CENTRAL PERK

Routes maestro Jack Thurston introduces us to his new book Lost Lanes Central with a hilly ride from Melton Mowbray

- John Whitney

Jack Thurston is barrelling along with the unchecked enthusiasm of a man unburdened by complex assignments and tight deadlines. "I'm just loving this ride," he exclaims, as we hit the foot of yet another sharp climb in a part of England that he only half-jokingly, I think, calls the 'Leicestershire Alps'.

There is, undoubtedly, a lot to love, with mile upon mile of pin-drop quiet lanes piercing this magnificently and, somewhat unexpectedly for me, undulating land. But that isn't why Jack is so happy. Well, obviously, in part, it is; this is an author who's built a career on routing lanes exactly like this one for cyclists throughout his Lost Lanes series of books, which is now a collection of five. No, he is loving it largely because his work on his latest route compendium, short of a few media assignments like this one, is done.

The last time Jack was here, on a day last year that was even greyer and colder than this, he was deep into the work on the latest book of his series, Lost Lanes Central, released in May. That meant coming up with a suitable route, and all the trial and error that involves, inside a couple of days. There's a pressure that comes with that and, now unshackled from cumbersome planning and logistics, Jack is able to enjoy the fruits of his labour. And enjoy them, we shall.

This isn't Cycling Plus's first encounter on the road with Jack, either. Four years ago, we linked up with him in Bradford-on-Avon in Wiltshire, on the launch of Lost Lanes West, for a ride which had the misfortune to coincide with the 'Beast from the East' arctic blast of weather that brought the UK to a standstill. Today is the final day of May 2022 and, while that should bring warmer weather, it feels too marginal for our liking as we exit Melton Mowbray via the back door, under granite skies leaching out unwelcome chilly rain, which really has no business to be falling on the last day of meteorological spring.