29 March - Good Friday. Ashwell and Sandon with Hilary

Only 2 to 3 degrees but very little wind. Both of us warm enough except for cold feet towards the end.

Parked at the Golf Club and rode over through Litlington to Ashwell. then across to the A505 and over onto the Sandon road.

Back via Therfield and the hill down through the golf course.

19 miles.

28 March - Thursday Ride to Reed & Baldock

Still very cold, no more than 2 degrees and a sharp wind in places. Twelve at the Haslingfield meeting place.

Set off back over Chapel Hill, going through Haslingfield to Fowlmere. Up on the Barley road, turning towards Great Chishil. Then across through Shaftenhoe End to Barkway and on to the Silver Ball.

Several more people already there, including Nick from Oakrits. Sarah and Jacob turned for home because of the cold but eighteen went on via Sandon and Wallington to Baldock. Some confusion about the eating place because the website had said Baldock Fish & Chips. Instead the others had gone to the fish place further back towards Tesco so we joined them there. Very busy so a bit of a wait for food,

Late starting off home, some having done so before all had had their meals. Bit cold starting off back but soon warmed up despite the cold breeze.

48 miles on the odo.

27 Mar - Solo to Gamlingay

Out on the Ridgeback again, up past Wimpole to the A1198. Along to Longstow then down the bumpy road to the Gamlingay turning.

Back via the Hatleys and Wimpole, then a rear wheel puncture near Trev's house. Didn't have the tools to get the back wheel off so had to push the bike home. Did try pumping the tyre up three times but only managed a short distance each time so just walked.

 26 miles riding, 4 walking.


 

Monday 25 March - First on Ridgeback

Still very cold and a nasty wind against on the way up to Barrington and over Chapel Hill.

Ridgeback running very smoothly, few gear slips maybe because of the thick gloves, just getting the feel of it. Found the other orthopaedic saddle a bit uncomfortable, again maybe because it might take a few rides to get accustomed to the shape.

16 miles and okay average of 13 mph.

21 March - Short Ride Before K's Funeral

Cold day again but wanted to get out for a short ride before catching the train at 1 pm down to Seaton for Kathleen's funeral tomorrow.

Standard loop through Wimpole and Croydon, across to Bassingbourn and back.

18 Miles.

19 Mar - Tuesday Ride, Southill

Set off with Tony on a pleasant day, not cold and getting more sunny as we went along. Overtook Mike Stapleton along the way and arrived at Waresley just as most of the others were arriving too.

Nine continued form there, usual route out through Tempsford (level crossing again closed, sixth time out of six), Blunham and round to Southill and the favourite tea shop. Quite full inside so we sat outside, marginally warm enough except for Sarah with her poor circulation. Relief provided by the waitress in the form of a hot water bottle for her!

Continued back through Biggleswade and Dunton, then straight on to Shingay and the A1198. Took the short cut onto the old A603 road, missing out the roundabout.

60 miles.

17 Mar 2013 - Sunday Ride With Tony

Sunny to start but then a sharp shower, clearing fairly quickly.

Collected Tony and set off through Fowlmere. Then across to Elmdon and Duddenhoe End, heading back into Barkway. Decided against going across to Therfield because of rain clouds gathering as in the forecast.

33 miles on the odometer.