Sunday, 21 January 2018
Ian writes: After a spell of fine weather which allowed us to enjoy some fine sunny outings midweek, the weather had to change sometime. Evidently today was the day when this happened, requiring us to endure generally persistent rain and grey skies. Regardless, Liz and Rachael were already waiting at Brookside when I arrived, soon to be joined by Mark, Lalli and Kevin.
Away we headed into town. I rightly presumed it wouldn't be very busy yet so using Garret Hostel Lane was no problem and we were soon heading along the cycle path to Coton.
As it was a Saturday, the rec at Coton was alive with youngsters involved in at least two football matches. After that we saw just the odd cyclist and moderate traffic levels.
The anticlockwise route to Bourn is, of course, a gradual climb and today took us into the wind. It was therefore mostly a case of "heads down and let's get it over and done with", though the final section from Cambourne down to Bourn was a gentle descent.
When we arrived at The Stove in Bourn, we found that several other members had beaten us to it, including Phil and John E, which boosted the size of our group to eight. The cafe was a hive of activity with all tables taken, so business was particularly good, but we soon had our own table and enjoyed slick service. With a fan heater in operation we were soon warming up, with our clothes drying out a bit.
When it was time to set off again, the weather had improved just a little bit; it was no longer raining but unfortunately this lull didn't last very long.
Soon Phil left us to head home via Kingston while the rest of us took the direct route towards Cambridge via Comberton and Barton.
Upon reaching Barton Road a slight wiggle took us along the bridleway directly into Grantchester, where Mark, Lalli and Kevin decided to linger.
For the remaining four of us, Trumpington beckoned so we continued onwards to the Busway and in due course our group thinned out. When I reached the railway station I was on my own, feeling rather wet and cold so I pressed on home "full speed ahead" for lunch.
30 miles I reckon was my ride, so for the majority likewise no doubt, door to door.
Ian Wright
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this route (GPX).