CTC Cambridge

Saturday, 07 October 2023 

Angela writes: Ken led the Saturday morning ride on another unusual adventure. About 20 riders turned up at Brookside, lured by the unseasonably warm weather and the promise of a coffee stop at the Cottenham ploughing match.

After a fairly direct ride out, we pulled off Long Drove into a field, where about 30-40 tractors of varying shapes and sizes were carefully ploughing their plots. After enjoying the eccles cakes and bacon rolls, we took a closer look. The judging criteria remained a mystery but there was a lot of measuring going on, and an array of cups and shields awaited the winners. According to Ken, the ploughing match has been taking place for 180 years and is believed to be one of the oldest in the country. Apart from tractors replacing horses, it felt like a tradition that has changed little over the years.

The ploughing match was not the only new experience for the day. The route back took us through Rampton and across the busway to Longstanton. From there, we took the bridleway across to the A1307, crossing the newly opened Wilson's Bridge, over the Northstowe access road. The bridge has been in situ for some time and it was good to finally be able to use it.