Thursday, 13 September 2018
Edward writes: Today was just about perfect for a day's cycling. Sunny, warm and little wind. So it was good that thirteen riders met in Shelford. Some chose the Rec where it was warmer in the sun and others waited behind the trees in the car park where it was quite a bit cooler.
Eventually everybody got together, and under Andy's leadership we set off on our way to Newport and Great Saling.
We used a direct route to Newport going through Whittlesford to a very busy A505 which isn't at all unusual. All safely across we went through Duxford, Hinxton and into Ickleton ready for the climb up Coploe Hill. On the way up we could see buzzards circling overhead in the clear skies.
Coploe Hill
Coploe Hill
When we reached the top we found Richard waiting for us and needless to say this was an occasion for some celebration; good to see him back. At the lay-by at the top of the hill it seems pretty easy to spot the county boundary as Essex have resurfaced the road from the lay-by up to Catmere End and also several other roads on our ride today. Meanwhile Cambridgeshire's roads remain third-world.
Richard receiving admiring looks
Telegraph Hill, also resurfaced, followed by Wendens Ambo brought us to Newport and Dorrington's bakery for coffee. As usual we found several others who had cycled out independently plus the city riders who earlier had arrived on Coploe Hill shortly after us.
Littlebury Green
For the onward journey to Great Saling there appeared to be a shorter city ride of seventeen miles and a longer village ride of twenty miles. We villagers took the climb out of Newport to the Debden junction, Debden and Debden Green where we took the Henham Road. It was noticeable that Rupert had transferred from the city to the village ride and by his conversation he wanted some instruction on sporting matters, namely how England had beaten India in the test series. I explained the advantage English conditions give to the home side. As for the LBW rule I think Dr John would be best to give him chapter and verse on that.
Church End, Broxted
At Hamperden Green we turned to go past Cherry Green to reach the B1051 which brought us to Church End Broxted and the very pleasant ride down to Great Easton. This was all very nice, pleasant riding on these quiet roads, passing through Lindsell and arriving at Andrewsfield shortly before 1pm.
Sadly this wasn't going to be the greatest of lunch breaks as already there were a great many motor cyclists which for us made for long waits for lunches to be served. In fact it was 2.30 pm before we were able to leave and poor Rupert, whose meal they had overlooked, had to go without and negotiate himself a refund. Gt Saling is a nice venue and a nice ride but it seems Thursday is also the bikers day, and on this occasion there were so many more than usual.
Our homeward journey began with a ride up to Great Bardfield and with a favourable wind for most of the way we made good progress and soon reached Finchingfield. This was followed by Helions Bumpstead and Castle Camps which brought and end to the climbing as the road sweeps downhill to Bartlow and then on to Linton.
Outside Finchingfield
We finished the ride through Little Abington, the farm bridge to Babraham, Sawston, Stapleford and finally Great Shelford arriving at 4.45 pm and
65 miles under our belts and for Mike CC's benefit a total elevation of 2612 feet. Our thanks to Andy for doing the honours today.
Edward Elmer
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GPS track (GPX).