Girls on Cogs

Since it was a dry afternoon, we decided to go for a little Sunday afternoon cycle ride over to Wistow garden centre. We went along the Guthlaxton trail, into Countesthorpe, then too busy chatting we must have gone out in the wrong direction, so after a little map check, we turned back into Countesthorpe and out towards Kilby. The garden centre located on google maps turned out not to be the one we were after, so we continued along a little further until we came across the right one – Wistow! We headed straight for the cafe at the garden centre, for a hot coffee (to warm ourselves up) and a little jam and cream scone (to boost the sugar levels) then went for a little look round the boutique shops. I bought an expensive coat in the first one (always the best purchases- the impromptu ones) and it’s reversible so two in one! In the next shop I found an ostentacious christmas present for my brother. So then we had to leave before I did any more damage to my credit card. The temperature was dropping rapidly so we had a quick sprint home, via Sainsbury’s to get some mulled wine! A very good afternoon out, and almost 30 miles too!

Like it or not, and despite some massive improvements over recent years, Leicester is not a place that springs to mind when you think of cycling friendly cities. Riding around the place can be difficult with awkward one way systems, pedestian only areas and hills, not to mention our fellow road users who often present the biggest threats to our safety.
Despite these challenges, an ever growing number of people are using the humble bicycle for everyday transportation in and around Leicester.
so last Friday, Leicester hosted its first attempt at a non-confrontational, law-abiding, fun group bike ride. The aim  to encourage more cyclists onto our streets until Leicester gets to the level that London is at now where there are so many cyclists on the roads, that they are just another form of traffic and not an inconvenience or danger.

Inspired by Critical Masses elsewhere and Skyrides, it plans to be a monthly event and to help make people feel more confident to get out on the roads around Leicester city centre.

So how did it go?

Well with an apparent turn out of nearly 100 people, pretty well. Lots of people had made the effort and dressed up for Haloween, along with plenty of high vis clothing, lights and bell ringing. It was a nice friendly atmosphere from the start and everyone seemed pleased to be there. I knew a few people but Hels my partner in crime could not make it. We headed up London Road quite slowly and most road traffic seemed bemused by us, a few waved and pipped their horns. The route continued through Clarendon Park and Queens Road and followed the cycle route through Victoria Park. It was pretty cool looking back at all the cyclisits along two sides of the park all lit up, ringing their bells. The ride headed down Regent Road and back into town and took a couple of circuits around town before finishing off at The Criterion for a few beers.

MASS’Tache

Leicester’s second critical mass is all set for the 26th November.

Spivs, porn-stars, dandies, 70′s tv detectives, Victorian gentlemen, Mexican bandits, WWII dictators, pubescent teenage boys – all kinds of iconic/ironic figures need apply…

Use your imagination and decorate your face, your clothes and your bike …and rock up at Curve on the last Friday of Movember for another fantastic evening ride.