Saturday, 04 August 2018
Ian W writes: Last Saturday's figure-of-eight ride to Riverside Barns in Ickleton was not so much a mystery tour on this occasion, but very much tried and tested, apart from including towing Florian on a vintage early 90s Isla trailer bike for the first time on a CTC ride.
Given present weather conditions, I guess one of the advantages of a morning ride is one gets 25 miles out of the way before the temperature gets rather too unbearable. I was pleased that this appeared to be the general consensus at Brookside, with fourteen further participants enjoying some shade next to Hobson's Conduit, awaiting our arrival.
The start at Brookside
Registration completed we were soon on our way, and with me on towing duty it allowed Julia to concentrate on some photography.
Trumpington Road
We proceeded along the DNA path then following NCN11 all the way as far as Whittlesford.
Along the DNA path, showing the trailer bike in action. By the end of this ride, Flo had covered 102 miles on it in one week!
Instead of the direct route via Duxford, a loop was taken along Whittlesford High Street, so crossing the busy A505 further west, then skirting most of Duxford to in due course arrive in Ickleton at the Riverside Barns.
Waiting at the level crossing between Sawston and Whittlesford
Approaching the Church of St Mary and St Andrews in Whittlesford
Arriving at Riverside Barns in Ickleton
With Sarah, Andy and Ed already comfortably seated that made a good group of twenty, soon enjoying our coffees if not a breakfast/brunch.
All-Day-Breakfast for some!
That said it was only Florian as far as I was aware that had used the trampoline that he was delighted to find had been reinstated since a previous visit.
In fact I think it could be said the whole site was looking quite refreshed with many of the "barns" open for business. Soon after midday it was time to make tracks with a bit more of a breeze to head into as we made for Hinxton, getting caught for a second time at a level crossing.
The scenic route then beckoned crossing the Cam one way or another to pass through Duxford and the direct route back to Whittlesford where at least Phil and Sue H diverted.
For the rest of us, to avoid any duplication, it was just a case of continuing via Hauxton and across the delightful Trumpington Meadows back to Brookside so completing a slightly longer Social of 25 miles.
Trumpiongton Meadows
All photos by Julia.