Wednesday, 10 July 2013
Gareth writes: It was one of the best evenings we've had all year: clear skies, sun, but not too hot. Maybe everyone was on holiday, or maybe they were staying in to watch the Tour de France Stage 11 highlights, but whatever the reason, there were only two of us at Brookside at 18:30.
Jim was keen on a longer and faster ride than usual on these evening rides, and I was happy to oblige, so after taking the usual route along the river and NCR 51 to Bottisham, we headed southeast to Dullingham. On High Ditch Road we saw a buzzard: that's the closest to Cambridge that I've ever seen one. Maybe in a few years we'll be seeing them over Midsummer Common?
Instead of turning right at Dullingham, we carried on to Stetchworth and Wooditton, where I offered Jim a choice: left and take a short loop back to Dullingham via Stetchworth Park, or right and take a long loop via Kirtling Green and Great Bradley. Right it was, and off we went. We don't often get into Suffolk on these evening rides!
Riding into the sunset near Brinkley with Wadlow Wind Farm in the distance.
The longer loop meant we were a bit late getting to the Carpenter's Arms at Great Wilbraham. This pub now has its own brewery (Crafty Beers) in the stable block at the back: the beers are on tap in the pub and can be delivered locally.
We came back via Teversham, Newmarket Road Park & Ride, and Ditton Meadows. About 42 miles in all.
View CTC ride to Great Wilbraham, 2013-07-10 in a larger map