The Stockport Community Cycling Club Weekend this year visited the Leicester area. It began with a cycle ride on the way around Rutland Water.

We all met at Barnsdale car park.

There were 36 of us attending the club weekend, so we decided to split into two groups. I would lead the first group, and Sarah the second. The photos in this blog are taken from both rides.

When my group arrived at the main Rutland car park at Whitwell we found that there was a triathlon taking place. The original idea had been to have lunch here but plans quickly had to change.

The weather forecast had been for rain, and soon after we started it duly began to drizzle.

At the second car park – Sykes Lane – we stopped for a break. The food was more basic here, but it did the job (though not for Sarah when her group arrived – they had nothing in the way of gluten-free fare).

Continuing round we passed Normanton church.

For a while, the weather brightened up – though Leslie was taking no chances.

The dark clouds, however, were suggesting more rain was imminent.

And it duly arrived.

The rain came down heavy, just as my group was tackling the main climb on the route. We decided to keep going through the rain. We were after all, already wet!

Sarah’s group instead tried to take shelter.

Thankfully, the rain storm was brief, and we were all soon back cycling again.

Unfortunately, one of our group picked up a puncture.

Thankfully, we were soon on our way again and cycling through Egleton.

And finally, with the steam rising from the road as it dried, we arrived back at the car park.

Sarah’s group were still cycling around Rutland Water … and occasionally stopping to have their picture taken.

A little later they arrived back at the car park too.

We had all cycled just over 15 miles. In spite of the inclement weather, this had been an enjoyable ride around a route with some lovely scenery. A great start for our club weekend. And well worth a visit if you have some free time.

You can view our SCCC club weekend Rutland Water route below: