Mike Thomas reports:
The long weekend’s camping trip to Rutland was enjoyed by myself, Ann, Sheila, Russ, Tony, John, Peter, Pip, Jeff, Vicky, and Carl on his trike. We left the Memorial Park with full waterproof gear on, but this was soon put away and we were treated to great weather for the rest of the tour. The ride to Rutland was tough carrying camping gear up some of the hills in Rutland. Our ride took us for refreshments at Ullesthorpe, and Cafe Mont Ventoux. We were surprised to see the expensive cycling kit here, but the food was also good quality.
Travelling light on Friday we made a circuit to the north east of the campsite in Langham, with an 11’s for coffee at Rassel’s Garden Centre where the bacon sandwiches were very welcome, and the plants on offer superb. From here we went on to admire the old town of Stamford where the local market was very tempting. Our return route took us on the cycle path along the north shore of Rutland Water, with an obligatory stop at the huge Rutland Water bike shop. In the evening we all cycled to The Old Buttercross Pub in Oakham where there was a special deal for 2 steaks and a bottle of wine for £20 which most of us too advantage of.
On the Saturday we went via Oakham to join the cycle path along the southern shore of the reservoir enjoying views of the water and a coffee at Normanton. It was a hot long ride from here to our next stop at Don Paddy’s cafe in Uppingham. This is one of the very best cafes favoured by cyclists, one of whom gave us some help with routes and more cafes! The ride back to the campsite was via Ridlington which is the highest village in Rutland, and an ascent to match. Back at the campsite we were welcomed by Ann and John who had been shopping in Oakham and we enjoyed a fine salad making use of the campsite picnic tables.
Sunday’s ride home was 63 miles to the Memorial Park and more for some. The start of the ride involved retracing our route with its tough ups and downs to Don Paddy’s to refuel for the long ride home. Along the way we stopped at Kelmarsh Hall and Cathorpe for refreshments and at the end felt shattered but well satisfied with some great cycling along quiet country lanes and through beautiful villages.
Thanks to everyone for their help.
