Wednesday, 04 May 2011
Nigel writes: This was probably our best evening ride yet this year: a gorgeous clear, sunny evening, and with sunset at 8.30pm the prospect of a decent length ride before nightfall. Eight riders were at Brookside for this evening's ride. I suggested a loop south to the Essex border, and off we went.
We set off south out of Cambridge to Trumpington and Great Shelford, where we turned right for Little Shelford and the road to Whittlesford. It was quite cool, and there was a gentle headwind, but we made rapid progress.
We crossed the A505 to Duxford and continued to Ickleton, from where we climbed Coploe Hill.
A few further minutes climb took us up to Catmere End.
After Catmere End we dropped back down to Littlebury Green and Wenden Lofts before turning north (and climbing back up again) to Elmdon. From here it was downhill almost all the way to Chrishall Grange. The sun was now beginning to set, but it was still light by the time we arrived at Newton.
We arrived at The Queen's Head in Newton just after 8.30pm. This is a charming, quaint pub, with beer served from barrels behind the bar and a simple range of bar snacks. We chatted for an enjoyable 40 minutes before we remembered we had to get back home again, and set off in the dark back to Cambridge. It was by now quite cold and I was glad I had brought some gloves for the journey home. Our route took us to Little Shelford, Great Shelford and along the DNA path to Addembrooke's. I was back home just before 10pm, after having cycled
35 miles.
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