Thursday, 06 May 2021
John J writes: It was damp and cold but that didn't deter any of those booked on the ride! Departing Brookside we split into two groups of four and headed out towards the DNA path and then onto familiar roads South of the City, although not ridden as a group for some time.
The weather failed to improve with the temperature showing only 3.5 degrees – a stark contrast to this time last year. We passed various Polling Stations where cars and pedestrians gave the promise of a decent turnout – a nice change from similar scenes at the vaccination centres which we'd been passing over recent months. Having warmed up over Chapel Hill we headed West and John E sped off to collect another layer of clothing from his home, before re-joining the ride just before we entered the Wimpole Estate. He then powered up Hatley Hill, where instead of waiting to see the second group reach the brow, he decided to drop down and repeat the climb!
Chat within the groups was lively with lots of catching up to be done, but this was nothing compared to that which took place on our arrival at LJ's Sandwich Bar. We were given a very warm welcome and excellent fare! Undoubtedly amongst the best (if not THE best) bacon baps in the area! External seating and social distancing maintained by all.
After the break the Sun came out although there were large storm clouds on the horizon that's where they stayed and the temperature rose gradually. We headed on a conventional route towards Hilton as a smaller group with Alex & John E returning home after coffee. The chat continued with many topics covered, including new cycling infrastructure. As a consequence, we tried out the new path from Fenstanton to Swavesey which runs alongside the old A14, now the A1307. Not a picturesque ride but it certainly shortens the route back to Cambridge when you continue on the path through to Girton or Huntingdon Road.
A decent 50 miler, much enjoyed by one (myself) and all (Mike CC, Simon, Alex, Yasmin, John E, Peter and Michael) for the cheery chat. John J