has changed since our last visit ten years ago.
Left to right standing: Grahame Billington, Richard Sleath, John Ashworth, Ian Bower, Tim Wicks, Mick Ayriss, Derek Jordan, Richard Clark, Ben Crossley. Sitting: Peter Wright, John Muschialli, Nigel Lines.
This week many Embers cycled miles between them.