Saturday, 15 August 2015
Ian writes: Today was a beautifully sunny summer day, and a crowd of cyclists had already assembled at Brookside when I arrived just before 10 am.
After greeting everyone, collecting three guest entry forms and topping up the air in one of the guest riders' tyres, we set off with a total of 16 people, heading down Trumpington Road.
On Trumpington Road (Photo: Julia)
In Trumpington, the road towards Grantchester was taken, particularly peaceful with presently no through traffic whilst the bridge over the Cam is being replaced. However, before the bridge we took the lane to Byron's Pool, immediately diverting onto the recently opened Trumpington Meadows recreational route eventually crossing the M11 and onwards towards rejoining the cycle path along the A10.
Along Service Road beyond M11 crossing (Photo: Julia)
Along Service Road beyond M11 crossing (Photo: Julia)
Approaching Harston it was time to leave the rather narrow cycle path along the busy A10 and take a quieter more southerly route following the B1368 to Fowlmere, of course diverting via Thriplow on the way as we invariably do. Today this section of route had much flying activity overhead, so not completely quiet, but I was quite thankful for as it kept Flo amused aircraft spotting. Once in Fowlmere and now after 11am I expect everyone was looking forward to our arrival at The Teacake in Shepreth our coffee stop for the ride, with its sun trap garden and 30 minutes or so relaxation. Here are group swelled to 19 with Brian, Ed and Mick joining the throng.
Teacake Cafe (Photo: Julia)
Teacake Cafe (Photo: Julia)
Teacake Cafe (Photo: Julia)
Although as usual very pleasant to linger it was soon time to make tracks back to the hustle and bustle of Cambridge, following the more scenic option via Barrington and Haslingfield over Chapel Hill where a short stop was made to regroup and perhaps even test one's brakes before the descent.
Thanks to everyone for participating and looking forward to yet more sunny outings next month!
Ian Wright.