John writes: Today's problem was a south-westerly gale! On 10th May last year a too-ambitious route for the conditions meant we reached Waresley after the Garden Centre had closed. To avoid a repeat mistake I chose a direct route. We took the cycle/foot path to Coton followed by the shared path beside the A1303. This brought us to Hardwick. From there we descended to Toft, having to pedal hard despite the fact that we were going downhill.
The start at Brookside
From Toft the quiet and sheltered Church Lane led us to Bourn and the equally-sheltered route through Caxton End which brought us onto the road to Bourn Mill, Caxton and Great Gransden.
Despite the strong headwind we reached the Garden Centre seven minutes ahead of schedule. Disappointingly all the fruit scones had been sold (just like at St Ives two weeks ago!).
Tea at Waresley Park Garden Centre
After an enjoyable 40 minutes we set off into the wind again towards Gamlingay. From there we enjoyed a pleasant ride home via the Hatleys, Croydon Hill, Wimpole Park, Orwell and Chapel Hill with a following breeze.
We reached Cambridge at 5:30 after an approximately 40 mile ride.
John Ferguson