Bill Mantle Run to Quorn 31-05-23

John Earp sent this report for Bill's Wednesday Run. Ed:

Expecting a glorious sunny day those arriving at the Whistle Stop Cafe meeting point for Bill's first Wednesday run of 2023 to Quorn Great Central Station where met in reality with an overcast chilly morning with more than a hint of drizzle and damp roads.
As 10.30 arrived and Bill explained to those assembled that the drop off system would be in use and not to overtake him at the front or drop behind Bill Shackleford at the rear on his Kawasaki. It sounded like a plan!
So off the nine of us went, through Measham towards Packington only to find the chosen route was closed so we turned round and headed back in the direction of Ashby and eventually to Farm Town and onto the Ashby/Rempstone road under the M1 until we joined the A6 nearly opposite the Kings Head pub which at one time belonged to that famous pianist Mrs. Mills. (Or so I’m told).
Anyway at this point we’d become slightly spread out due to a tractor and trailer getting between us and had to wait at the lights a second time to turn right to Zouch. By the time we’d made the turn the first group had long gone.
So on we went along the A6006 obeying the multitude of speed limit and average speed camera signs until after crossing the A60 through Rempstone a van was approaching continuously flashing his headlights. On this occasion it was to warn us of an accident on our side of the road with police in attendance. The trouble was to get past meant using the other side of the road and as usual the road, which had been previously quiet was now more like the M1 at rush hour with a never ending stream of cars, lorries you name it coming the other way.
Eventually there was a gap and after completing half the overtake on the wrong side of the road a police officer waved us through!
From here we carried on through Wymeswold, Six Hills and caught up the others, eventually we turned off left towards Belvoir Castle and the Vale of Belvoir.
It was still a bit overcast with drizzle but the views were good as we headed over Willoughby on the Wolds and back towards Rempstone, Barrow on Soar and to Quorn Great Central railway station, our stop off point for refreshments.
Having previously waited and waited for food here we parked up and made a quick dash to the cafe where hot food and drink was ordered and served promptly.
At 1.30pm, our time to depart the station, we turned left to Woodhouse and Woodhouse Eaves and through Charnwood Forrest towards Whitwick, Coleorton, Farm Town, Packington, Measham and back to the start point on the opposite side lay-by.
After exchanging goodbyes it was time to go home although the weather had been somewhat disappointing it never actually rained much to dampen our spirits. The roads were good as was the company and thanks to Bill Mantle for leading the run and Bill Shackleford at the rear, another good ride out was had by all. John Earp.