Thursday, 25 October 2012
Edward writes: After three misty and murky days and no sign of the sun it was good to see fifteen cyclists at our Haslingfield start point. The sun wasn't out but at least the day was reasonably clear, if a little cooler than the previous days. Among the the fifteen were six women including Barbara who was riding with us for the first time and we extend her a warm welcome.
Haslingfield Green
Tony H was our leader today and we set off in two groups towards Harlton and the A603 which then took us through both Eversdens, Kingston and into Bourn. On leaving Bourn we made the gentle climb up to the A428 and not without comment at the ever expanding Cambourne which is rapidly approaching the road we were on which is the boundary to the former Bourn airfield. After crossing the A428 we had a following breeze to take us into Knapwell and then on to Elsworth and the George and Dragon which is the pub hosting our Christmas lunch on Sunday December 16th. This is another favourite coffee stop - good service and comfortable surroundings.
Towards Knapwell
After coffee we again divided into two groups and our route took us down to the B1040 which we travelled on for about a mile into Hilton and the turning for Graveley. In Graveley we turned again so that we were now going round in a large circle and heading south towards Croxton and another crossing of the A428. This is an interesting time of the year - we no longer have the wild flowers to admire but in their place we have the stunning colours of the autumn leaves. It just needed the sun to give it the final flourish. The trip through from Croxton to Abbotsley and then on to Gamlingay Cinques is a good example of this autumn setting. Thus we arrived at The Cock in Gamlingay for our lunch break.
Gamlingay
Following lunch we still had nine or ten riders and our route home was through both the Hatleys and then the rapid descent of Croydon Hill only reluctantly having to apply the breaks for the sharp turn into Croydon and Arrington. This road also gives fine views over the low lying land to the high ground of Chrishall in the far distance. This took us into the grounds of the Wimpole estate and then into Orwell where we waited to regroup.
Orwell
The last section of our tour took us through Barrington, up and over the hill and down into Haslingfield where the ride ended. This gave us
43 miles and thanks to Tony for his leadership role.
Edward Elmer
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