CTC Cambridge

Thursday 7 December 2023 

So it came to pass, wrote Greg after the style of some forbears, that in the days of Caesar Augustus they missed out horribly. Whilst they may have had a census and even chariots they were sorely lacking bikes.

So, proof positive that the Romans didn't know everything or give us all life's modern accoutrements since at Haslingfield a group of hardy CTC Cambridge members duly foregathered. Although the temperature was a fairly brisk 5C (and never got much warmer) the "Village Crew" were up for a ride.

Alongside Greg were Susan, Phil and Yasmin. An eclectic group that set off like a rocket at 9.33am (allowing a few minutes for late arrivals, in accordance with CTC Cambridge Best Practice). With Yasmin in front we headed towards Harston into a fairly brisk wind.

At the brief A10 section and then the right turn Greg did his 'own the road' trick and held a hand up to indicate to oncoming cars to stop to permit us to turn right safely. They complied, thankfully.

As we swept down towards Whittlesford we espied two people coming towards us – unrecognised at first as the lead cyclist was wearing a bobble hat. But lo, yonder peasant who is he? Forsooth 'tis Andy trying to keep his poorly ear warm! Andy and Sarah duly did a U-turn and joined the group – shortly afterwards our ranks were further swelled by Tony and Ed who were waiting at the pub. Whether they had just emerged from said hostelry was unclear but since it was before 10am we shall give them the benefit of the doubt!

Onwards we battled into the freshening wind – the stormy blast really was sapping our energy and there were to be no "PB"s as we crested Coploe Hill. We reformed at the top of the hill, bemused as to why anyone would feel the need to drop their empty pizza box and coffee cups in the lay by. We truly were in Essex now!

On blasted heath

Across the top the wind howled by we pressed on to Catmere End and finally we were heading downhill.

At the bottom of Chestnut Avenue Tony opted for the stay warm choice and headed back home. The rest of us pressed on to the Goat and Grass cafe in Saffron Walden. On entering the café there was a dearth of free tables, except for the largest table which had eight seats but only one person hogging the place. Ah look, 'tis Nick! He let out an audible sigh of relief. He had been sat there on his own for some 20 minutes claiming 'My friends are coming soon, honest'. He, like Mafeking before, was relieved!

After some good scoff – blossom cake for Blossom (aka Phil), French toast for Andy, and a rather fine omelette for Yasmin being among the foody highlights. There was some discussion on what to do next as the ride was now switched to a "1 stopper" to get back before the threatened rain. Greg was keen on going straight back the way we came to give a linear there and back route which would be a novelty for the website and in contravention of rule 18:3 which demands a loop. He was outvoted and we duly set off (sans Andy and Sarah) to head back via Ashdon.

We successfully negotiated the perils of Saffron Walden traffic – more road ownership and confidence was called for – and headed off out of town. Now we had a cross wind. Susan, though, was unhappy because she had expected the wind to be with us now from the getgo. 'Well it would have been if you'd agreed to my suggestion' said Greg. He was rightly ignored!

We approached Ashdon and regrouped before enjoying a nice long downhill stretch through the village. The council truck was happy enough behind us as we were zooming along but as we flogged away uphill towards Bartlow he found himself stuck behind us. His patience was admirable an eventually he found a safe place to pass. Nick was very excited that our gestured gratitude was returned with a flash – no, not that sort, rather of his amber cab top safety lights.

At Bartlow we duly turned North and Susan could finally smile – the wind was now dead astern! We glided up to the Linton roundabout – sweeping across on new, smooth tarmac. Unfortunately the road was still blocked by security fencing, but it transpired this had been unscrewed and could be easily lifted clear and replaced afterwards (Greg acting as gatekeeper).

We went through Linton and headed up the High Street to find the new cycle path. Ed was feeling quite smug as he found the back route (courtesy of route-finder extraordinaire Adrian who had previously made the discovery) and emerged onto the new bike path. We fair whizzed along to Abington. However, progress was soon thwarted as Blossom (sorry, Phil) cried 'Puncture'. We stood around offering sage advice, as is also required under CTC Cambridge Rule 7, whilst Phil did the hard work.

Observing the hard work

Susan was able to supply some practical assistance in the form of her rechargeable pump which did a great job. Anyone looking for a Christmas present idea could do a lot worse...... We were on our way again though not for long as the ride duly broke up at Sawston having done circa 36 miles (depending on where people joined.) An enjoyable ride which, though cold and windy was dry. It was well worth the effort to get out! Greg