Sunday, 03 August 2014
John writes: We were delighted that three (relatively) new riders joined Mike K, John E, Tiia and me for the 2pm. start: namely Jane, Beverley and Rob. We were also joined by Gareth but he decided to make his own longer and quicker route to The Chestnut Tree at West Wratting.
Hence seven of us set off slowly avoiding walkers, their dogs and other cyclists beside the river to Fen Ditton. From there were able to cycle more quickly to Quy and Bottisham. We were now in real country with harvest in full swing. Much of the barley had already been combined and the wheat looked to be almost ready. From Swaffham Bulbeck we crossed the three main roads to the level crossing at Dullingham.
Turning right by a tree, drastically pruned to a giant Y, we turned south into a stiffish but warm breeze following the up-and-down route to Weston Colville where we turned right to Weston Green and thence to West Wratting arriving at 3:55 p.m. and before the all-day riders - an unusual occurrence. We suffered no punctures or other breakdowns so the contingency time margin was not needed. The pub produced a splendid tea for 4.15pm. despite a few lingering Sunday lunchers. We also were able to watch Geraint Thomas cover the last lap to win the road race in the Commonwealth Games on the mega television screen in the bar. We were pleased that East Anglia enjoys better cycling weather than Glasgow!
After tea Ray joined us from the all-day riders and we turned south to Bartlow and thence to Linton and Abington. This route involves crossing the A1307 three times because there is no quiet road which stays south of that horrible road without a long detour.
From Abington we crossed the cycle/foot bridge into Babraham and thence into Sawston, and Great Shelford into Cambridge. My GPS recoded a distance of
35 miles.
John Ferguson.