Club run reports - 24th May

Category 3 ride led by Graham Knight
 

With temperatures forecast to rise to the high 20s late in the day we opted for an 8:30 start. It felt quite cool at that time but with a cloudless sky, the day soon warmed up. We followed a route from the club's routing library (Grantchester Tea Rooms - Grantchester) which took us north from Hadham to Arkesden then along a pleasant road, less familiar to me, through Great Beckets to the B1039. There was then a hilly stretch through Elmdon before the exhilarating descent to Ickleton. From there we were on the Cambridgeshire flatlands on roads that were busier and increasingly urban as we neared Cambridge.

We found the Orchard Tea Rooms without difficulty (with assistance from Alex who, as usual, knew exactly where they were). So, we were able to sit under the same apple trees that Rupert Brooke sat beneath (possibly). Some pre-ride Pumble discussion on the state of the furniture at the venue made me wonder whether we would be sitting on the actual seats used by Rupert. Sadly, I don't think they were quite THAT old. Anyway, we were able to enjoy our tea and cakes; Barry venturing a concoction involving chocolate and Guinness which he described as "interesting". The place was busy - not surprising given the weather - and the service not super efficient, so there was a bit of a queue but it could have been worse.

The route back took us to Fowlmere, then on a familiar route to Puckeridge along the B1368. It was now quite warm and the stretch through Fowlmere was flatlands once again with little shade. Roads like these encourage fast riding but, with few changes of gradient, the effort required is relentless. For me it was a relief when we crossed the A505 and began rolling roads towards Barley. We were back by two o'clock, grateful to have enjoyed glorious weather at a time of the year when the countryside was still green and spring-like.

Category 6 ride led by Tony Dos Santos

Well, what can I say? It was a glorious morning. The temperature was already in the mid twenties when we met at the start at 08:00 (remember I’m using the twenty four hour clock lol). It was nice seeing Pete and Carolyn, whom I haven’t seen in ages. It was also good to see a new rider on board, Paul Kelly, who looked somewhat fit and I’m sure he will be on the category 3 or 4’s next week. 

The plan was to arrive at Mill End Plants just before ten, in the hope they would be open. If not, we would ride straight past and go to Whitehills golf club. 

Pete Kelleway has a new super dooper (yes dooper lol) pair of cycling glasses which has a built in camera that records videos on voice command. He’s got more money then sense roflmao (remember no emojis on the website). A picture is attached of some of us (not Pete as he's the cameraman) on the ride. 

We set off at 08:02, a tad late as everyone was chatting away, and rode through Thundridge (I’m bulking the report out here), then through Wadesmill, up the Hill of the Giants and then onto the flat of Ermine Street. 

Paul and Pete were just in front of me as we turned into Oak Hall Green, then up a small incline on which I stood up and boom - I’d pulled a muscle. Not being very happy, I told everyone to ride on and Kevin took over as ride lead. My ride was over and I wasn’t very happy. I trudged back to Allenbury's in pain. But hey ho, it happens. Apparently the rest of the ride went well. 

Now, let’s talk about the main event. Yes, the mighty Arsenal being premier league champions. We lifted the trophy Sunday evening, whilst Spurs “celebrated”, yes “celebrated”, avoiding relegation. Well done Spurs! Unlucky for West Ham as I was in the pub getting hammered lol. 

You know where I wrote this, don’t you? 

Love and kisses. Tony xxx