Sunday, 12 July 2009
Joseph Sugg writes: There were seven of us at Brookside, including a rider who was up from Southend for the weekend.
We set off towards Shelford and picked up John on the way. We proceeded to Saffron Walden, via Whittlesford, Duxford, Ickleton, Catmere End and Audley End. The road was closed but this didn't stop cars coming down to try and get through. We saw countless cars turning round, which was very funny.
Coffee was at Wetherspoons in Saffron Walden. There we met Mike S. Afterwards we started off towards Debden.
The ride split, with a faster group, including myself, going ahead. We continued to Thaxted, then turned right onto the B1051. We took a left down a pretty, narrow lane towards Duton Hill. We crossed the B184 and went through Little Cambridge to Lindsell. Then we turned right onto the B1057 and left onto a small country road, before taking a track (start point TL 678 254) which came out at Andrews Field. This is a small airfield with a grass landing strip. The meals were very good indeed, and cheap.
As usual the ride split after lunch with the majority heading home. Myself, Mike, Mick and Averil carried on. Our route took us through Shalford Green, Rotten End, Blackmore End to Toppesfield:
We carried on through Stambourne to Ridgewell and Ashen to Stoke by Clare. Here we turned right up a rarely used road to Boyton End and Keddington. This bit was quite hilly. In Keddington we stopped at the shop for an ice cream and spotted a fox (see photo) on one thatched roof and ducks on another one.
After this much needed break we rode the short distance to tea in Thurlow. Tea was ok. Then home. Quite a long ride home tonight, arriving at 7:10pm.
Total mileage 82 miles.
Joseph Sugg.