2011 Cycle Season
Cycling started off after a chat with Dave Parry and Ben Crossley about cycling part of the Gartree Road. The word "road" should be used sparingly as we crossed two fords, numerous fields and had a roll in the stinging nettles, plus two repairs in the first ten yards.
This was the only ride where there was some glamour as Ben's daughter Sacha joined us. After nice pub grub and a drink (a well trod theme to our rides) we made plans for other exertions ... er excursions.
We have been on numerous rides since, picking up waifs and strays along the way.
The Cloud trial from Worthington to Derby (and back) was one of the few rides that saw any rain.
After Brampton Way and The Cloud Trail (Worthing to Derby) we tackled Rutland Water - or at least the track around it.
We pursuaded Ian Bower to join us on a ride round the Wreake Valley on a sunny day with a visit to Dave's sister for a cup of tea. Wreake Valley was one of the two rides we did where the pub had no food but was thankfully OK for drinks.
The next waif we picked up was John Muschialli who we took on a tour of Bosworth Battlefield with a TV star thown in. (The star turned out to be a right miserable sod).
As this was John's first ride after a long time off a bike Jan had to massage him in places we will not mention.
After his trial by fire John appreciated a more local ride to the Bradgate Arms at Cropston.
It was sometimes a struggle to decide which pub to stop at - the Golden Fleece or the Carington Arms? (Answer - the first to open)
We continued the season with a ride to Bruntingthorpe on which Bob Nash joined us. Again someone who doesn't do a lot of cycling but I think after all the pain he enjoyed the day. The highlight was visiting the Ashby Parva wind turbines ... or was it watching Bob tackle the mustard at The Shires, Peatling Parva?
Thanks to all who have been on our jaunts and those who have been coerced into providing cups of tea and coffee plus tasty biscuits. You have made for some really good days out and (nearly) kept us from getting into trouble.
On another ride round Mush's back yard we visited a few of the stations on the Gt Central Railway before gravitating to the Bradgate arms again.
On our Swithland/Bradgate run we dropped in unexpectedly on Brian Gamble to cadge a cuppa on our way to another pub.
For 2012 we are thinking of spreading out wings and going abroad to Derbyshire to cycle a few routes.
If you fancy a bit of cycling or walking - always with a pub visit along the way and a first class bicycle repairer (Dave) and some chit-chat from good company - please join us.
All you need is to remember to stand behind Ben at the pub bar.