Sunday, 08 May 2011
Tina writes: Thirteen keen riders (including a record four women!) followed leader Bob B towards the station, up and over the bridge then, twisting and turning along a series of back streets, arrived at the bottom of Mill Road. We crossed the Ring Road and picked up the Tins Path now widened and resurfaced, to Cherry Hinton and then on through more side roads to Fulbourn Old Drift. Our route continued out to Fulbourn and on through the Wilbrahams, turning right towards Brinkley, then left up the A1304 and right along a roughly surfaced track and up Cambridge Hill.
Meteorologists have reported that Spring has arrived about three weeks early this year and certainly looking at the verges with waist high cow parsley and hedgerows laced with May blossom, it appeared more summer than late spring. We cycled on through the curiously named Westley Waterless and then took a path between B1052 and B1061, bringing us out in Burrough Green where ball cracked on willow in that timeless cricketing tradition. Taking a right turn, we followed the road through Carlton (with passing wave to Malcolm and Gwen), Carlton Green and then freewheeled down the road to West Wratting where Peter and Lesley were kindly hosting tea. We enjoyed mugs of tea admiring the garden panorama from the patio until the day ride contingent arrived, when we were pleased to tuck in to Lesley's magnificent spread of sandwiches, scones, cakes and some particularly delectable home-made meringues! We stayed for a good hour chatting and enjoying the sunshine, finally tearing ourselves away just before 6pm.
Two groups returned to Cambridge by different routes. Jacob led the off-roaders back to Balsham where he'd promised a foray along the Roman Road, while the others followed a route home through Dullingham, Swaffham Bulbeck, Stow cum Quy and finally back into Cambridge.
Thanks to Bob for devising a varied route taking us along some delightful country lanes and off-road paths and thanks to Peter, Lesley and family for their great hospitality.
Tina FilbyView this route on a larger map