Thursday, 15 February 2018
Edward writes: We might be forgiven for asking "where on earth did this day come from?" After all the days of cold, wet and windy weather, today came as a very pleasant surprise. It was mild, sunny and at the start we had a very helpful westerly wind, even if it would make the homeward ride a bit more taxing.
Eight riders assembled in the city, where Glyn led, and sixteen riders met at Hauxton where Ian B was to lead. Today we welcomed Lorraine who was making her first ride with the Thursday group. Our attempt to set off in two groups didn't quite work out, as the second group contained only three riders.
With that helpful wind we set off through to Whittlesford where we took the cycleway to Sawston and onward to Babraham. With all last night's rain the water under the old railway bridge was pretty deep, but we all got through with nobody taking a cold dip.
The climb over Binney Hill followed, bringing us to Abington, Hildersham (over the A1307) and Linton and back to the A1307. We reached Horseheath via Bartlow, Shudy Green, Mill Green and Cardinal's Green and finally the third crossing of the A1307 to arrive at the Old Red Lion for coffee. As is the usual routine, in addition to Glyn's riders there were many more who rode out independently.
Horseheath
After coffee a number of groups set off, at least one returning home, followed by the city group and finally two groups representing the Hauxton riders. With the following wind progress was swift, taking in West Wickham, Wratting Common and Carlton. From here to Great Bradley and eastward the roads were mucky and running with water, plus numerous potholes, which didn't make for great riding.
Setting off from Horseheath
Setting off from Horseheath
We turned north eastward for Kirtling Green and Woodditton and this was a nice stretch of the ride, the roads were quiet and narrow but still with plenty of water.
We finally reached Stetchworth and it was all downhill to Dullingham and the welcome sight of The Boot for our lunch break. Luckily they were told to expect a dozen riders and mine host dealt very efficiently, such that most people were on their way home by 1.40pm leaving the last group to leave at 2pm.
Now cycling was no longer easy as we had to encounter the westerly wind which had strengthened since this morning. Adrian and his group went via Swaffham Bulbeck, Joseph towards West Wratting and Mike C and I to go via Six Mile Bottom. We finished at 3.30pm, with
54 miles to our credit.
A correction. Last week I reported that Mike CC must have visited a winter training camp owing to his sudden and uncharacteristic turn of speed on the way back from St Neots. It turns out he has an electric bike so he was probably wintering doing what Mike CC does best and enjoying good living - and why not!
Edward Elmer
Download
GPS track (GPX).