Friday, 28 January 2022
Edward writes: We had a club ride to visit some old favourites in Newport and in Stansted Mountfitchet, with fifteen members meeting at the Square and Compasses in Great Shelford.
The early part of the ride, as far as the weather was concerned, was disappointing with bouts of drizzly rain. However the afternoon was predicted to be better, and so it turned out, with blue skies which we hadn't seen in the morning, making it all look very pleasant.
With this number of riders we had to set off in two groups, with Andy taking the first group and with me leading the following group. This worked very well, with no risk of the groups coming together.
We took a regular route to Newport via Coploe hill and Telegraph Hill, with both groups arriving for coffee at Dorrington's Bakery in Newport just before, and just after, 11am.
Afterwards some riders went home, leaving ten to carry on. We took the hilly route to the Debden turning, with more undulations heading to Debden Green. Now we were on the flat for the three miles into Henham, although into a freshening breeze.
We passed through Henham and Elsenham and reached Stansted Mountfitchet at 12.40pm for lunch at the Bear and Eden Coffee Shop. About half the group sat outside in the sunshine for their sandwiches and then joined the others inside. We found the Bear and Eden friendly and welcoming, with a menu to suit most cyclists.
We left Stansted at 12.50pm for the ride home through Manuden and Clavering. The wind had become a challenge and, with the road tending climb, at times it was hard work. We reached the last of the climbing at Chrishall and we finished through Duxford and Whittlesford, arriving back in Shelford just before 4 pm. Our distance was 82 km51 miles. Edward