Sunday, 12 October 2014
Tina writes: I arrived at Brookside fifteen minutes earlier than last week (despite leaving home fifteen minutes later!) and was soon joined by John E. A steady trickle followed until we had a total of ten riders.
After a brief consultation, we decided to 'head for the hills' (always a challenge in Cambridgeshire!) and set off down Fen Causeway, trailing Nigel who had sped off to snap the first action shots of the afternoon.
Brookside
We crossed the Lammas Land and then followed the cycleway beside Barton Road out of Cambridge as far as the Haslingfield turn-off.
Lammas Land
Barton Road
Haslingfield/Barton Road took us down to Haslingfield village, where just past the church we all clicked down in preparation for the climb over Chapel Hill. The group maintained a similar uphill pace, so no-one paused at the top and we sped straight down into Barrington and turned right to Orwell.
Once through the village, we turned briefly on to the A603 and then immediately right towards Wimpole. The estate is always popular with weekend visitors and we passed family groups and dog walkers enjoying the mild, bright October afternoon, though red and gold tinged leaves on some of the trees reminded us that autumn is just waiting in the wings. We paused for a group photo with the Hall providing an imposing backdrop.
Wimpole Estate
Wimpole Estate
Wimpole Estate
From Arrington, we climbed to Croydon enjoying panoramic views across to the hills of Hertfordshire. Croydon Hill, our second climb of the day was steep, but mercifully short and took us up to the Hatleys on a gently undulating road, which we followed as far as Gamlingay. Here we turned right on to the B1040 on the last stretch of our ride up to Waresley Park Garden Centre, arriving around 3.55pm. John R, Conrad and Mike CC - the remnants of the all-day ride - were already enjoying tea and we sat in the extended cafe area until about 4.45pm chatting and relaxing over drinks and cakes.
Waresley
Getting ready to set off for home after tea
After tea the main group headed home via Great Gransden, Caxton and Bourn, while I retraced my tracks to Gamlingay, the Hatleys and sailed effortlessly down Croydon Hill on my way back to Royston.
Tina Filby
Nigel adds: After tea Tina left the group to ride back to Hertfordshire leaving me to lead the remainder of the group back via Great Gransden, Caxton, Bourn and Comberton. I arrived back home just before 6pm, having cycled a total of
38 miles.
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GPS track (GPX).