Thursday, 08 February 2018
Edward writes: This morning was a mite cold, but surprisingly there was a good turnout for our ride to Swavesey and St Neots. John Seton led a group of eight from Brookside, and Mike Cousins led fourteen from Haslingfield.
By the time of the start the temperature had reluctantly crept just above zero, but luckily, as there hadn't been rain overnight, and as long as we were careful, we could expect to be free of icy roads. From Haslingfield there aren't too many alternative routes and Mike chose the most direct of these with a start through Harlton where it's good to see the Hare and Hounds has reopened having been acquired for the village by local money raising efforts.
The Eversdens came next and with the wind in the south-west it helped us along to Kingston and Bourn where we turned north up to the St Neots old road. Still with the following wind, and travelling downhill, we passed through Knapwell to reach the junction for Boxworth. It appears the Golden Ball does morning coffee if anyone wants to consider it for a morning coffee stop, but maybe not at the sort of prices we pay at the chapel in Swavesey.
The sun had come out and actually it felt quite warm and probably it was the best part of the day. After Boxworth we soon reached the works for the new A14 and the final run into Swavesey chapel, one of our well-known favourites.
Swavesey
In addition to those riding from Brookside and Haslingfield there were many, many more, plus there was a village function also going on so the women from the WI more than had their work cut out, but as you would expect from the WI they knew what they were doing and coped without any kind of fuss. As usual the homemade cakes were delicious.
Swavesey
When we left Swavesey the two groups basically went the same way with only a slight differences as all made their way to Fen Drayton and Fenstanton and back over (or under) the A14.
Fen Drayton
Adrian at Hilton
John's group at Hilton
From Fenstanton it was mostly into the wind and riding became a bit harder, through Hilton and Graveley and then the long stretch from Toseland to Paxton Hill. This faces due west but with the benefit of the hedgerows this wasn't such a difficult ride as we had expected. Paxton Hill into St Neots was soon accomplished and we all arrived at the Ambience Cafe by 1pm.
Graveley
Red Sox bringing up the rear at Paxton Hill
The sun had long gone, and for those with packed lunches it was a bit cold sitting outside, and when it was time to go most were pretty pleased. I'm not sure what route Mike had planned for the journey home but it is quite possible he altered it as Sarah put in a plaintive request that we should return home via Wimpole and Mike, being the true gent that he is, duly accommodated her; so it was that we left St Neots and headed for Abbotsley.
Soon after we made the turn for Abbotsley, who should come shooting past but Mike CC, accompanied by Glyn, and they soon disappeared into the distance. Now this is a noteworthy event as Mike CC is not known for his turn of speed and as he hasn't been seen for four months we can only assume that he has been at a winter training camp.
When we reached Abbotsley we veered sharp right and took the road which leads to Gamlingay Cinques and that very steep hill. We all got there and entered Gamlingay, (and, runs committee, don't forget LJ's for rides in the summer as many of us look forward to their bacon sarnies!). This put us on the road through the Hatleys and eventually down Croydon Hill, Croydon, Arrington and Wimpole Hall (with Sarah satisfied).
Nearly home as we passed through Orwell and into Barrington where Sarah branched off to head for home. For those returning to Haslingfield they had to negotiate Chapel Hill and would have completed a very satisfactory 55 miles finishing at 3.30pm. As always thanks to our two leaders, John and Mike, for a very pleasant day out.
Edward Elmer
Download
GPS track (GPX).