Thursday, 10 December 2020
John J writes: So, as I waited for Michael S at Swavesey the Sun raised its head above the Busway!At Brookside we were joined under grey sky by Peter, John E, Alex and Mike CC. The mood was bright and we were all happy to get back to 'group' riding and the first 'two-stopper' for many months.
The route to coffee was a conventional one, out towards Addenbrookes and the DNA path. Traffic was light and the conversation light-humoured! As we approached Babraham there was some trepidation about the state of the track to the bridge over the A11. Well, it wasn't as muddy as we had thought it might be, but a sticky cleat led to an embarrassing topple by JJ as he headed across the field! Luckily it wasn't captured on film and only Mike CC was around to witness it! The road to Linton was closed and rather than risking a 'return' we took the shorter route to Balsham, much to Mike CC's delight, where the Old Butcher's café did us proud with coffee, cakes, bacon rolls and the use of their courtyard tables.
Conversation was lively, Alex looking somewhat sceptical about MCC's remarks on 'you know what'!
After coffee John E returned to the City which explains his grumpy expression! However, we remained as a 'Group of 6' as we had been joined by Ian W on his borrowed vintage bike – lovely except when going uphill; he struggled with the 55t Chainring!
Everyone felt the chill after coffee and we were almost longing for a hill to climb, but as we turned more towards the north the wind was behind us and we sped forward towards Stetchworth, Cheveley, Kennet and on towards Chippenham. The roads were clear but very wet and often muddy. Lunch was at one of our favourite pre-Lockdown venues, La Hogue Farm Shop. We weren't disappointed by the welcome or the fare.
Having warmed up and eaten our (modest?) fare, we set off towards Snailwell, Exning and Reach. Peter had a minor mechanical issue in Burwell, but this was soon sorted and we pressed on along the cycle path, past Anglesey Abbey and down to Quy. Here Peter and Alex departed and then Ian left to collect his son from school in Fen Ditton. The remaining three headed towards Ditton Meadows, still having to go via Newmarket road, before ending our ride at around 2.45pm. An excellent day out and good to be back with friends!
John J