CTC Cambridge

Thursday 13 July 2023 

Edward writes: The southern group met in Great Shelford with a rather mixed weather forecast: cooler of late but with the possibility of showers. Nobody was put off and thirteen started punctually for Newport with the aim of arriving there before the main city group and the loiterers' group, both of whom were also having coffee at Newport.

We made good progress along the usual route through Whittlesford, Duxford, Ickleton and over Coploe Hill. At the summit we were joined briefly by the loiterers, but they were taking a longer route to Newport so the plan was still working. We all arrived in Newport only to find Adrian already there as he was doing what Adrian does and enjoying his off-road knowledge.

The main city group arrived soon after which enabled a rare opportunity for the two groups to talk to each other: this doesn't often happen. As we left, the weather looked as if one of the promised showers was lurking about. Instead of going along the busy B1383 we went via Wicken Bonhunt but, just before getting there, the rain arrived, and we found a convenient motorway bridge to shelter under. After a while the rain seemed to ease off so we started again but shortly after that the rain came again. What was impressive was that everyone carried on to lunch when there was the opportunity to turn for home. Great stuff!

We went through Rickling and Rickling Green before joining the B1383, but only for a few hundred yards: we turned off just before Ugley and headed for Henham. After a mile on the main road we turned off into lovely country lanes all the way to Great Easton. The potholled state of the roads was always a worry but fortunately the rain was holding off which was a real bonus. "Hole!" was a frequent cry along these lanes but we all made it safely into Great Dunmow.

Planned route

Everyone had brought a packed lunch with them so we sat and sheltered under the oak trees in the park at the bottom of the hill. The rain stopped and it seemed that everyone thought the best thing to do was skip going into the town but head for home. Duly agreed we retraced our route through Great and Little Easton then continued northwards past Duton Hill and joined the Thaxted road to Suckstead Green and then along to Hamperden End.

Debden Green and Debden followed as we made our way to Saffron Walden leaving a stint on the B1383 to Great Chesterford. As we passed Ickleton Barns some called in for tea but they were out of luck as it had already closed. However, to their relief, the other facilities there were still open. The ride finished back in Great Shelford after 100 km 60 miles. Thanks to all who came, and for being so intrepid, as the weather could have been a bit better. Edward