24 Jul: Evening ride to Quy

Nigel writes: Today had been yet another hot and humid day, and when I cycled over to Brookside for this evening's ride the temperature was still around 26C. I was joined by John, visitor James L, Gareth and Paul. We set off south-east out of Cambridge along Hills Road, picking up Nick along the way. At Addenbrooke's we turned left onto Wort's Causeway. The climb from here over the Gogs is one of the most rewarding short climbs in the whole area: a short and not-particularly steep climb to the top is rewarded by fine views over Cambridge and a satisfyingly-long descent down to Fulbourn. As usual Gareth was out at the front and I enjoyed chasing along behind, though Gareth reached Fulbourn well before me.

After the others had caught up we carried on along the flatter and rather duller few miles through Great and Little Wilbrahams to Six Mile Bottom. Yet again, the pace was fast and Gareth was out at the front, but no-one was very far behind and at Six Mile Bottom we waited again to regroup. From here we began the quiet and scenically rewarding climb up past Wadlow Farm to Chilly Hill.


As we climbed I noticed that James had started to struggle and we waited at the top. It turned out that James's rear disk brakes was rubbing, but ten minutes of adjustment and fiddling was enough to make it right again.


From the top of Chilly Hill we turned north to Dullingham where we turned west for Swaffham Bulbeck. Once again the speed was fast, pausing periodically to wait for stragglers. Each time we stopped it was apparent how hot it still was, and each time we started moving again we experienced the pleasant cooling frisson of sweat being evaporated by the breeze.


James's breakdown meant we arrived at The White Swan in Quy about fifteen minutes at 8.45pm, but this was not a problem and a full menu was still available. We ordered drinks and plates of "wedgies" which we enjoyed sitting outside with our bikes. This pub remains one of our favourites.

Afterwards we turned on our lights and returned back to Cambridge. This didn't take long and I arrived home at 9.45pm, having cycled a particularly enjoyable 33 miles riding what is probably the most enjoyable short circuit close to Cambridge.


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