Sunday, 05 July 2015
John writes: Today's group consisted of nine (appropriately like a TdF team). Under Ray's leadership the eight domestiques consisted of John E, Hannah, Mike K, Neil, Paul, Simon, Steve and me as Lanterne Rouge.
We extended a warm welcome to Hannah who was on her first CTC ride. We hope to see her again soon.
Brookside
Ray led us onto the Huntingdon Road along which we sped in single file like a team time trial. After Girton and Oakington Steve pointed out some houses which had lost their roofs due to a lightning strike in the early hours of the previous day.
Storm-damaged houses in Longstanton
We continued North Westerly through Fen Drayton, Fenstanton and under the A14 by King William IV pub. We were now on quiet roads heading into a South Westerly. After Hilton it came onto rain and we sheltered briefly at Graveley. At the duck pond we turned left and were now cycling on a quiet lane with views over the Ouse valley to the right. At the cross-roads (Toseland) we turned right which took us to Great Paxton and St. Neot's. I rarely cycle on this road because in the week it is usually too trafficky but today it was quiet.
Graveley
At St Neots drizzle sent us inside the Ambience café which was very busy and noisy. It is however reasonably priced and with a friendly service. Like the previous week there was no sign of any day-riders. After tea we crossed the riverside park and left the town by the Waresley road.
Near Longstowe
With now fine weather and a following wind we were soon back in Cambridge having cycled through Waresley, the Gransdens, Longstowe Toft, Comberton and Barton. The countryside was looking fine with barley ready for the combine and wheat nearly ripe. Paul pointed out a wheat field devastated by black grass. This is something I had heard of but never seen.
I was home at 7 o'clock precisely having cycled
50 enjoyable miles.
John Ferguson