Sunday, 27 March 2022
Bliss was it on that dawn to be alive,
Greg writes: As neat a summary of the conditions for the ride on Thursday 24th as I could come up – though with apologies to Wordsworth for 'improving' his efforts.
We gathered at The Square & Compasses on a slightly chill morning but the mist was clearly set to burn off and the wind was tellingly absent.
A change from recent days/weeks – much welcomed. The riders started to arrive – John Redsocks didn't disappoint and he lived up to his moniker. Ed arrived and was 'Bursting' out of his top (well actually Ed doesn't burst since that's not what lean beanpoles do but he complained that he had put on a few pounds and the zip on his top had broken.) Self-evidently Ed is not changing his ways – see later where LJ's bacon baps remained on the approved list. Anyway, he fettled his zip successfully...
Next up was Dr John sporting a rather fetching dressing on his forehead -a result of his recent brush with a stomach bug leading to a moment of imbalance whilst hotfooting it to the loo. Suggestions that it is just an effort to gain a Harry Potteresque scar may be misplaced.
To complete the sartorial attendees of note (for now) Mike CC once again had his legs on show. Initial fears that this might scare away the sun were thankfully unfounded.
Along with Averil, Richard and the ever-glowing Adrian (see later) we happily set off – to gain Susan round the corner and then Dave W as we passed through Haslingfield.
Talking of which – we had a brief pause there whilst Mike CC powdered his nose/applied more mascara/adjusted his straps – it was something to do with his clothes but we were too polite to ask...
Once again we set off – this time to the dulcet tones of Dr J complaining that the route was placing us on the shady side of the road and it was still a little chill. Blimey – you plan a route and they still find something new to complain about! Talking of routes…. there was an early mutiny at Bourn when Dave W decided we should take the more scenic back route and demanded to know who else agreed. Dr J helpfully agreed and confirmed the ford was neither too deep nor at all slippery. Clearly this was another fault of the original planned route and so we duly took the scenic route – which may possibly have been marginally more sunny, once more pleasing the good Doctor.
We were all happily cycling along now enjoying the birdsong, the plentiful daffodils and blossom and generally the spring-like beauty of the English country lanes….'Oh to be in England now that Spring is there' was now changed to Ahhh, to be in England now that Spring is here'. This is turning into a Murder the Poetry blog! Anyway, we were pretty contented cyclists at this stage.
But not for long… once more there was dissent in the ranks. A further route improvement was deemed essential and the ringleader for this mutiny, our good Doctor, insisted that things would be significantly enhanced by visiting the oldest post mill in England. The oldest, in England? The startled masses were eager for such an erudite enhancement to their travels and we duly went to see said mill – dating from 1614 which is a year notable only for said post mill erection, as best as I could recall. We gazed in humbled awe (sort of).
We then set off once more, this time to a cacophony of pinging. Yes there were now numerous Garmins chirruping and adding to the birdsong as they demanded we do a U turn since we were off route. Indeed Susan's guidance was even more strident since she had linked her Garmin directions to her IPhone and a deep-throated Kevin Costner/George Clooney type voice was imploring she 'Turn back' in a mellow American accent. She insisted it was a technical error and not an attempt to be accompanied by these throbbing tones as she travelled the byways…..
So we arrived at Gamlingay and the ever-popular LJs. Popular indeed as 'Other People' were there and in the queue – ordering such exotics as burger and chips, bacon and burger sauce baps and a whole panoply of other items. However, one thing we do know at LJs is that service is reasonably well organised and soon we too all had our drinks/food. Ed clearly was taking no chances regarding when he might next eat so was getting stuck into one of LJs inestimable Bacon Baps.
There was an outbreak of contented well-being as we caught up with David who had come independently and fortunately a little before us – thus nabbing the best table for the CTC crowd. A bit of shuffling of chairs and a near miss for Averil when she almost toppled her chair backwards off the raised deck and we were all sat comfortably. Even Dr J was happy since he was in the sunniest corner….
Yet what's this – the peace shattered by the arrival of John Seaton armed (or footed) with the brightest and most eye straining pair of socks….I believe the modern term is Attention Seeking Behaviour. They worked and generated considerable interest….
After a pleasant 45 mins. Or so we regrouped and set off. Both Dr J, David and Richard were heading directly back and the rest of us setting off together on the Potton road before then turning off on the road to Hatley and Wrestlingworth. Oh, what a glorious day to be on your bike. The lanes had little traffic, the birds were chirruping (and they alone as the Garmin hiatus was now resolved) and the hedgerows were just starting to come into leaf/blossom.
We pressed on via Wendy and then turned off just before the Croydon Hill to cycle along the ridgeway and come to Wimpole. Here Mike CC needed a break to ease his back and suggested an ice cream stop. His Magnum Opus was welcomed by John S but the rest of us opted to continue – Susan and Dave W setting off ahead and the remainder forming a more leisured crew.
So the majority of us came through Thriplow. For once they had timed their Daffodil Festival well and the blooms had self-evidently been glorious at the weekend. If anything, they were possibly marginally better for us – a splendid and cheering sight.
A special mention to Adrian. His fluorescent orange top is a delight to any ride leader as he is happy at the back shepherding stragglers. A quick glance from the front and if the dayglo orange is in sight then we can continue. Thanks Adrian for your efforts!
So, the final leg passed off uneventfully and the full loop back to the start was some 49.7 glorious sun backed, blossom filled, entertaining and memorable miles – Bliss!
Greg