Sunday 25 August 2013

25 August - Bibury, on way back from Cheltenham

Stopped on the way back and did this very pleasant ride in sunny weather.  Stopped at pub for lunch, sitting outside.

Thursday 22 August 2013

22 August - Thursday, Shuttleworth, Hilary's First

Lots of showers.  Went direct to the Queen Adelaide, taking shelter in Orwell and seeing the rest of the gang going past soon after.

Lunch at the Shuttleworth cafe then back in increasing rain.  Invited to stop off in Orwell for tea and cake by David, who we haven't seen since.  Hilary survived admirably.

Tuesday 20 August 2013

20 August - Boxworth

Superb day for biking, warm, light breeze.  Very few people at Waresley because most had gone on a ride from Linton.  Just three of us went on, Sue, Mike Culnane and me.

Took nice quiet route from Waresley along the lanes towards Graveley, then Fen Stanton.  Diverted off to the Golden Ball hotel/pub for lunch on Mike's recommendation.  Had chicken baguette that was very good, sitting out in the garden.





Relaxing sort of ride, not fast, good conversations along the way.

17 August - Reunion Ride

Played golf with David and arranged to go off first so we could get back to his by 1 pm.  Did so, beating Matt and Helen by minutes.

Set off immediately, heading for Ayot St Lawrence as a lunch stop.  Slight hiccup in the Garmin mapping, which wanted us to go down a walking-only track at one point.

Sat outside for the burger lunch, with temperature dropping and some rain starting.  Didn't last and we set off again along lovely country lanes but quite undulating.  Easy ride up to Clifton and along to Arlesey, but then an unscheduled walk over the station bridge carrying the bikes.

Quite strong headwind from there back to St Ippolyts, with more traffic.  Safely back for a shower, pre-dinner drinks then dinner, joined by Hilary.

Thursday 15 August 2013

15 August - Thursday Ride to Clavering Lakes

Adrian's ride so a few bumpy tracks included.  Another big group of about 20 setting off from Greta's.

Took route through Whittlesford, Duxford, Hinxton and Ickleton then off through Littlebury Green and Wendens Ambo before the run down the B1383 to Newport and the coffee stop at Dorrington's.

Continued on through Woodend Green and Henham before a convoluted ride up to Clavering Lakes.  Had an overpriced baked potato with chilli and prepared to see off back just as a shower came over.

Back through the Pelhams and Building End before leaving the group and turning off left to Great Chishill with Rod Kennedy.  Called in on the Hanningtons on the way through Melbourn, not having seen Tony for weeks because of his shoulder bursitis.

12 August - Evening ride

Andy was keen to keep his new biking regime going so he, Barbara and I met up at about 4 pm for a flexible ride, depending on the conditions.

Stopped in Ashwell for a confab and decided not to do the hilly route across through Sandon but instead to go down to Hinxworth and back around towards Potton and Gamlingay.  Nice evening ride with superb lighting, low sun, golden wheat, very green greens, black cloud and rainbow in the distance.

Stopped off at the newly refurbished Chequers in Orwell for a refresher or two.



Interesting cricket while we were out.  Australia were chasing 299 in the fourth test and had reached about 140 for 2 when we left.  Arrived home to find England had won by 74, with Broad doing a demolition job to get England to 3-0 up.

8 August - Thursday ride to Saffron Walden and Ardeley

Big group for this ride on another sunny day but not as hot as last Thursday. Big group of about 18 set off from Greta's, so had to split into two to allow cars to get by more easily.

Took route through Newton and Fowlmere, followed by the long climb up to Great Chishill and across to Barkway and the Silver Ball Transport Cafe.

Collected Barbara and Andy there and set off through Dane End, Sandon, Roe Green and Cumberlow Green on the way to Church Farm at Ardeley.

Road closed at one point because two idiots had tried to pass each other, one with a tractor and trailer, the other in a van that tipped over.  We had to clamber into the field and bypass the blockage.



Coming back John F the leader got ahead of us and we missed an important left turn that caused us to end up on the A507.  Phoned to see where people were but found it was easiest to continue along this road to Baldock despite the fast traffic.  Met up on the high street in Baldock and rode back through Bygrave and Ashwell.


6 August - Waresley to Ashwell

Most of the regulars had met at Linton for a ride with Joseph so only a few at Waresley.  Six of us went on, including Barbara and her friend Andy who'd just bought a new Trek and was keen to start regular cycling.

Decided against taking him on the Southill route but instead went down through Potton to Hinxworth and back through Ashwell.

Saturday 3 August 2013

1 August - Scorching Day, Great Dunmow

Averil's ride and a big turn out at Hauxton with 16 starting off in temperatures already high in the 20s on the Garmin.


Took the traditional route down through Hinxton and Ickleton before taking to a track along Frogge Street that cut across to Coploe Hill.


Then down towards Strethall and Catsmere End before cutting across to Audley End and The Temeraire in Saffron Walden.  Discovered my wallet was all but empty so bought a sandwich from Dorringtons for lunch.

Interesting but slightly tortuous ride from there to Woodend Green and Henham, and on to Deb's Diner in Great Dunmow.  Lovely spot beside the lake, eating sarnie outside before going in for tea and cake courtesy of Jacob's £10 loan.


Came back up to Thaxted with the group after lunch.  Then confusion as Tina and I had elected to turn left towards Debden while the others were meant to go straight on.  Everyone turned in fact, and three shot off ahead.  The rest were then called back leaving Tina and I to catch up the three and explain what had happened.  Continued on as a group of five, stopping for very welcome cold drinks in the village shop, now scaldingly hot in the sun. Lovely pause in the shop's aircon.


Tina and I left the others as they went on up to Saffron Walden, while we turned to Newport, Arkesden, Great Chishill and home.