Edward writes: This Thursday's ride provided a big contrast to the events of last week when we tried to ride in the aftermath of the previous day's gales. When we rode out to Haslingfield Green for our trip out to Gamlingay we met under grey, overcast skies with just a glimmer of sun trying to break through which gave us a little hope that it might finally get out for another fine day. The important thing was that this week we had little, if any, wind to contend with and it didn't feature at all during the day.
Malton Golf ClubToday’s ride leader was Averil and she led our group of ten out of Haslingfield and into Harston. Luckily we had only to cross the busy A10 which runs through the village to get on to the road into Newton. Before reaching Newton we were joined by Ian W and David Ms, who was none the worse for being toppled off his bike in last week's wind. Newton was followed by the trip round Thriplow to bring us to Fowlmere and the route past the RSPB reserve and out on to the road into Melbourn. We soon negotiated our way through this busy village and crossed into Meldreth where Mike CC incurred a puncture but none other than Mike C was hand to do the necessary. He despatched the rest of us to carry on; however, when we arrived at the turning for Malton Golf Club we were a little early so Avril put an extra loop in by going on into Shepreth and Barrington and then turning in Orwell to get back to the golf club where we arrived at 11 am. Already in residence were Doug, Greta and Mike S thereby bringing the number out to fifteen.
Malton Golf ClubWe had to wait a little while for the rather strange-flavoured coffee to arrive to the accompaniment of some quite loud music. After coffee we had to go back to Orwell where the back light fell of Sarah’s bike but plenty of help was on hand to put things right.
Repairs in OrwellAs we went past Wimpole the Shire horses were occupying the field making a lovely sight. The road along here and elsewhere, especially past the farm entrances, was very muddy as the farmers work to clear away the large piles of sugar beet still remaining in the fields.
WimpoleThis loop round Wimpole took us up to the B1198 where we turned south to head for the turning to Arrington and Croydon and of course the short, but very steep, climb up Croydon hill. This just left us with the five miles through both of the Hatleys to arrive at The Cock in Gamlingay at 1pm for our lunch stop.
Hatley St GeorgeThe Cock is a very busy pub but we were made very welcome and the friendly staff dealt with our orders very efficiently. We also met Tony and Sue C, John F and also Richard M who incidentally had recommend to us the Woodland Cafe in Moggerhanger which appears on our runs list in January. We all enjoyed lunch, particularly Mike CC who treated himself to an all-day breakfast.
GamlingayWhen we set off for the afternoon session at 2pm there was still a group of ten which made its way through Waresley and then for the relatively straight forward route home via Great Gransden, Caxton and Bourn. When we arrived in Barton five of us, Averil, Sarah, Craig, Mike C and me finished off the ride by going back to Haslingfield where we arrived at 3.10pm and a very pleasant 48 miles under our belts. Our thanks to Averilfor a splendid ride, the weather for being kind this week, and it was also nice to finish in daylight. Edward Elmer
View this GPS track on a larger map
No comments:
Post a Comment