6 May - Solo to Horseheath and Thaxted, 63 miles

Superb day, sunny and calm most of the time.

Did another recce run in preparation for 16 May, out through Whittlesford, Sawston and Babraham.

Used the track and footbridge over the A11 but was very anxious about the deep ruts. With justification because the front wheel veered left on the roughest part, and I carried on. Straight over the handlebars then a forward roll with bike still attached. It landed softly in the ploughed field to the left, and I suffered just scratched on my shin and ankle.

Continued on to Horseheath with out mishap, then to Finchingfield and a stop at the Tea Shop. Loads of people on the village green, looking a picture in the sun. Loads of motor bikers too.

Nice route back, not the one on the map below but starting on the road beside the big pub. Back to Newport where I started down Wicken Road, right into School Lane and out along Bury Water Lane. It looked okay on the map but turned out to be another very deeply rutted track so was doubly cautious, walking much of it. Emerged at Clanver End then quiet route back.

63 miles.