Wednesday, 11 May 2011
Nigel writes: This evening was cloudy but dry and warm, and brought out a dozen riders on our biggest evening ride ever, for a superb mixture of fast on-road and scenic off-road riding. These rides don't have a formal leader, but as usual I made sure I had I a possible route in mind when I arrived at the start.
We headed west out of Cambridge along the Coton path to Coton and then climbed Madingley Hill. Right from the start it was clear this was going to be a fast ride, with the riders at the front setting a brisk pace and causing the group to spread our somewhat along the road. Fortunately they stopped and waited for everyone to regroup in Hardwick where we turned left for Toft.
From Toft we continued to Kingston and Great Eversden.
At Great Eversden where we turned right for a couple of mile of off-road track to Old Wimpole.
Although rough, this path was dry and acceptably cycleable despite my 25mm tyres. The track climbs up to a summit half way along from where there were fine views over the surrounding countryside.
The track then descends to Old Wimpole and the road that runs past the gates to the house. Here we found Jacob, who had left the group at Kingston and taken a more direct off-road route to here.
At Jacob's suggestion we left the road once more to ride through the woods to reach the A603 just opposite the turn to Orwell. Back on tarmac, and riding fast with the wind behind us, we continued to Barrington, over Chapel Hill to Haslingfield and finally to Barton where we stopped for a drink at the White Horse.
The pub was very quiet but perfectly pleasant and we sat outside with our drinks, sharing several enormous plates of chips.
After about half an hour we returned back to Cambridge along the Barton Road cycle path, which took only about 20 mintes and meant that I was home by 9.30pm, after having cycled a very enjoyable
28 miles.
More photos below
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Photos 6 - 11 by
Julia
1 comments from old website
Thursday 12th May 2011 at 6.13pm
This was a great ride - I really enjoyed it. As you say, Nigel, good mix of fast on-road (special thanks to Gareth and Peter for setting the pace - I could just about keep up) and scenic off-road - just right to wind down after a day in the office. And those cheesy chips... hmmmmm. Thanks for the people who shared so generously. I'll certainly come out again!