Shelford Spokes Cycling Club

The photos are misleading; sunny skies over Elmdon gave way to blustery squalls at Duxford, so blustery indeed that the tables outside Café 19 were upended and the parasols blown away. Brian H made a dash for home while the rest of us sheltered under the eaves of the Community Centre. Ultimately there was no avoiding a soaking and we all arrived home looking like drowned rats. We are truly an all weather club! Admiring the view near Elmdon Before the deluge

It's quite a workout, hauling the bikes up and over the A11 footbridge. Eight hardy cyclists - Chris, Janet, Paul, Alan, Jenny, Lewis, Brian and Brian - were on their way to Balsham and some much anticipated refreshment at the Old Butchers Coffee Shop. As if the bridge wasn't enough, there's the long climb up the hill to Balsham itself. Taking our life in our hands crossing the A1307 Excellent coffee and cake at The Old Butchers Four more old butchers Refreshed, we returned to Shelford via Linton, Hildersham, Pampisford and Sawston, having clocked up a respectable 24 miles.

Given the ongoing traffic chaos in Great Shelford - a ruptured water main having led to the closure of Tunwells Lane - Brian took the decision to start Monday's outing well away from the trouble, at Winners in Little Shelford. But somehow that message didn't get through to Brian H who ended up touring the village looking for his pals. No worries; a phone call later, we were reunited and ready to roll. Coffee stop at Wimpole stables Another no-hills route saw us visit Newton, Thriplow, Foxton, Barrington and Orwell before pulling in at Wimpole for refreshment at the Stables Café. Sipping our drinks, we lamented Cambridge United's inability to seal promotion; all hopes are now pinned on their final game. The return leg, via Shepreth and Fowlmere - and against a buffeting headwind - saw us return to Shelford just before midday, having clocked up a total of 28 miles.