Wednesday, 03 May 2017
Nigel writes: Although we're getting quite a lot of daylight during the evenings just now, these evening rides are turning out to be a bit of a niche activity this spring, with just one or two other riders each week - though often different people each week. Tonight I was accompanied by Alex, who (in addition to looking for a gentle recovery ride as part of his Audax training) was probably attracted by the opportunity for a new pub stop.
Our goal tonight was Balsham, which allowed us to visit some new lanes we haven't ridden before on an evening ride. After the usual exit down Hills Road, over the Gogs and through the Wilbrahams to Six Mile Bottom, we climbed the whole length of Brinkley Hill to Brinkley.
Approaching Brinkley
At Brinkley we could have turned right and followed the B-road directly to Balsham, but we still had plenty of time so instead we carried on east for a very pleasant loop via Carlton and West Wickham, still arriving at The Black Bill in Balsham quite early at about 8.10pm.
The pub itself was just fine: very quiet with plenty of space to sit, and a good pub menu that was slightly less expensive than some of the other places we sometimes visit, and very friendly. It's also very well located for the pre-pub ride as well as an easy, fast return home afterwards. We will be back.
After a pleasant burger and pint we rolled back down the hill to Fulbourn and Cambridge. I arrived home at 10pm, having cycled 55km (
33 miles).
Nigel Deakin
Download
GPS track (GPX).