Head for the hills

With an all male turnout - six mature, grizzled types - Monday's ride scored none too highly on diversity and inclusion.

Pausing for a breather atop Coploe Hill

Moreover, compared with recent outings, this one was hot and hilly. Labouring our way up to Littlebury Green, much puffing and panting, not to mention the odd oath, was heard from the rear of the peloton. And there was little in the way of refreshment for the first 20 miles, so it was with relief that our gang of six - some of them looking distinctly pink - pulled in at Duxford Community Centre for coffee and cake.

Refreshed and revived, we made short work of the return leg - thankfully just 5 miles - to Shelford.

Brian promises a flatter ride next week.

25 miles clockwise from Shelford: Newton - Fowlmere - Chrishall Grange - Elmdon - Littlebury Green - Ickleton - Duxford - Whittlesford - Shelford

The morning after . . .

After a heavy night watching England go down to Italy on penalties, it was good to put the weekend behind us and get the wind in our hair, riding out to Ickleton and making the long climb up to Elmdon.

Cruising back down towards Fowlmere was a delight, all the more so as we called in at El Cafecito for coffee and cake.

For the record, Monday's peloton comprised Alan, Jenny, Jeremy, Hilary, Lewis and two Brians - and we clocked up a respectable 24 miles.

24 miles clockwise: Shelford - Whittlesford - Duxford - Hinxton - Ickleton - Elmdon - Chrishall Grange - Fowlmere - El Cafecito - Thriplow - Newton - Shelford

A sourdough outing

Realising we were passing the posh bakery, quick as a flash, Hilary was off the bike and into the shop, emerging moments later with an artisinal sourdough. "That's my lunch sorted," she said, popping it in her voluminous saddle bag.

Six of us - Alan, Hilary, Jenny, Lewis and two Brians - were passing through Eddington, mid-way to Girton on our regular Monday morning jaunt. The Eddington architecture - Cambridge University's new development - isn't to everyone's taste, but the area around the lake is very pleasant, dotted as it is with some interesting artwork installations, including the reflective Pixel Wall. 

Pausing for reflection at the Pixel Wall, Eddington

Heading back to Cambridge along the cycleway from Girton, we had planned to stop on the riverside at Kerb Kollective - but alas it was closed. (Subsequent enquiries reveal it's being refurbished and will re-open). So instead we carried on to Mill Road where we pulled in at Hot Numbers. Sitting outside we enjoyed good coffee and some great cake while admiring the David Parr House opposite, said to be " . . . a portal into the Arts and Crafts era as well as the world of a working man of that time."

Back on the bikes, we made short work of the return leg to Shelford. Looking forward to lunch, we only wished we'd bought more sourdough.

22 miles clockwise: Shelford - Trumpington - Grantchester Meadows - Newnham - Eddington - Girton - Cambridge North - Chesterton - Shelford

A good soaking

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

Old Butchers

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.

Windy at Wimpole

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.

Back to Madingley

It's been a while - not to mention a lockdown - since we last visted Madingley Hall. Monday morning saw us revisiting the place for coffee and cake, mid way round our 24 mile circuit taking in Newton, Haslingfield, Comberton and Grantchester.

Lewis, Brian C, Brian H, Janet, Jenny and Alan at Madingley Hall

24 miles clockwise

Let it snow

The morning may have been chilly, just 3°C with snow flurries and a stiff wind but, being an all-season club, that was no reason to forgo Monday's outing. Admittedly, there were only three riders, but they came from hardy Irish and Yorkshire stock and were all called Brian.

Brian, Brian and Brian - note the snow

It was a repeat of last week's ride only this time we took our refreshments at El Cafecito, just outside Fowlmere. Last time Brian C visited the place, he somehow managed to fall off his bike right outside the front door, though thankfully hurting nothing except his pride. This time there were no such high jinks and we enjoyed some excellent coffee, albeit on an exposed picnic bench, huddled against the wind.

Otherwise, we clocked up 24 miles on a ride notable for wildlife (hares, buzzards and red kites), daffodils (still showing well in Thriplow) and self denial (Brian H turned down a sausage roll!)

Thriplow Daffs

After a seemingly endless lockdown it felt good to finally get out with the gang on this, our first club ride for three and a half months. There was much catching up to do and, with everyone nattering away, Brian somehow managed to lose the peloton at Whittlesford. A phone call later and we all caught up with each other again down the road at Newton.

The daffodil display at Thriplow was spectacular and enjoyed all the better as we had the roads virtually to ourselves. Along the way, we chanced upon Jeremy and a pal on an off-road expedition, though they looked far too clean to have done much off-roading.

Then it was on to Foxton, Barrington, Shepreth and Frog End, where we pulled in at Hot Numbers for coffee and and a sugar fix, Eccles cake seeming to win the popular vote.

For the record the team roster was: Janet, Paul, Jenny, Alan, Lewis and two Brians - and we clocked up a very respectable 24 miles

A year ago today . . .

 This day last year Jenny, Hilary, Lewis and Brian turned out for Shelford Spokes' inaugural outing.

