CTC Cambridge

Thursday 5 September 2019 

Edward writes: It was a surprise to arrive at the Great Shelford start and see only nine riders for our ride to Saffron Walden and Castle Hedingham and only six, it was later reported, in the city. After the parliamentary shenanigans of Wednesday one would have thought the prospect of a good ride would be a welcome relief. Be that as it may we had the good fortune to have Susan as our leader so a good ride was assured.


The weather had certainly turned a bit autumnal with a brisk north-west wind putting a decided nip in the air. With all the formalities completed we set off via Little Shelford and Newton and headed out to the A505. At Chrishall Grange there is a choice of two hills and we had to go up Royston Lane which is the steepest. Adrian was having none of that and made his own way up to Chrishall, a much less arduous option; it's rarely ever wise to ignore what Adrian does.


Back to Royston Lane, and after the terrible surface of the Cambridgeshire side the descent, now in Essex, was on a very smooth surface. This brought us to Coploe Hill, Chestnut Avenue and the last climb into Saffron Walden for coffee at the Curious Goat. Meanwhile the city group went to the Mocha.

With such a small group we were served quickly and were able to start again shortly just after 11.30am, and were now joined by Simon. We left Saffron Walden on Ashdon Road and soon joined New House Lane which is a delightful couple of miles over to the other Ashdon Road which took us to Radwinter.

Unavoidably conversation at times mentioned the 'B' word but that other important event (the Ashes Test Match) wasn't overlooked. However the ping on the phone (signifying a wicket) didn't sound too often. Those Aussies are pretty good – certainly at least one of them.

Most of the morning ride benefited from the wind and one could always hope that it would drop for the ride home.

We went through the Sampfords and Finchingfield and on to Wethersfield (formerly home to the US Air Force). Five miles later we arrived in Sible Hedingham. Shortly after we came to Castle Hedingham where the ride was prorogued so that we could have lunch. (I'm just trying to use the new words – even if they don't quite fit the text!) We found the city group at Buckley's tea rooms but they were soon ready to leave.

After lunch, and just after 2pm, we were on our way again. The wind was certainly against us, but really it didn't seem too bad and we made our way quickly to Toppesfield and Stambourne. The hedgerows obviously did their bit in protecting us from the wind. This is the time of the year with not only the season changing but also the fields; with the harvest completed they are now being prepared for their new crops, and being cyclists this is one of the many things we can observe at close hand.


Steeple Bumpstead came, followed by Helions Bumpstead where there was rebellion in the ranks. The route was to take us over Olmstead Green but nobody fancied it and Susan gracefully gave in (her arm didn't hurt too much) and we went up to Castle Camps instead. Next was Bartlow and after an interminable wait to cross the A1307 we made it to Linton. At Hildersham we ignored the Garmin again and went through the village followed by Abington, Babraham, Sawston and eventually back to Great Shelford at 4.40pm after 65 miles. A special thanks to Susan who led us throughout the day with her customarily elan! Edward



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