Sunday, 28 April 2019
"April is the cruellest month", writes Greg – well actually T.S. Elliot wrote that bit first!
In truth I think we should claim April 2019 as the driest month – since the much-vaunted April showers that should bring forth May flowers seem to have been absent. So it was with some dismay that with some thirty minutes to the start of Sunday's ride there was a light drizzle. Was this the cruelty of which the poet wrote? The whole month has been unbelievably dry – why now rain just before a ride?
It was a relief to see that this had not deterred some other riders and there was a merry band of 8 at Brookisde – where along with stalwarts such as Mike K, John RS, Mark, Liz and Peter there were also two newbies – David and Fatima.
We set off at 2pm – weaving through the stationary traffic that had blocked the double mini roundabout – Cambridge being virtually gridlocked by some roadworks on East Road (again!)
Once we got across Lammas Land and headed up the Barton Road though progress was quite smooth – and we gained our final attendee when Lalli met us at Herschel Road. She claimed she had been working hence her mid ride tag along – though it may be she had been taking a last minute bowl of Weetabix or some such energy food – see later….
We went up Adams Rd and picked up the cycle path out to Coton. Just as we started getting into the countryside we had a glorious view of a hovering Kestrel right next to the path – rumour has it that it was looking for mice not cyclists…
A little further on we passed a Mountjac deer openly grazing in a field – it too seemed completely unfazed by the flashing of bright Lycra as we sped past.
Once over the motorway we picked up the track though the country park and were able to ride side by side chatting. Subjects as diverse as US politics, forthcoming raves and cryptography were covered – a typical Cambridge ride, then.
After Grantchester we crossed Trumpington Meadows – where the cowslips were pointed out by Mike K – always good to have a horticultural wizz along with us!
Soon we were passing through Harston on the cycle path and heading on to Haslingfield. The ascent of Chapel Hill occurred in its usual fragmented way – with some rushing towards the peak to get a good leg stretch whilst others adopted a more measured approach. Lalli banged in a pb surely as she flew up the hill – the Weetabix had worked their magic, then. We regrouped at the top and had the chance to catch our breath and cool down on the fast descent.
Then through Barrington – David noted how scenic this village is and the more regular riders once again were reminded to look anew at these familiar sights – we really do live in a splendid corner of the world!
The Northerly wind slowed the group as it headed out of Barrington but soon enough we were heading West into Orwell. Once again Lalli was setting the pace out front – though she missed the first left turn and led us down the second left. Not the world's worst navigation error …
All was well then as was passed the newly started works on the approach to Wimpole – where a new entrance, visitor centre and car park are being built. This is a clear response to the increased visitor numbers that Wimpole is struggling with. Well, 68,000* new houses are planned for the 20 mile area around Cambridge so there will definitely be loads more visitors using this site….
Talking of crowds – the café seemed to be lacking a basic ability to deal with the numbers they already have. The queue was dreadfully slow – see photo of us hanging around whilst it crept forwards. This was not due to lack of staff- just lack of ability to use said staff efficiently. Really, all café owners need to go and see how LJs manages things...
Queueing Fun
It was good to see Mike S at the café and he joined us after the break for the ride home.
At the café stop we continued the (vague) animals theme – seeing such sights as blue tits, a robin and, bizarrely, a large grey fluffy cat that was on a lead and had been taken out for an afternoon walk by its owners. The cat looked somewhat unimpressed with this arrangement – presumably it would rather have been left at home to enjoy the sofa in peace and quiet…
After an erudite discussion about such varied matters as when the word orange came into the English language, whether or not to advise someone that they sported Cappuccino Chocolate Crumbs on their cheek (general conclusion was that we should advise people of such matters!) and the best potatoes to grow at home (Greg recommends Winston as first earlies and Desiree as main crop – but they should be planted on Good Friday so you are already late for this year so get digging!) we ended the tea break with Peter and Lalli exchanging cakes. (Note to self – that was a very long sentence!) Both the scone and the Victoria Sponge were deemed to be most acceptable.
Cake swaps
We left after some 40 minutes and headed back to Orwell. Lalli continued with her impressive burst of speed – being out the front with an electrically assisted Mike S. Once again she declared UDI and avoided Stocks Lane. This time Greg got his revenge by taking the rest of the group on his preferred route through the village before we all came together at the top of Malton Road.
We took this quiet lane and since it was due South we were able to make a good speed with very little effort since we were wind assisted. However, Greg called a halt at the meridian marker so he could give a brief discourse on the history of Greenwich Mean Time and how we beat the French at this and many other matters. The lesson over, the ride (gratefully) resumed.
An American considers "Heading West!"
The next moment we were saying hi to some rather bemused Highland cattle – not something you see much of around Cambridge.
We headed due East into Shepreth where Greg called a brief halt for a moment of Wisteria Histeria.
Wisteria Histeria
We then headed off to Frog End and across the A10. Mike S continued into Melbourn whilst the rest of us turned left and said hi to some rather splendid ducks that were sitting at the side of the road. An understanding motorist held back on this narrow road as went past the bird sanctuary – and we waved him through and gave our thanks when the road widened later. A thoughtful, patient motorist – rarer than Highland Cattle in these parts!
We were soon into Fowlmere and then Thriplow before turning into the now dropping wind somewhat as we picked up the old coach road towards Cambridge. We knew this was the old coach road because Greg helpfully pointed out the mileposts.
Into Harston and normal service was resumed where an impatient motorist squeezed past the single file of riders as we went through some roadworks and the road narrowed. Their efforts were duly rewarded (!) because they merely arrived at the red light on the A10 a few seconds earlier than they might otherwise have done – and they simply sat and waited there.
Now we were on the cycle path up to the motorway – lo and behold if you merely throw black top down with no proper preparation then some 6 months later the weeds will grow straight through and break it up. This is ably demonstrated here... ah well, the author sighs at the folly of man...
By and by we arrived at the guided busway and went our separate ways. Lalli presumably to recover from her speedy efforts and the rest of us to reflect and 37 miles spent enjoying the countryside in its spring glory. April isn't really that cruel – it was actually quite lovely.
Greg
*Rupert will tell me off for making statistical claims if I don't give the source. This figure is from the Savills report on the Cambridge property outlook.
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GPS track (GPX).