CTC Cambridge

Friday 4 July 2025 

Thankful we were to be meeting on such a glorious day, anticipating the ride ahead, writes Greg. As well as the intrepid, handsome (and modest) leader there were eight others – Ed, Tony, Richard, Avril, Susan, Nick, Mike CC and an escapee from the Saturday rides, Phil T.

We left Shelford Rec on time and headed towards Whittlesford in good spirits – the sun was shining but there was a smattering of high clouds and little wind – truly Champagne Cycling weather.

Ed and Tony were soon demonstrating their 'Gazelle like' qualities as they sped off – energised no doubt by the fabulous weather. The esteemed leader was marshalling the troops behind and checking everyone was ok. Remarkably there were, as yet, no complaints. Read again the list of attendees and be duly amazed!

We were soon through Abington and on to Hildersham where we took the back road to Linton – the old route before the bike path alongside the A1307 was built. It is a lovely road in the mornings but to be avoided in the afternooons when the speeding, late parents of the Linton College students are racing to and fro. We were blessed with sunshine and little traffic.

After crossing the A1307 we headed to Bartlow and went straight on into the more rural corners of Essex/Cambridgeshire. The fields were glowing golden as the sun rose higher in its celestial arc (err, enough of the arty prose, Ed.) We rode on in companionable harmony – even Mike CC found little to complain about (well state of the nation's finances, the international situation, the road surfaces notwithstanding...)

We were soon entering the denizens of Haverhill. Drabbett and Smock was, as usual, busy with its collection of 'Interesting' characters. Although one of the coffee machines was broken it was absolutely clear that the beer pumps were working just fine... Wetherspoons offer a small breakfast and coffee for £4.70 so at least one of us was tempted!

The Young Gazelles had to rush off – we bid Tony and Ed a fond farewell and got on with talking about them as they departed.

The rest of us were rounded up by the ever caring and inspirational leader and we left at 11.40am. We had to cycle through the centre of Haverhill and wend our way through the industrial estate but then we were clear and on the narrow yet glorious lane to Helions Bumpstead.

The road rose and fell and our spirits simply rose as we looked across the rolling Suffolk countryside. This lane was virtually traffic free and we went straight on through Helions B. and took the lane less travelled on to Ashdon. This was an even more glorious stretch of quiet road with only the emergence of 1 large tractor to slow our progress.

We emerged at Ashdon and now it was simply a matter of hauling ourselves up the hill and then whizzing down the other side to enter Saffron Walden. Nick led the charge – his Audax legs getting a good stretch as he ate up the hills – even outpacing the electrics.

In Saffron Walden there was a comprehensive briefing by the esteemed leader – back here for 1.45pm depart. People then made their own choices for lunch – the sausage rolls in Greggs were much enjoyed by Richard (note the plural!) and others, Greg sat in the sunshine with Susan eating sandwiches and others found either Costa of the Goat and Grass to their taste. Richard and Avril led the culture trail into the library where there is a Gibson library at the back of the normal library. A collection of some 40,000 books – many very old indeed – specialising in naturist material (err sorry, that should read naturalist – one rider was somewhat disappointed to discover this fact.)

Greg was at the allocated assembly point at 1.45pm and took much delight in bawling out Richard who arrived three minutes late 'On parade'. Things ain't what they used to be... We departed S.W. by Gold Hill and went past the Audley End Miniature Railway – a splendid day out for those seeking to entertain and amuse young children – highly recommended. Chestnut Avenue was at its high summer best – one of Nick's favourite roads, it transpires. The trees were struggling a bit in the drought – leaves starting to brown and fall and it was only just July.

After Catmere End Greg had arranged a treat for those interested – so thoughtful and caring. The ride was putting the 'T' into CTC – and doing some proper 'Touring' for once. There was a sharp left turn and up the dead end road to Strethall church. The club has cycled past this point on numerous occasions – indeed Richard and Mike, our two senior attendees on the ride, had both been past the road and never ventured to explore the church. It is only a 300m 300 yard detour and well worth it.

Strethall church dates from Saxon times and celebrated its millennium in 2010. There is a notable Norman archway within the cute church – small yet perfectly formed. Strethall itself is a Thankful village – so named as one of only 53 parishes (out of circa 12,000) where all those who left for the First World War returned and hence no village war memorial. A function both of good fortune and also that Strethall is a small place. There were only 14 parishes termed 'Doubly Thankful' where there no losses in both world wars – Strethall is not one of those but nonetheless its status as a Thankful village is of note.

Credit: Photo is from Saffron Walden Historical Society

(The club previously visited Strethall in 2011, and was able to go inside the church. Ride report and photos.

After a mooch around the idyllically peaceful graveyard we once more set off for home. The weather had continued to be kind to us and the sun was intermittently shining and popping behind the occasional fair weather puffy cumulus for a brief respite for us whilst the breeze remained mercifully absent. Glorious Champage Cycling weather indeed .

So much so that the day was extended somewhat because the remaining cyclists divided at Whittlesford. Some returned to Shelford direct but Mike, Nick and Greg headed towards Newton where Mike kindly supplied a cold libation for us to consume on the green whilst reviewing the stunning ride we had all enjoyed. Blessed were we to be out on our bikes on such a day – great leader, good friends, grand weather. 84 km at 20.4 kph52.7 miles at 12.7 mph – we were truly Thankful. Greg