Monday, 14 January 2019
Ding ding,
writes Greg, as he rings in the New Year with his new bike bell – 'Thanks Santa'.
The fact that it was mentioned that the ride to Waresley would be the first proper outing for said bell when the pre-ride note was issued to the CTC email group was clearly what had tempted so many to Brookside. There were fifteen riders eager to get going at the sound of the bell. Beverley noted its very discreet look – such a feature that a picture of the cockpit is required. This rightly wins the new award for the 'Most boring cycling related photo'. I look forward to anyone finding a more tedious picture... Anyway, reading left to right there is the £9 ALDI light (mentioned later), the 'Charming Garmin' which guided us admirably and the excitingly subtle new bell.
Cockpit layout
Said bell was duly rung at 1pm exactly and we set off.
Eager to get going
Getting out of Cambridge is always a bit tedious and, given that today we had some 18 miles straight into the wind to get to coffee the route was direct. We went on the bike path alongside the Barton Road – fairly tedious but effective – and after some four miles we crossed the A603 and picked up the Haslingfield Road. At last we were on quiet country lanes – and what's better this one has been resurfaced!
The road from Barton to Haslingfield was in open country and this gave us a taste of what was to come with a strong headwind. Who knew that there could be quite such detailed discussion over whether this was technically breezy or windy. These details matter – and in common parlance apparently breezy is a little more intermittent than windy. Trust me, it was windy!
We picked up Phil as we made the right turn towards Harlton – and now we were into the teeth of the gale. Some were finding this hard going. We crossed the 603 at the Pergola and continued flogging into the rising storm. There were now some flecks of rain in the air...
On through Harlton and over Kingston Hill – pausing at South Sea farm to regroup and catch breath. Now we were in more open and slightly undulating countryside – battling into the tempest as we flogged away towards Bourn.
Greg called a halt at the lay by just before Bourn golf club and decided that an outbreak of democracy was in order. Did people want to continue working away into the hurricane (OK I think we have now officially built this weather phenomenon up too far – and I have just about run out of terms to describe matters) or did we want to divert into Bourn Golf Club for an earlier break than scheduled? The People's Vote can back with a resounding verdict – continue on – and so we did just that. Past Bourn Golf Club and Ray threw a right turn with Paul towards Bourn. A less than discreet shout from Greg who was with the main peloton corrected this error and they duly turned around and rejoined us as we went on past the Wysing Arts Centre. This is a less used route – but equally effective.
Paul appeared to be doing more than his fair share at the front – drawing admiring comments for his fortitude and effort. However, Liz eventually realised that Paul was being ably assisted since he was on an electric bike – though we were no less grateful for his stint in the lead.
It is a somewhat bleak and forlorn task getting across to the Gransdens in such a Biblical Hoolie (enough of the weather already!) and something of a gap started to open up. The group reconvened in Gransden and we swept through this pretty village and took the Waresley turn.
Here the mood definitely lightened – the coffee stop was now signposted and there would be a chance of a rest. Jeff and Phil decided to 'Duke it out' for line honours up front and the rest of the group became a little scattered as some found the last two miles of undulating countryside into the wind quite trying. Greg helped (!) by encouraging people with such comments as 'Well, it is what you voted for!' His efforts did however eventually pay off as we arrived at the garden centre at 2.50pm.
Once in there was clearly a sense of relief that the return leg would prove wind assisted. This was clearly going to be a two thirds/one third day. Although both legs of the trip were fairly even – approximately 21 miles each way – the out leg would take two thirds of the effort.
There was a real sense of recharging the system for those who were feeling a little lack of energy on the last stretch. Mark and Lalli continued their search for the perfect coffee and walnut cake and Phil as usual was presented with any unwanted biscuits whilst some others availed themselves of the other cakes on offer.
Recharging
After thirty minutes Greg started to shepherd the crew out. Some wanted to tarry a while but Greg was aware of an important detail – namely that we needed to get to Wimpole before full dusk to avoid the gate being shut. So, everyone was chased out of the garden centre and we duly set off at 3.30pm exactly.
There was a clear sense of being cheated – because the first mile was straight into the wind again – but as we came to Gamlingay we finally turned to a more Easterly direction and there was an outbreak of peace – with wind astern things became quieter – and much faster! This was more like it – we sailed (literally!) through Gamlingay and set off towards Hatley. What was all the fuss about? This cycling lark is easy – especially when wind assisted!
On through Hatley and a sharp left half way down the hill set us on the road that overlooks the countryside right across to the North Hertfordshire Ridgeway. With the sun setting and the wind behind this was a glorious and heartening view – the light was just fading with a subtle hint of pink. No time to stop and reflect on this though because the declining light confirmed that we needed to press on. Bike lights were now on through the group and we pressed ahead through Arrington and across the Roman Road. Phew, gate still open – we went through Wimpole Estate just at dusk – and very scenic it was too.
On then through Orwell and it was now properly dark as we left Phil at his house and pressed on. Greg spared the group the travails of Chapel Hill and we turned right at the church and dropped down to Foxton where we picked up the A10 cycle path – sporting some new stud lights to help us on our way. Through Harston and we turned left onto the cycle path to the M11 farm bridge – this was now properly dark – pitch black is the technical term. Greg was grateful for his powerful light – thanks ALDI – a powerful rechargeable light for under a tenner – what's not to love?
So, at the top of the guided busway the group fractured – and the final distance back to Brookside would have been some
42 miles.
The ride was enjoyed because it is always easy to avoid going out and fighting the elements but when the effort is made and one returns victorious there is a definite sense of achievement. Yes, definitely a victory of sorts – didn't they used to ring bells to celebrate such things?
Greg
Download
this route (GPX).