Thursday, 27 September 2012
Edward writes: This morning sixteen members met in Haslingfield for our ride out to Sandy via the Autostop at Wimpole. We welcomed back Sue after her successful completion of the End to End and just bursting to tell us all about it. Averil, our leader, led us out to Harston and then over the hill into Newton. In Newton we turned right and joined the B1368 up to Fowlmere. Although slightly cool early on the day started to improve and we were to have good weather throughout the day and the little breeze caused no problems. From Fowlmere we took the direct route down to the A10 which was busy and it took some time to get everyone across.
Haslingfield
This brought us into Shepreth followed by Meldreth where we turned right to go on the two mile stretch through open fields to Orwell. It's noticeable how much the fields have changed with the harvest in, and many prepared for their new crops. At times it looks a bit bleak with only brown fields with little of the colour from the days of summer. From Orwell we turned on to the A603 and made our way to the Lazy Dayz transport cafe, for once not occupied by the police. More importantly, though, we found Myrtle who had made the journey on her own. It was good to see her out again and let's hope it's not too long before Bob is back in the saddle.
Eyeworth
After coffee we went up the A603 before turning off for Wendy, Shingay and then up to Guildern Morden. Now the road became more undulating as we made for the A603, in its B1042 phase, at Wrestlingworth where we turned left along the B1042 to the Eyeworth turning.
Now followed a nice ride into Sutton under sunny skies, with great views of the countryside from the high points on this stretch.
Sutton
Eventually this brought us again to the B1042 beside the John O'Gaunt Golf Club and into Carthegena Road. At the end of this road we took the track though the woods to join the road into Sandy but leaving it to go over the railway bridge and right into the town centre. Our lunch stop was Gunn's Bakery, and as usual some had lunch in the cafe whilst others had their sandwiches outside in the sunshine.
Sandy
After lunch Howard discovered a puncture in his front tyre and Mike C led the team to fix the problem and we were soon on our way again. We retraced our steps over the railway and continued on up to Everton. The weather was still doing its best for us and cycling was a real pleasure as we rode on through Waresley (not stopping at the garden centre), Great and Little Gransden followed by Longstowe.
Waresley
Rupert left us at the Kingston turning and the remainder carried on to the Eversdens, and in such clear weather the wind turbines at Balsham could be seen in the distance. This left us with yet another crossing of the A603 which brought us to Harlton and finally Haslingfield. We had covered
49 miles and a special thanks to Averil for leading us on such a splendid ride.
Edward Elmer
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