Sunday, 07 September 2014
John writes: On yet another perfect Sunday afternoon for cycling I was joined at Brookside by Ian, Ira, John E, Simon, Phil, Ray, Sven and Tina, who kindly volunteered to be the back marker. Tina's offer was very much appreciated; having a back marker should perhaps be encouraged where there are more than five or six riders.
My previous club ride was across the fens to Wicken so this afternoon I was keen to include a few hills. We took the familiar route via the DNA path and the Shelfords, Duxford (where we decided to omit the planned detour through Hinxton in favour of the direct route) and Ickleton to the bottom of Coploe Hill. Thence we climbed to the summit and took a short break to regroup and admire the view.
Further along, the road through Littlebury Green was virtually traffic-free due to it being closed (though not to cyclists) at the West end.
We continued to Elmdon where Ian pointed out a notice advertising a village meeting to discuss reopening the Elmdon Dial which the previous landlord had been unable to keep going.
Having sped down hill and turned left at Chrishall Grange we arrived at the Teacake cafe in Shepreth at 4.15pm.
Tea in the garden at the Teacake Cafe, Shepreth (Photo: Julia)
At the cafe we met Julia and Florian and the remnants of the day-ride who were just leaving.
Florian and Julia (Photo: Nigel Deakin)
After a very enjoyable tea sitting in the sunny garden we returned to Cambridge via Chapel Hill and Barton. My GPS recorded a distance of
30 miles: surprisingly short but obviously due to the hills.
John Ferguson
View this approximate GPS track on a larger map