Ridden June 25

Just back from three days of riding most of this route. Due to the difficulty of getting bikes on trains, we had to start in Derby and cycle to Burton. This bit was great with many cycleways through parks. I completely agree that Burton to Swadlincote and just beyond is horrendous. A zigzagging route that dumps you on main roads regularly. The paths through the woods by Measham were great. My mate had a road bike with 28" tyres and moaned regularly about going off tarmac. I had chunkier tyres so I was fine. I do have to say there are some short stretches that are basically single track, although you could find a road alternative. We diverted down to Sibson to a Green King pub and hotel. It had been a hot day and the next day was forecast to be 30 degrees plus. It was a great fifty mile ride altough I admit I was utterly finished by the end. We managed to pack all the climbing into the back end of the day and finished at the Rutland Hall hotely by Rutland Water after one final climb. We got a local taxi into Oakham to eat and drink at the Grain Store brewery. We rode 27 miles to Peterborough on a shorter, much easier last day as wewere getting the train to Leeds.  There was no point going to Wisbech as it has no train station and we would have been short of time. I was amazed during this ride at how great the cycle infrasrtucture was going through Derby, Leicester and Peterborough. We were very jealous as we are both from Bradford and we have next to nothing.  It was a great ride and a chance to ride in a completely different and undeerated area.