Monday, 10 January 2011
Tina writes: Nine riders gathered at Brookside keen to make the most of a sunny, clear blue sky and (relatively) mild January afternoon. Leader Rob set a smart pace, taking us west out of Cambridge through Barton (and safely past the road to Haslingfield & conversation-stopping Chapel Hill), turning right up to Comberton and Toft. At some point nine became seven but Mike Sl & Jacob had warned that they might succumb to off-road temptation, so we hope they enjoyed their alternative route.
Just after Bourn Golf Club we headed north to Caxton End where the river had flooded in both directions, forcing us on to the side footpath safely above the water. Past Bourn Post Mill and through Caxton, we climbed up to the ridge road to enjoy views across surrounding countryside: dark ploughed fields and bare-branched trees silhouetted against a clear sky – winter at its best.
The road undulated down to Great Gransden and soon we had Waresley church in our sights. As it was only 3pm, Rob suggested a further loop, but we justified an early tea break with the thought of cycling back at least some of the way in daylight. Choosing between the tempting array of cakes and scones was probably the most difficult decision of the day, but I would strongly recommend the spiced apple cake! Day ride 'survivors' Nigel, Gareth and Andrew joined us as we were settling at our tables.
It was still pleasantly light and only slightly colder as we retraced a similar route home, but avoiding the ford this time. Gareth, Pete & Simon FM headed turned north at Bourn, bound for the north of Cambridge, while the rest of returned directly to the City Centre. Thanks to Rob for leading.
Tina Filby.View this GPS track on a larger mapPhotos and track by
Rob