Sunday, 30 January 2011
Rob writes: On a crisp, overcast Sunday afternoon, at 1.30pm, nine keen cyclists gathered at Brookside.
We headed east along Lensfield road, and across Parker's Piece towards the riverside path, on route to Waterbeach. Navigating past the various walkers, runners, fishermen and rowing coaches on the dirt path proved slightly tricky at times (I was reminded to invest in a bell !), but this was still one of the highlights of the ride as we took in the river scenery and relished the accomplishment of overtaking rowers!
We re-joined the road at Waterbeach and meandered through Landbeach, Cottenham and Rampton. Since we had some time to spare, Jacob suggested an alternative route between Rampton and Willingham which included pleasant countryside, although the road which comprised large concrete stabs (apparently built during WW2) proved rather bumpy, especially for those of us without much suspension! From Willingham we travelled south towards our tea destination in Oakington, via Longstanton.
Ten minutes prior to arriving at the Oakington Garden Centre we caught up with the Day Riders, thereby turning our arrival party into a formidable group of fifteen!
The three staff members (who were probably starting to wind down for the day) experienced an adrenalin rush as we walked through the door and approached the counter to place our orders! The food options were reasonable and the room was spacious and warm.
After tea, we went our separate ways home. I arrived back at Brookside at 16h30, after covering
26 miles (and burning 1451 calories!!)
Rob C.View this GPS track on a on a larger map