Saturday, 20 March 2010
Today's short introductory ride to Horningsea had been designated "George's Birthday Ride" in honour of our chairman's eightieth birthday the previous day. As a result, no fewer than seventeen riders turned out on a dull, drizzly morning, including George himself, at least one other octagenarian and three newcomers for whom this was their first club ride.
Ian led us into the city centre before taking us west along Garret Hostel Lane and Burrels Walk to West Cambridge. Our progress was slow and stateley, as befitted the occasion. We then turned north along Clerk Maxwell Road.
We crossed Madingley Road and cut through the Institute of Astronomy to Huntingdon Road, which we followed out of Cambridge to Girton. We then cut east through Histon and Milton before taking the cycle path along the A10 to Waterbeach from where it was a short ride to Peter's house in Horningsea, where Peter R and Janice were waiting.
Peter was waiting with tea, coffee, and warmed hot cross buns. I brought out the birthday cake I had been carrying with me, arranged the candles and lit them. We then sung "happy birthday to you" after which George blew out the candles. Janice led three cheers and George ceremonially cut the first slice of cake.
After a very pleasant refreshment stop we returned back to Cambridge. Several riders including George took the direct route home via Fen Ditton, whilst Ian led about eight riders north back to Clayhithe and then along the riverside path to Cambridge.
I was back home by 1.20pm after having cycled
20 miles.
View this GPS track on a larger map