Tell us about your weekend ride

I've just ridden to Melton Mowbray and back from my parents place in Nottingham. Naturally I bought a pork pie, as I'm tacky and predictable. Strong headwind on the way out and a challenging hill which went on too long. I had a can of coke and a Double Decker sitting on a bench when I arrived, then a smoke, as I watched a married couple sitting outside a cafe expertly ignoring each other.

No Garmin, pedometer tells me it was a 32 mile round trip. There's really some beautiful countryside around here. First time I've been on a bike in a week due to being oop North for a while without it. Thoroughly enjoyed today's jolly.

If you're riding in that area, go to Old Dalby and visit the village pub, The Crown. The beer garden is great, the pub is very old with lots of small rooms and the food is amazing. The a la carte menu is worth the extra spend over the bar menu, but neither will disappoint. Do it soon though, the chef is moving on and the food will never be as good again.

There's also a microbrewery on the other side of the village. The beer's good but the bar feels a bit sterile. Apparently the tour is excellent value for money if you're having a piss up.