CTC Cambridge

Friday 9 June 2023 

Alex writes: It's been a long time in the planning, and a global pandemic delayed it, but today at 09:00 the Flatlands Four set off from Cambridge; destination Rome.

The team

Like a famous string quartet, the personnel may change but the name (and style) persists. So it is with the Flatlands Four with Andy C bowing out to be replaced by Bill P.

The method

As with LEJOG the plan is based around a carefully-designed route and pre-booked accommodation. We are carrying all our own stuff. On arrival in Rome a courier company has been contracted to repatriate the bikes while the riders return independently (after a bit of sightseeing).

How the day went

After leaving Cambridge at first everything was so familiar with a ride down to Ickleton. Then we turned onto the B road and made efficient progress all the way down to Stansted before taking quieter lanes through Essex.

This was the first hot day of summer with the temperature touching 30°C, and this called for some unscheduled refreshment stops. Down by the Thames though there was a strong breeze and this cooled us down as we crossed on the Tilbury/Gravesend ferry.

Once over the river it was but a short hop to the hotel. I am feeling drained after the exertions and the heat. Glyn announced "I don't feel anything!"

>>> Next: Day 1 to Dover.