Sunday, 23 October 2016
Simon writes: This was probably the largest group I've led so far in the short time that I've been leading rides: Our group today included John F (my back marker), Neil, David, Mike K, Paul D, John E, Stan and guest rider Alison L – who I'm very pleased decided to upgrade to a Sunday afternoon after having tried us out on a Saturday ride introduction to the club (please correct me if I've got that wrong).
Brookside
Brookside
Our route took us west out of Cambridge to Hardwick and along the "old" St Neots Road to the edge of Cambourne, where we turned north to Knapwell, Conington and Fenstanton. The subway between Conington and Fenstanton is one of my favourite A14 crossings, as it tests the skills of balance in trying to do it without putting a foot down and there's always at least one member of the group who didn't know it was there, and so convenient it is.
The refectory at Houghton Mill is not right next to it but just round the corner and had us confused for about 20 nano seconds. They didn't appear to have a lot of indoor seating but as long as it's not raining or freezing the outdoor seating was adequate for our needs.
Houghton Mill
Houghton Mill
The all day riders had made good time since their lunch and arrived at 4.10pm to join us.
However the day was cooling off and we decided not to hang around long before setting off home. Any one who hasn't walked or cycled from Houghton to St Ives through The Thicket is in for a beautiful traffic free woodland treat – an easy and rewarding must do for cyclists reaching a fitness range of a 16 mile radius of Cambridge.
Simon Galloway
Download
GPS track (GPX).