Thursday, 20 July 2017
Edward writes: This Thursday our ride would take us westward to Ashwell and on to Willington for lunch with Tony leading from Hauxton (fifteen riders) and Rupert leading from the city with six riders. The weather at the start was a lot cooler than recent days and accompanied by a stiff westerly wind which meant a morning riding into it. We started our ride with a climb over Chapel Hill into Barrington with a short pause in the village to allow everyone to come together again before setting off for Shepreth and Meldreth.
Barrington
Barrington
Although showers had been forecast these came in the form of light drizzle leaving the dilemma of whether or not to put on waterproofs. We climbed up to Kneesworth and Bassingbourn and for once we took the direct route to Litlington, omitting the loop round Abington Pigotts. After Steeple Morden we soon arrived in Ashwell and for a change we arrived some ten minutes before the city six allowing us first choice at the bakery.
Coffee in Ashwell followed the usual formula with one group on the little green and another in the village cottage garden.
Three Venerable Gentlemen
Ashwell
Ashwell
By 11.30am our two leaders assembled everyone and offered a choice of two routes, apparently of roughly equal distances. Rupert would take his group in the direction Cardington and Tony would take his via Southill. At coffee there had been reports that Rupert was again out of sight as he lead from Brookside (probably only a rumour), but we hoped that he would stay in sight for the ride to Willington. Meanwhile, Tony led his troops out of Ashwell on the cross-country route through Hinxworth to Edworth where we crossed the A1. This brought us head-on into the wind as we ran down to Langford.
Leaving Ashwell
It was relief to turn northwards in Langford for the run up the B659 before turning for Broom where we saw a field of roses under cultivation. This used to be a familiar sight here but we haven't seen them for a number of years now, so this was a welcome return. We were now in the pretty Bedfordshire villages of Southill, Old Warden and Northill. In the distance we could see the Cardington hangars and also the airship known as the "flying bum".
Airship at Cardington (Photo: Peter Wilson)
Roses in Broom
Soon we turned north westwards to climb up to Cople. This left us with a mile or two to bring us to the Home and Garden Centre, arriving at 1pm to find those with Rupert already seated waiting for their meals; so they did manage to keep an eye on him!
There were probably about twenty at the cafe and the staff seemed to have a relaxed attitude to those with sandwiches occupying tables out on the patio.
Lunch at Willington
When we nearly ready to leave it became apparent that Mike CC wasn't ready as he had made a late order for coffee and cake. In the event he had to switch groups and joined Tony's group. As we were leaving the garden centre Mike kept himself at the centre of attention due to a fault with his saddle. Averil provided him with an elastic band which gave him a temporary fix and we all set off again - this time for real.
After a mile or two we came to Danish Camp where we joined the old railway to take us via Blunham into Sandy. However, Mike still wasn't satisfied and brought us to a halt for more repairs. Luckily for him Mike C was on hand and along with Tony they came up with gaffer tape and electrical ties and afforded him a more permanent fix.
Mike CC in Person
Near Blunham on old Railway
We carried along the old railway alignment into Sandy, then through Everton, which reminds some of us that it will soon be the football season, and along to Waresley. At this point we said goodbye to Mike CC and wished him a safe journey home. (Hope you did get home all right, Mike.) Of course now we enjoyed the following wind and we rapidly made our way through Great Gransden, Caxton and Bourn.
Just after Bourn the group split, allowing those going to Cambridge to stay on the B1046 and the others to go back via Kingston and the Eversdens to Haslingfield where we arrived at 4.30pm and a nice round
60 miles. It was a good day out and we thank Tony and Rupert for their efforts.
Edward Elmer
Download
GPS track (GPX).
1 comments from old website
Thursday 20th Jul 2017 at 11.41pm
Edward has made light of my saddle disaster. In fact the Brooks "exploded" with the broken metal fitting scattered across the road. Many thanks to Mike C and Tony for running repairs. I would not have completed 73 miles and safely made it home otherwise. The saddle, other than the rails, and refurbished 5 months ago, is now trashed. A polite e-mail to BrooksEngland beckons tomorrow.