CTC Cambridge

Thursday 12 September 2019 

Edward writes: From the beginning this looked as it if it would be a good day for cycling: sunny, warm, and a bit of south-westerly breeze. In other words a good September day. Encouraged by this good weather, fourteen turned up in Haslingfield for our ride to Much Hadham for lunch and taking coffee on the way at the Silver Ball in Reed.


Once again Sheila had stepped forward to lead us: what would we do without her? So we can't blame her for starting the ride over Chapel Hill, and this meant more punishment between Barrington and Shepreth on one of East Anglia's worst road surfaces. An exaggeration, but only a bit.


After crossing the A10 we came to Fowlmere where we were joined by three more club riders. We soon came to the A505 and now we entered the serious climbs starting with the climb up to Barley. Just outside Barley we backmarkers came across Mike (who else?) attending to a puncture in Phil's rear wheel. In terms of time this wasn't a problem as there would bound to be a long queue for coffee at the Silver Ball. And so it proved as we were able to join a much shortened queue. As expected we found Peter and his Slickers already there. Peter and the Slickers – sounds like a 60's pop group.

After coffee there was the usual comings and goings with people going in all directions. Greg was one who went home so that was our regular amusing briefing on Brexit lost for the afternoon. Sheila, instead of retracing our steps back to Barkway, chose to go via Sandon which makes for a better ride.

The wind became against us as we rode through Sandon, and later, heading due south, through Cromer and on to Ardeley. All of this was good for the afternoon ride as it meant we would be riding back home with the wind behind us. But first we had to negotiate our way to Great Munden and then across the old A10 (Ermine Street) through Colliers End before turning due west for Barwick Ford.


Four miles later we reached Much Hadham and Hopley's Cafe for the lunch break, arriving about 1.15pm. We found the city group already there and for once not just ready to leave. There was actual conversation between the two groups which is a first. Rupert took over Greg's role with the dreaded 'B' word (yawn) whilst Andy and I followed the Test Match and I now know more than I need to know from Andy about Hampshire cricket (yawn).


Finally, after an enjoyable lunch, normal service was resumed with the "slickers" leaving first, followed by their country cousins a little later at 2.20pm.

As expected, the wind was behind us as we headed north up to Little Hadham crossing and the usual long wait. However work seems to progressing quickly on the by-pass which presumably will eliminate these long waits.

We soon reached Stocking Pelham, Brent Pelham, the Langleys and Chrishall. When we reached Fowlmere there was the usual parting of the ways, with some finishing the ride back to Haslingfield and other heading towards the Shelfords. Today we enjoyed nice weather and a good leader: another good day with 64 miles to our credit. Edward

Edward adds: Before I finish I'd like to send John E, who has cycled with us so many times, our best wishes whilst he continues to recover. Good luck with your forthcoming op and we hope to see you soon!



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