CTC Cambridge

Thursday 2 February 2023 

Edward writes: Haslingfield Green was the meeting place for the Southerners' ride to Gamlingay and St Ives. There were nine of us at the start: Andy, Sarah, Sheila, Sharon, Tony, Greg, Susan and Ian B. From a leader's point of view, just the right sort of number. Can anyone spot the former England cricketer in that list? The weather was good in that it was warmer than of late, but there was a stiff wind which would be against us most of the way to St Ives.

There were three club rides heading for Gamlingay and it seems the idea was that this would form an informal club get together. Our route was the shortest with only thirteen miles to do. We started by going through Harlton and the Eversdens which was a case of dodging the potholes (third world comes to mind), and into Kingston for a short get together.

Another short breather in Longstowe was followed by a tough ride into the wind all the way into Gamlingay, even the downhill bit into Gamlingay required some pedalling. The impressive sight of the "NSG" was seen racing up the hill but, hey, the wind was behind them.

We arrived at LJ's at 10.50am which as it turned out, was well before the other CTC Cambridge groups that were heading here today. LJ's is an indulgence for some of us with a taste for their egg and bacon sandwiches.

At about 11.30am we set off again, which meant we were unable to meet the other two groups. Another time maybe! Tony and Susan left us here and made their own way home.

We left Gamlingay by the Cinques, followed by a pleasant ride to Abbotsley, Croxton and Graveley. The ubiquitous Adrian was spotted along the way following his own route to Gamlingay. Graveley was the turning point as the wind was now behind us, and it was easy riding all the way to Hilton and Fenstanton. Even allowing for a puncture just outside St Ives we arrived at Nuts Bistro soon after 1pm.

After lunch, our journey home was along the busway, all the way to the Girton turning. In Girton, Andy and Sarah left us and the remainder made a slight deviation from the planned route and went through Eddington, over the M11 and through Coton Country Park, leaving only Barton and Haslingfield to finish the ride with 50 miles.

Thanks to everyone for their company and making it such an easy ride to lead. Edward E

Clue to the England cricketer: he was born in South Africa!