Arrived at Ratby too early for pubs, so followed Burrough Road, past “The Plough” (fully booked for lunches ‘til after 6pm), to join R49 Bridleway. This had been longstanding subject of dispute between landowner at Old Hays Farm and Eric Neal of our DA with County Council. Problem now resolved, and boggy surface fully surfaced with tarmac, with car park for Nature Trail. This provides over 2 miles of mainly traffic free riding between Ratby and junction east of Thornton Reservoir – quite an asset. Spotted abandoned trike by road, and shouted greeting to Dennis Heggs on other side of hedge! We rode together to hall at Groby to eat sandwiches, before visiting Earl of Stamford Arms. Much improved since my last visit several decades past. Plenty of room, even with John Moon, Andy Tokeley, and other members of the L&P section; pub would have provided a meal had I not taken the precaution of carrying my packed lunch..

Church packed to capacity, with visiting readers from Lincs., Northants., Derby, and Notts. DAs.  Accordion duet added variety, as did an address by M.E.P. Mel Read who joined us for tea afterwards. David Taylor MP was then presented with his certificate for riding a loop of our DA125 event earlier this year. The ride home was assisted by the tailwind, and refreshments were taken in the company of Mr.Boswell of the N.Yorks. DA at “The Kaffir” in Whetstone, which I have noted for future reference.