22 Mar: Thursday ride to Malton and Hinxworth

Edward writes: Another Thursday, another fine, warm day and another challenge as at least eighteen cyclists met at Haslingfield for this Grade 3, Moderate ride. Today we welcomed David who was joining us for the first time. It was decided to set off in two groups and two separate routes to Malton Golf Club for the coffee stop. Greta led off with the first group and went towards Harston and a second group left Haslingfield by way of Chapel Hill. At the bottom of the hill we turned immediately left at the church and headed for Foxton and the level crossing at the A10. We left Foxton and headed up to Fowlmere where we turned back towards Thriplow which gave us a chance to admire the many daffodils, the previous weekend was the daffodil festival, and a fine show was still on display.

Thriplow

We did a loop of the village and returned to Fowlmere and this was followed by the road past the bird reserve and then into Melbourn. At the lights we turned right for the trip over the railway and into Meldreth to be quickly followed by the turning up to Malton Golf Club.

Malton Golf Club

As has been said before we are always assured of a friendly welcome and today nearly everybody sat outside and enjoyed the sunshine. At coffee we were joined by Doug, Mike S and Brian. After coffee we went off in two groups and made for Orwell. The first group led by Greta turned towards Wimpole Hall, whilst the second group stayed on the A603 before turning off to take the road through Wendy and on to Guilden Morden. Everything was in our favour, a long straight road and a following breeze, and of course the sunshine.

Guilden Morden

At Guilden Morden we turned towards Ashwell, still with a following breeze, thus making this morning a real pleasure for cycling. After Ashwell the remaining four miles were quickly covered and we arrived at Farrowby Farm in Hinxworth at about 12.45 pm. By arriving in two separate groups we eased the pressure on the staff at the farm and meals arrived with little delay.

Farrowby Farm, Hinxworth

Sadly, we heard that Greta had decided to return home, so after lunch we decided on the route to take and who would lead the separate groups. Rupert led off with the first group and Mick C led the second group and Mike S also took a group which was to take a more direct route home. After arriving back in Hinxworth village we turned left and headed towards Dunton and Eyeworth and now, for the most part, we faced the breeze, but cycling was never difficult. At Eyeworth we turned left on the road to Sutton and then on to Carthegena Road past John O' Gaunt Golf Club. At the end of this road, instead of taking the road to Potton, we went through the woods to join the road from Everton to Sandy. We turned towards Everton and then via Gamlingay Heath and then Waresley. Here we said goodbye to Doug and David W who couldn't resist calling in for a cup of tea. This left the remaining seven to go home via Gt Gransden, Caxton and Bourn. Instead of going on to Haslingfield we went through Toft, Comberton and Barton. From Haslingfield to the Coton turning was 62 miles.

Thanks to all who took part and especially those who led at various times. Edward Elmer


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