Take to the hills

There is no easy way to approach Elmdon. Eight miles south of Shelford and just over the Essex border, it's a stiff climb whichever way we go. Wikipedia sums it up nicely, 'the hilly topography of the area differentiates it from countryside to the north, which is predominantly fenland and flat'.

Brian and Alan, wobbling and panting their way to the top . . .

. . . but it's worth it for the view

Freewheeling back down the hill, we stopped off at El Cafecito for coffee and cake before returning via Thriplow, where the daffodils were still much in evidence.

For the record, Alan, Chris, Hilary and two Brians - Yorkie and Brummie - made it to the summit and back, clocking up 23 miles along the way. Well done, team!

23 miles anticlockwise from Shelford

Anyone for golf?

Monday morning saw nine riders head off from Winners for a 25 mile tour of the villages south and west of Shelford, visiting Harston, Haslingfield, Barrington, Shepreth, Meldreth, Melbourn, Fowlmere, Duxford and Whittlesford.

Five miles in and groans were distinctly heard from the rear of the peloton as we ascended Chapel Hill - but the reward was coffee and cake at Kingsway Golf Centre.

25 miles anticlockwise

For the record the turnout was: Alan, Hilary, Jenny, Jeremy, Paul and all three Brians.

To Balsham and back

Chris, Alan and two Brians slogged up the hill to Balsham for coffee and cake at the Old Butchers, pausing only to take a picture of Alan cruising past Linton water tower.

Caffeine levels restored, we freewheeled back down the hill to Abington, dragging the bikes up and over the A11 footbridge before returning via Sawston.

22 miles: Shelford - Stapleford - Sawston - Pampisford - Great Abington - Hildersham - Linton - Balsham - Little Abington - Babraham - Stapleford - Sawston - Shelford