Ranger's Ride to Alrewas 26th November 2009

Five riders started out from Mickleover at 9am for the ride to the National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas. Two more, Mavis Ratcliffe and Shawn Brotherhood were met en route. The ride was led by Keith Lycett and followed NCN R54 for most of the way, in cloudy but dry weather, with a temperature of about 10C. Not bad for the time of year.
We stopped early (even for us) for refreshments and tea, and discovered an excellent cafe in Burton. Good choice of food at reasonable prices. A mug of tea cost only 70p with free top-up. We shall certainly be putting Mac's Cafe on our list for another visit.
We found the route blocked by new fencing just before Alrewas and had to backtrack to take the alternative route alongside the A38 trunk road, instead of the canal towpath route which we have used previously.
Soon after crossing the A38 bridge, we reached the entrance to The Arboretum and found the cafe quite busy. We went back after viewing some of the impressive and evocative sculptures and regimental gardens.
Prices in the cafe were about average but the quality and quantity were excellent.
After a fast road ride back to Burton via Catton, Rosliston and Drakelow, we paused briefly for a rest on the Stapenhill Long Bridge before Peter Ford led us on a complex of cycle paths alongside the River Trent to emerge back on the North side of Burton.
Conscious of the short hours of daylight in late November, various members of the party peeled off to take direct homeward routes, and generally the timing and distance were just right with an overall mileage of 47 miles from Mickleover.
An excellent day out and one to be repeated, perhaps in the Summertime, with longer day length and therefore more time to wander round the memorial gardens, many of which were wet underfoot this time.
PS (28Nov)
More on Mac's Cafe in Burton.
The address is 80, Derby Road, and not only do they serve an excellent range of food at reasonable prices, but they are open from 6am to 8pm.