Thursday, 05 May 2011
Edward writes: Another Thursday and another large turnout. Today we welcomed Sarah and Howard to the ride and at lunchtime we were joined by Alistair. Also Bob B joined us. Greta was away this week so Mike C took up the leadership role (expect extra loops for the extra mileage).
We left Haslingfield church at 9.30am and made our way to Harston and then going over the hlll into Newton. As there were fourteen of us we again split into two groups, thus minimising our effect on traffic. We turned right in Newton and made our way to Thriplow before heading for Fowlmere.
After Fowlmere we took the long road down to the A10 where, after a seemingly endless wait, we finally got the two groups across. We then we through Shepreth, Meldreth and made the turn to go past Malton Golf Club before reaching Orwell. From here it was along the not too busy A603 through Wimpole to the Lazy Dayz transport cafe. Obviously this is a favourite watering hole of the East Anglian Constabulary as there were any number of police motor bikes coming and going from the car park. The lady serving coped admirably with the rush.
After our break it was off again, taking in Wendy, Guilden Morden, Ashwell (no stopping at Days this time) and onto Hinxworth and Edworth before crossing the A1 and then through Langford before arriving at our lunch stop at the Five Bells in Henlow. At lunch some sat outside whilst others sat inside and took advantage of the extensive menu.
For the most part the wind was in our favour in the morning, although today we didn't really see the sun. As Henlow is close to Clifton no ride would be complete without a trip to Byercyles and many had to be dragged away so that we could continue our journey. So, after Clifton it was through Shefford before heading through the beautiful Bedfordshire countryside, with its quiet roads and stunning villages such as Southill, Northill and Old Warden and one village even had a Maypole - quintesentially English. A wonderful ride and not too hilly. After we had passed through these villages it was onto Moggerhanger and the cycle path that was the dismantled Bedford to Cambridge railway and into Sandy.
After Sandy we were too close to Waresley to avoid stopping for some more refreshments. From here people started to make their own way back home. The remainder then went through Great Gransden, Caxton, Bourn. Toft, Comberton, Barton, before finishing at Mike's in Great Shelford. This was a good day out and thanks to Mike for his leadership. Distance
69 miles.
Edward ElmerView this route on a larger map