Another good turn out

I can’t quite believe that we’ve just completed the last MVSC ride for 2024. It seems such a short time ago that we all met for the first one, also at Glooston village hall with another fantastic curry afterwards on April 10th! The last event saw 18 riders across three groups led by May Naylor, Nick Fenwick and Laura Hopewell (Laura’s first leading duty which was very much appreciated).
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This week we were at the The Bell at Burton Overy, a popular pub in rural Leicestershire. Luckily the rain held off and the turn out was very good yet again. I had 10 people on the “Recreational Ride” and stopping off in Newton Harcourt Church for a photo opportunity of our group.

Newton Harcourt Church

Newton Harcourt Church
The route followed the Gartree Road, the oldest road in Leicestershire, which once formed part of the ancient Roman Via Devana, running from Colchester to Leicester. Being so old would that explain the large number of potholes!.

Gartree Road

Gartree Road
Nick Fenwick on the “Moderate Ride” led a large group of 18 riders which we split into two groups for safety reasons.  The second cohort was led by May.  Unfortunately for Colin Storry his chain came off three times during the ride, otherwise an uneventful but pleasant ride was enjoyed by all.

Phil Rayner on the “Extended Ride” led 12 people on his ride.

On arrival at The Bell in Burton Overy we found it to be extremely busy – great business for the pub but there was long delays in ordering drinks and food.  However, although somewhat swamped the staff managed to cope pretty well and the food – once again – was excellent.

We hope you all enjoyed your rides, and what a great turnout we had!  Next week we are riding out from The Bell at Gumley.  As dining space is a bit limited and if you intend to eat, could you please use the button above to pre-order your meal by close of play Monday 26th August.

Two pint Beckett

Relaxing after the Ride

Hi all – after a few weeks off the bike due to a bit of an injury it’s great to be back. This week saw us descend on the lovely Shoulder of Mutton pub in Foxton. It was another fantastic turnout with all three rides really well supported. May had 11 on the 13 mile ride, Nick Fenwick had 10 on the middle distance 21 miler and myself and Dave Hill had to split the long ride (24 miles) into two groups of 8 to make it a bit more manageable and easier for traffic to overtake

We were again lucky with the weather, a little overcast with a bit of South Westerly wind but a good temperature once the pedals were spinning. May had a couple that were visiting from South Africa on her ride. I haven’t got their names unfortunately but I’m told they knew Mike Vybiral when they used to live in Leicestershire some time ago. Ian Broadfoot said that Nick’s middle ride was good but he found it quite tough at times (but he has got a poorly hip so to be expected?).

Andy Morris was this weeks victim of bad luck in Dave Hills long ride group with both a puncture and broken spoke. The spoke issue meant he got a lift home to Oadby by yours truly as it wasn’t a good idea to try any more miles for obvious reasons. Andy’s misfortune meant that Dave’s leading group had to stop for a bit so we took the lead and got back to the pub for early beer and food. Jim Crawford, David and Charlotta Hickie, Pete Mitchel and Graham Scopes all said how good the food was (two steaks and a bottle of wine for a very reasonable £32 according to Jim).The beer that I had was excellent and reports from the front tell me that Andy Beckett again led some astray with Nick F and Dr Tom requiring a lift home. Bravo and as we all know essentially we’re a drinking club with a cycling problem (music to Duncan Murray’s ears – our local wine merchant – who put in a welcome appearance last night too).

Some more new riders joined us and a welcome to Punam Sandhu who was in the right place at the right time to buy one of the few additional MVSC cycling jerseys. I think just about everyone that ordered club kit this year has now got it (Mark Morris and Jonathan Parsons – I’ve still got yours). Nick Aitken and Claire Tebbet – I’ve still got your neck buffs when you see me next. I’ve also got two neck buffs left for sale if anyone wants one? £10 each – first come first served at the beer house next week.

Now that I’ve mentioned it just a reminder that the Beerhouse located near the fish and chip shop on St Mary’s Road, Market Harborough is the venue for next weeks ride. Parking is limited in the yard outside of the building but there should be plenty of space along the road. As were in an urban environment remember to bring a good lock for any bikes on car racks. The Beerhouse don’t do food but are more than happy for you to bring fish and chips (or any other takeaway delights) to eat there.

And that just leaves me the honour of wishing our ex pro cyclist and long ride leader Phil Rayner a very happy 60th birthday. Still unbeatable on a bike but now with a bus pass.

Thanks all -see you next week.

Nick Timms.

June 19th saw us all descend on the Bell at Burton Overy. Great weather although quite a chilly breeze when you stopped. On the long ride group we experienced quite a number of ‘angry’ drivers – often in 4×4’s.