Thursday, 29 November 2018
Edward writes: When we were thinking about going out today many must have had second thoughts. It was very windy with light showers but the forecast was a bit more promising predicting that the rain would pass through by 11am (it did) and the wind would drop by 1pm (it did).
So for those who did venture out the prospects weren't all that bad. At Haslingfield we had nine cyclists and back in the city there were six. It was good to see that Peter W had made the trip over from West Wratting which probably means he has a liking for this particular route! With Tony at the helm, we set off to Gamlingay for our coffee, and being Gamlingay, this means bacon sarnies, and then on to St Ives for lunch.
Kingston
Kingston
With the wind from the south-west our outward journey was conducted with relative ease and we followed a traditional route through Harlton and the Eversdens to Bourn. On the climb up to Longstowe Mike and I checked out the cafe at the Wysing Arts Centre to confirm that in fact it had closed.
Longstowe
It was only when we reached Little Gransden and the stretch to Gamlingay that life became difficult. The wind was very strong at the top of the hill. Once or twice one or two of us found it sensible to stop and make sure we were safe to carry on. (Note to the local councils - a new hedgerow would be very welcome.) However as we made the descent into Gamlingay with a hedge on our left we completed the journey to LJ's all in one piece.
Coffee in Gamlingay
As has been said before, LJ's is a very popular watering hole for us and with its new extension it enables us to visit throughout the year. We are always made to feel very welcome and with the extension the availability of food is more extensive, though some of us will take some weaning off the bacon sarnies. It was a shame we didn't see John Red Sox, who must be home by now after his latest cricketing adventure with the Barmy Army to Sri Lanka. Next ride, John!
Leaving Gamlingay
It was very comfortable in LJ's but the ride had to go on but, sadly, most people went home which left Tony with three and Ian with only three or four. The wind was still blowing strongly but this made the ride to St Ives, which is almost due north of Gamlingay, an absolute breeze!
Once again this was a straightforward route through Croxton, Graveley, Hilton and Fenstanton. Between Hilton and Fenstanton we crossed one of the 34 new bridges being constructed along the new A14(M) route. As I finished taking the photo I turned round to see Rupert going at speed back towards Hilton. I don't know what that was all about.
On the new bridge over the A14 between Hilton and Fenstanton
Finally we arrived in St Ives but not before a brief stop in Fenstanton to shelter from the final shower of the day.
After a short break in St Ives for a cup of tea we pressed on for home along the busway. As predicted the wind speed was dropping quickly and with it coming in over our right shoulder we made good progress, meeting only a little resistance as the busway turns slightly more into the wind between Longstanton and Oakington.
After passing through Girton we diverted through Eddington and finally reached home at 3.30pm after
55 miles. As always, thanks to our two leaders, Tony and Ian, who probably had a better day than they had expected first thing this morning.
Edward
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GPS track (GPX).