You can read all about it here.

Since then - and despite three lockdowns - we have grown to a dozen or so regulars, enjoyed 22 outings, clocked up 500-ish miles, downed at least 150 coffees, and necked something like 100 cakes - plus a sausage roll or two for Brian H.

We will get going again soon; fingers crossed for a return of group rides - albeit Rule of Six style - at the end of the month.

Sunny morning at Madingley

Two groups of cyclists set off from Shelford bound for Madingley Hall on a glorious Monday morning; the first group comprising two Brians, Alan and Lewis - followed 15 minutes later by Jenny, Janet, Hilary and yet one more Brian.

Christmas elves - Jenny, Hilary and Janet - guarding the Christmas tree at Madingley Hall

Last week we froze, this week we were basking in sunshine as we clocked up 24 miles, stopping only to enjoy coffee and cake at the Hall.

Foggy foursome

 

A cold and foggy Monday morning saw Lewis, Jeremy and two Brians heading out of Shelford bound for Elmdon. We must be mad, was the general consensus, though it felt good to be putting the second lockdown behind us.

With the temperature just above freezing, special measures had been taken to keep out the cold; Brian C and Lewis sporting various items of ski-wear and Jeremy in waterproof footwear, while Brian H was muffled up in his trusty Cambridge United scarf. Jeremy's choice of footwear was prescient, coming in useful at Hinxton where the road was flooded either side of the ford.

But the highlight of the outing was our stop for refreshments at Café 19 in the spanking new Duxford Community Centre, where we stoked up on sausage sandwiches, fruit scones and mince pies. The only downside was that Tier 2 restrictions meant sitting outside.

Excellent as the refreshments were, it was nevertheless a relief to head back to home and hearth in Shelford, where we thawed out having clocked up a very respectable 22 miles. Well done, team!

Photo shoot on Garret Hostel Bridge

Monday morning saw two Brians, Jeremy, Chris and Phil heading out along the DNA cycleway . . . followed some fifteen minutes later by Jenny, Hilary, Alan and yet another Brian, heading off in a more westerly direction towards Grantchester; both groups bound for Cambridge and, ultimately, Milton.

Along the way everyone paused for photographs on Garret Hostel Bridge, Hilary pointing out the fine architecture of Trinity Hall's Jerwood Library.

Jeremy, Brian, Phil and Brian heading west on Garrett Hostel Bridge. Alas, we have no photo of Chris. Probably just as well; rumour has it he tried to relieve a passing cyclist of his laptop, though Chris swears it was accidental.

On that exact same spot an hour earlier - Alan, Hilary and Jenny - heading east

Brian struggling to frame a socially distanced selfie

Alongside the bridge, the Jerwood Library

All enjoyed coffee and cake in the café at Milton Country Park and returned to Shelford having clocked up a very respectable 22 miles.

22 miles - no matter which way you go

Madingley Hall

A chilly Monday morning saw nine riders heading away from Shelford Rec bound for Madingley Hall; Jenny, Janet, Alan, Lewis and Brummie Brian in the first group, followed shortly afterwards by BrianC, BrianH, Jeremy and Chris.

Socially distanced on the Madingley Hall terrace

By the time we reached Madingley the sun was shining and most enjoyed coffee and cake as we took in the view from the Hall terrace. Trencherman BrianH, however, opted for more substantial fare, tucking into a gargantuan sausage roll - with an apologetic bit of salad on the side.

Jenny and Janet enjoying coffee al fresco

Returning to Shelford via Trumpington Meadows, we had clocked up 28 miles; a few miles more than planned due to Brummie Brian's wrong turning at Haslingfield.

28 miles clockwise, including a wrong turn and reversal at Haslingfield

Getting high in Essex

According to Wikipedia, the village of Chrishall marks the highest point in Essex, some 147 metres above sea level. While Monday's route barely skirted the village, we got pretty close to the summit, topping out at 125 metres. With Great Shelford sitting at a lowly 20 metres, you can see our ride was somewhat more hilly than usual. 

Coploe Hill - 89m and counting

So it was that six hardy Shelfordians set off for a 25 mile circuit taking in Littlebury Green, Elmdon and skirting Chrishall before the descent towards Duxford, Brian C leading the way followed by Janet, Jenny, Jeremy, Alan and Brian H.

Near Chrishall and pausing to get our breath back

Hill climbs, eh? Tough on drama teachers but easy peasy for PE teachers 

25 miles clockwise

Swaffham Bulbeck and Back

Monday morning saw six socially distanced riders heading for Fulbourn; Alan - energised by a hearty breakfast - setting the pace ahead of Hilary, Phil and three Brians.

Great Wlbraham, Little Wilbraham and Bottisham came and went before we pulled up for a breather at  Swaffham Bulbeck. Thence it was on to Lode and, via a somewhat hard-to-find cycleway, Stow-cum-Quy and Fen Ditton.

