CTC Cambridge

Thursday 25 January 2024 

Greg writes: So, there we were in Shelford – celebrating the fact that it is only 11 months to Christmas (or maybe that it was Burns Night this evening). Either way – a group foregathered and the lack of kilts and tartan was somewhat disappointing....

Andy, Sarah, Ed, Richard, Sharon, Sheila, Susan, Ian and Peter made up the merry crew! Is there some kind of rule about only females with a name starting with S are permitted? We should be told!

After a brief hiatus due to a 'Mechanical' with a misbehaving chain we headed off to Whittlesford and Duxford. The passage over the stream at Hinxton had added drama but not because someone did a Mike CC and attempted the ford. Note, this is foolhardy at the best of times but today there was plenty of water around which meant the flow was quite high. No, this was an induced wobble via the passage over the foot bride. The narrow gap does induce a kind of vestibular hiatus in some and this time an unplanned dismount was the result. No lasting damage to rider, bike or bridge was sustained!

Andy announced he'd had enough and was leaving the group. Somewhat miffed at his terse announcement it transpired that this was mere bluff – it was not our welcoming embrace that had caused his departure but the fact that he'd dropped his gloves when rushing for the train and was keen to retrieve same.

We were delighted to welcome him back into the bosom of the group when we reconvened at the top of Coploe Hill – begloved and with his radiant smile and erudite wit enhancing the day (oh sorry, no that's another Andy. This one was transfixed by the cricket scores which were getting all his attention and causing a downturn in his mood as England floundered around once again...^*)

We rode across the 'High Veldt' into the strengthening Southerly wind, though once at Catmere End we had some relief by going downhill. Not for long – on past Audley End and then up the steep rise to Saffron Walden. However, we avoided the town centre by turning right at the first roundabout and cutting the corner – emerging onto the Debden Road. Up and down we went into the wind – past Roos Farm (would have been more appropriate a day later on Australia Day but we can't have everything. Weird name – anyone know the reason??)

We eventually turned left at the crossroads and rode past the barracks to end up at Blossom Bites – the renamed Bonnefire Box. So, although no Bonnefire in the name anymore there sure was a roaring fire in situ – the woodburner was going 'Full Chat' though actually burning coal – so v. hot! We were made very welcome – earning a 10% discount as a welcome to cyclists. Memo to self – a great stop – especially good on a cold day!

As we stood outside getting ready to depart there was a general appreciation of the welcome and also the discount. 'What discount?' asked Peter. 'Oh s@*t – I haven't paid!' 'Peter The Crim' made a hasty re-entry into the venue and coughed up – eager to restore his threatened good name!

After these dramas we were glad to get underway – downhill retracing our steps briefly before the sharp left up the 11% hill towards Debden. We threw a right after a few km a couple of miles to add a loop on some gloriously quiet roads. Quiet, that is, apart from the incessant moaning of Andy who urgently wanted to know why he was having to cycle 'Up a river'. My response that it was easier than cycling in the fields alongside did little to mollify him and Susan's more reasoned response that it was due to the run off from said fields also did little to satisfy. Sometimes it's just better to let a chap have a moan (said Sarah!)

Despite our somewhat tardy departure from coffee the short run to lunch meant we were back on schedule. We split into groups to eat our sandwiches – some people gaining a preferred perch whilst others were left out of the fold!

Once the food had been consumed we then repaired to Parrish's for a welcome hot drink – all except Ed and Richard who wanted to head back straight away.

After a pleasant half hour thawing out and chatting we made to depart. There was some banter as we were outside 'Togging Up' when suddenly the cry went up once more 'Oh s@*t – I haven't paid!' Pete the Crim was in the clear this time – now it was Susan who was attempting to get CTC Cambridge banned from sundry establishments! She rushed back in the rectify things before we headed off.

The quality of the ride leader is usually made apparent by their close attention to the important details.....and for once things panned out in our favour (aka I got lucky!). The ride back was now all wind assisted so, despite there being rolling hills aplenty we had the joys of Divine Assistance to speed us home. So we went on – Great Sampford, Radwinter – a hearty farewell to Andy and Sarah and the rest of us went on through Ashdon into Linton.

In Linton we benefitted from the little wrinkle to cut out a 200 m 200 yard section of main road – courtesy of Adrian via Ed and were soon battling the masses outside Linton Village College at 'Home Time'. This is a hazard for any cyclist because, even though we were on the cycle path, no self respecting teenager is going to be paying any attention to their surroundings. Indeed, they were all duly busy chatting to mates or staring at phones and so were gloriously unaware of the cyclists attempting safe passage through. Yet somehow we made it and were soon heading through Abington and over the cycle path bridge.

We were back at 4pm having done about 85 km, with 750 m 53 miles, with 2500 feet of climbing. Both records for many of us this calendar year – the forerunner of many more such rides out – great fun had by all and what's more all debts properly paid!! Greg

^*England did manage to win this test after some heroics so at least that's something to please Andy!