2018 Cycling

Octoberclick for this month's league table

Malt Shovel, Shardlow

Ten Embers followed the Cloud Trail to Derby so they could press their runny noses on Mercia Cycles' window. Dave Parry very nearly came away with one of their bikes but we dragged him off for lunch at the Malt Shovel Shardlow.

On our way back we stopped off at Melbourne Hall Tea Rooms where we were compelled to have cake and tea because it was at least 30 minutes since we'd eaten anything. Then we rejoined the Cloud trail and the afternoon sunshine slanted through the trees to make us look like a herd of occasional zebras.

Cherry Tree, Little Bowden

Back to school for Embers - the Old Grammar School in Kibworth - where we met to begin and end today's ride. Ian Jacques, a friend since school days, joined the group. We were soon warmed up by sunshine and hills as we made our way to the Cherry Tree in Little Bowden.

We tried to pick a reasonably smooth route home as riders were rapidly losing spokes. We made it back to The Well in Kibworth where we were joined by Warwick Pople for a quick coffee, cake and exchange of news.

Stilton Cheese, Somerby

Eleven Embers set off from Syston and were put to the test on steep hills today. Bob was sensible enough to make do with porridge at Ian's so he could return on an urgent errand before our trials began. It did mean he missed the reward of lunch at the Stilton Cheese in Somerby.

We made our way back, mostly downhill, via Ratby where we had tea and cake in Beardsleys Tearoom. Then returned to Ian's for (you guessed) more cake!

Red Lion, Huncote

Another brilliant autumn day and twelve Embers gathered at the Red Lion in Huncote for a swift cycle rounnd the local lanes. Our route took us to Pats Cafe in Barwell where some of the riders were unable to resist bacon butties. Then on to Burbage Common for our belated banana break.

We arrived back to the Red Lion for 1pm and were joined by Sue and Dave Smith who arrived on their Ducati.

We couldn't pursuade Dave and Sue to follow us to Thurlaston Garden Centre Tea Room. Maybe Ducatis do not work up as much appetite as pedalling bicycles.

Dress up warm because we are into November next.