Missing the emu

A fine September morning saw nine Spokers heading out to Balsham for coffee and cake at the Old Butchers. Along the way we pulled in at the Abington Land Settlements hoping to see our old friend, the emu but, alas, it remained skulking in the bushes affording only a fleeting view. Maybe it only comes out for Brian H who wasn't with us today.

Emu whisperer, Brian H, back in November 2023

Returning from Balsham, we enjoyed the long descent downhill to Hildersham before hauling the bikes up and over the A11 footbridge and returning to Shelford in time for lunch.

Balsham and back, 24 miles

Biking back from Ely

Last summer we cycled there and caught the train home (see blog). This year, with a stiff wind from the north, it made sense to do it t'other way round. So it was that nine Spokers having ridden to Cambridge Station and put the bikes on the 09:05 to Ely, some 30 minutes later we were pedalling our way south alongside the Great Ouse.

A few miles out with Ely Cathedral still visible in the background

National Cycle Route 11 runs some 60 miles from Kings Lynn to Wendens Ambo, and it was the central section of this - from Ely to Cambridge - that formed most of our route home.

Along the way we pulled in at Wicken Fen for some very welcome coffee and cake. Refreshed and back on the bikes, we cycled on across the fen, the only real challenge being hauling our bikes up and over the footbridge across Burwell Fen. Returning through Cambridge via the airport and Cherry Hinton we were back home in time for lunch.

For the record, the turnout was: Michelle, Michael, Jan, Rich, Jenny, Hetty, Dominic, Eddie and Brian. Well done, team!

24 miles homewards from Ely

Waterbeach New Town

Five go wild on the Cam towpath

Monday's destination was Waterbeach, and specifically the lakeside café that Brian had reccee'd over the weekend and which, he had been assured, was open every day, nine to five. Alas, we found it all shut up! Fortunately, we were but a stone's throw from the much more dependable Evolve Coffee Shop & Bar where we pulled in for some excellent coffee and cake.

It was interesting seeing the New Town emerging on the old Waterbeach Barracks site where planning permission has been granted for 11,000 homes - and hopefully a café that keeps more regular hours.

25 miles anticlockwise