Monday, 10 December 2018
It is apparently the 'awards season' at this time of year,
writes Greg. Whilst CTC Cambridge might not bother the voters for Sports Personality of the Year 2018 (shame though that is), it soon became apparent on our ride today that we had some worthy winners amongst our number – and I shall try and do them justice!
So, without further ado – step forward Rachel who undoubtedly gets the award for
Newest Bike on a Ride. Her fine-looking Genesis was about five minutes old and looked shiny and bright even though it was last year's colour (though for a saving of 25% who wouldn't have chosen it?) Well done Cambridge Cycle Company who she gave a glowing testimonal for the way they sorted the bike out. She had come to the ride direct from the shop!
Look – it even matches my top!
The
Most Dramatic Appearance award and a shameless attempt to grab some early attention goes, predictably, to Lalli – who had sent hubby Mark on ahead to ask us to wait a minute or two for her grand entrance! Once she had made her impactful arrival we were free to depart – and with Liz, Adrian, Avril, Niall, Mike K, John Red Socks, Dennis and Jane all along we had a round dozen of us heading across Lammas Land and then turning onto the Grantchester Road.
We went through Grantchester and across Trumpington Meadows before trying to negotiate the temporary lights at the top of London Road in Harston. Here we were somewhat delayed as Mark decided that he needed to make a splash! He disappeared into the bushes to re-emerge some two minutes later whilst we all waited for him to rejoin the group after his 'comfort break' (as they term it where he hails from.) An award for
Most Obvious Personal Needs Stop is heading his way!
We went through Newton and on to Thriplow. Here Adrian did his usual trick of disappearing off the back of the group and, as if by magic, reappearing ahead of us! Adrian clearly gets the
Teleporting award – as well as
Most Iconic Orange Cagoule award. As if two awards were not enough – he also gets
Oldest Bike award – the reverse of Rachel's gong – since Adrian's bike was some 55 years old! He assures me he is just starting to get used to it! Mike K was a mere second in this category – his bike being just 40 years old – no contest!
After Thriplow we crossed the 505 and headed through Chishill Grange and turned left. The mighty Royston Lane lay ahead – rising at times to 12% gradient it would be the high point of the ride, and Dennis won the
Hill Climbing award for the way he powered ahead and beat all comers! We waited at the top to regroup and when we looked back there was the glorious sight of the scudding clouds, the low, dappled sunlight – and the CTC Cambridge peloton cresting the ridge.
CTC Cambridge on top of the world!
We swept downhill – the tarmac on the up side had been shocking but we were briefly now in Essex where we had smooth roads to enjoy! Left onto Quickset Road and we crested the next hill where Averil got the
Field Observation award for noticing that there was a field of rape in full flower. Something is awry with the seasons!
Then the glorious whizz down into Ickleton where we all reformed before turning into the wind to head towards Duxford.
At this stage Lalli was (briefly) in front but she somehow 'did an Adrian' and between Ickleton and Duxford she disappeared! On arriving at the tea stop (Graystones – latterly the Wheatsheaf pub but now a newly-opened bistro café) we realised that Lalli had parted company from us. Mark set off in pursuit though it appears that Lalli had taken a random left turn and only turned back when John RS, who had decided to head home direct, pointed out she was all alone.
Eventually she came across both Mark and Ray and the three of them made a grand entrance after some ten minutes. Lalli was simply looking for a bar to the medal previously awarded for most attention seeking arrival!
Ray had ridden out directly to join us and a very pleasant and relaxed half hour was had by all in the café. Good coffee and a truly epic selection of cakes (so good that Mark and Lalli bought extra slices to take home for later.) This is a great café and we should return again!
Smile for the camera!
Greg's Handmade Tagliatelle
100g 00 flour per person
1 large egg per person
Make a well in the flour and crack in the egg.
Beat initially with a fork until combined in the flour – then knead the flour by hand to work it into a pliable dough.
Wrap in cling film and place in the fridge for 30 minutes to rest
Roll out onto a floured surface using a rolling pin. The pasta needs to be in a thin enough sheet that it flutters and lifts from the surface when you blow under the edge. Slice into even width strands of tagliatelle.
It can be cooked immediately and will take about 3 minutes. Coat on sauce of choice and enjoy – magnifico!
Variations: Add some pesto to the flour so the dough is green and flavoured – other colours are achievable – it depends what you choose to add at this stage!
Whilst discussing the merits of the café and its offering the conversation veered off into alternative Christmas lunches, vegetarian options etc. and Greg held forth about his handmade pasta recipe (right). Ingredients are simple and you don't need a pasta roller – just a rolling pin or equivalent. Here goes with the recipe (I know I haven't given a recipe in a while so it is perhaps about time I came up with another). Also herewith is Lalli's challenge – we await a report on how she got on attempting this!
We should also mention that Liz gets the
Most Improved Award – for her ability to power up the hills. She put this down to red meat and a good night's sleep. Whatever the cause her athleticism was duly noted! She also insisted that any photo capture her best side... I hope I got it right!
We left at 3.30pm just as the first hints of dusk appeared. Rachel gets a second award for
Brightest Back Light – but then a flash new bike needs a flashing new light!
We all duly set off to cross back over the 505. Then through Whittlesford and instead of the direct route we went back via Newton because Adrian had discovered that there were some roadworks in progress – let's hope South Cambridgeshire is getting some better tarmac at last!
After Newton Hill we turned right for Shelford where Greg bid the group a fond farewell and left them all in Ray's capable hands for the journey via the DNA path back to Cambridge. Ray gets the
Deputy Leader award – thanks for taking over!
All in all, as is the way nowadays, we shouldn't actually pick out any individuals for mention. In truth we were all winners to have been out on such a lovely afternoon. Some 30 miles of fresh air and fun – what a prize that was!
Greg
Download
this route (GPX).