Thursday, 20 January 2011
Edward writes: The Thursday ride was proving as popular as ever when twelve riders met at Greta's in Hauxton. Despite the bleak weather we were joined for the first time by Kenny, who I believe has ridden on Sundays but was his first outing with the Thursday group.
It was also good to welcome back Tony who was making his first trip out following his enforced layoff.
This large group left Hauxton and made its way through Little Shelford and Whittlesford, over the A505 (always a battle to get across) through Duxford and Ickleton, and then up Coploe Hill to our regular stopping point at the top. This is a particularly pleasant stretch of road with fine views over the surrounding countryside. If only the sun would shine on it!
Nonetheless, we made our way up to Catmere End and then down Chestnut Avenue to pass Audley End and then climb up into Saffron Walden for our coffee stop at the Temeraire.
We had our usual coffee in front of an open fire, making us reluctant to leave. After leaving Saffron Walden we headed for Ashdon and Bartlow before looping round to cross the A1307 and into our lunch stop at the Red Lion in Horseheath.
We had a thoroughly good lunch and were joined by John who had made his way independently to Horseheath. After lunch the weather had turned even more unpleasant with drizzle to add to already bleak conditions. We left Horseheath on a very pot-holed road before turning to head down to the A1307 again and back into Bartlow.
Here we turned to go towards Linton and once again over the A1307 before travelling through Linton itself and on to Abington before using the foot bridge over the A11 which took us into Babraham.
The sun nearly came out on this track, but not quite! Again it was a pleasure to ride the cycleway from here to Sawston and also on the new cycleway from Sawston to Whittlesford Church. From here it was just a short trip to Little Shelford and Hauxton. This trip was
42.5 miles and was thoroughly enjoyable despite the indifferent weather. Thanks to Greta for leading.
Edward Elmer.View this route on a larger map