Blog by Emma Bridget
This Sunday’s PECAM rideout took us to the lovely Pennbury Farm in Great Glen, Leicestershire, With a 60 mile route out and a 59 mile return, it promised the perfect day of riding – a scenic adventure with a well-earned stop at our destination.
Sixteen bikes set off from Glinton McDonald’s after the morning briefing, with the weather mostly playing nice.
The ride was smooth, right up until we were just minutes from our destination, when a last minute junction mix up, stirred things up, Kev, our fearless leader, indicated right, but turned left! The marker did not see him turn, so continued to point riders right, with the next rider, knowing the route, confidently turned left – leaving the pack momentarily confused.
A quick re-group later and we were all back on the same path, arriving safely at Pennbury Farm…just in time for a twist.
We landed at 11.46am, only to discover that breakfast had finished at 11.45am and lunch wouldn’t start until 12.30.
Cue 16 hungry bikers facing a menu full of delicious sounding meals we weren’t allowed to order, the only option? Cake…lots of cake! A tasty treat, sure – but not quite the filling lunch some had hoped for.
Luckily, just next door the cheese and pickle shop came to the rescue with cold sausage rolls and savoury snacks for those not in the mood for sponge.
Refuelled, one way or another and, after a quick hello to the resident chickens and goats, it was time to head for home.
But the adventure wasn’t quite over, the return route led us onto a lane marked “restricted vehicle access”, ever hopeful, we carried on – only to watch the road gradually transform into a muddy farm track, eventually reaching a dead end, we were treated to an impromptu session of gravel u-turns, before re-joining a more bike friendly road.
We wrapped up at Starbucks, Orton a little dustier, but no less cheerful.
Brilliant roads, great company and just enough unexpected moments to make it one to remember.
Thanks to everyone who came along – until next time and maybe bring a backup snack……just to be safe!
Blog by Emma Bridget