Approaching Cambridge from the east we were curious about the melee outside the Abbey Stadium; why  queue here at midday on an August Monday? Stopping for a chat, we learned these were the true believers queuing for their season tickets; a friendly bunch of ever hopeful, die-hard Cambridge United fans. We wished them well.

Traversing Coldham's Common we headed for the Tony Carter Cycle Bridge over the railway. Named after a Labour councillor of the day, opened in 1989 and listed for a time in the Guinness Book of Records as the world's longest covered cycle bridge, this is a wonderful shortcut. Its only drawback is the greenhouse-like design; it can be stiflingly hot in summer.

The Carter Cycle Bridge near Cambridge Station; a hot ride in summer

Crossing Mill Road, now remarkably car-free, thanks to the recent traffic restrictions, we were soon on the  home straight, the DNA path back to Shelford.

It had been a relatively long ride - 25 miles - without refreshments and so Brian H, top chap, welcomed us into his garden for well earned coffee.

25 miles anticlockwise

Willingham Auctions

A fine Monday morning saw Jenny, Jeremy, Phil and three Brians pedalling to Cambridge along the DNA cycleway. Crossing the city via quiet backstreets and picking up the guided busway near the Science Park, we headed out towards Histon and on to Willingham, where we pulled in at the Auction Rooms for refreshment.

Coffee at Willingham Auction Rooms

This being an August Monday, Rishi Sunak's Eat Out to Help Out lark meant we got coffee and a stonking great slice of Victoria sponge for just £3; thank you, Rishi. And Brian H called up an ex-colleague and cricketing mate - Alan, who lives in Willingham - inviting him to join us for coffee.

Back on the bikes, we wound our way south through Longstanton, Oakington and Girton - and thence back to Shelford via Grantchester and Trumpington.

A tad longer than our usual Monday outing, we clocked up 30 miles, arriving back in the village just before a downpour. Alas, poor Yorkie Brian still had 3 miles to go to Sawston and got a good soaking. 

30 miles anticlockwise

Starting with six - but finishing with four

Monday's outing started with six riders but ended with just four. Alan - with an appointment elsewhere at 10.30 - could only join us for a few miles. Lewis - poor chap - had a bad knee and decided to turn back at Haslingfield. One of BrianH's cycling mates passed us - going the other way - turned around and tagged along for a while. And poor old BrianH himself was suffering from post-weekend heatstroke - but somehow managed to keep going to the bitter end.

The final four - Brian, Brian, Chris and Phil - pausing for a breather at Kingston

At the finish, it was just Chris, Phil and two Brians. We had clocked up 23 miles visiting Harston, Haslingfield, Harlton, the Eversdens, Kingston, Toft, Comberton and Barton. As ever, the highlight was coffee and cake, this time at Burwash Manor where the cherry galette is highly recommended.

23 miles clockwise from Great Shelford

No coffee at Balsham

Monday morning saw Hilary, Chris, Alan, Lewis and two Brians pedalling out of Great Shelford, headed for Balsham where BrianC had assured us of refreshment at the Old Butchers Coffee Shop.

24 miles clockwise

It was a leisurely start, along the cycleway to Sawston and thence on to Babraham. There followed some upper body exercise as we hauled the bikes up and over the A11 footbridge between Babraham and Abington; not a problem for those of us on pedal bikes, but Hilary's e-bike required considerably more man-handling.

Our next challenge was the long ascent from Hildersham to Balsham, but the prospect of coffee and cake saw us crest the hill in anticipation and roll up in front of the aforementioned Old Butchers Coffee Shop. Alas, it was closed for refurbishment! BrianH suggested trying the Black Bull - where we similarly drew a blank. Humph! What's the point of a ride leader if he can't even organise a coffee stop.

There was nothing for it but to make the descent into Linton where - glory be - we were warmly welcomed by the ladies at the Linton Kitchen. Sitting outside, we sipped our coffee and samplied some excellent cakes while swapping stories of school governorship. Several of our riders bear the scars on their backs from that experience.

Back on the bikes, we headed for Hildersham and Great Abington, from where we took the cycleway alongside the A505 back to Babraham and on home, clocking up some 24 miles in all.

Along the Cam to Milton

Another fine Monday morning saw our five-strong peloton set off towards Cambridge via the DNA cycleway, BrianC leading the way followed by BrianH, Alan, Hilary and Lewis.

Winding our way from Cambridge Station through the backstreets to the River Cam, we headed north along the riverside for the very pleasant two mile stretch to Milton.

The Green Dragon footbridge

Pulling in for refreshments at the Country Park café, Alan lamented the relegation of Norwich from the Premier League while BrianH anxiously checked his phone for news of the England v West Indies test.

Back on the bikes we took the cycle bridge over the A14 to Chesterton and on into town, crossing the river once more at Garret Hostel Lane bridge.

Pausing for a breather at the Cambridge Real Tennis Club, we headed for Newnham and on to Grantchester Meadows for the return leg via Trumpington Meadow, Hauxton and Little Shelford.

Great Shelford to Milton and back - 21 miles anticlockwise

A Three Brian Ride

Monday morning saw Janet, Jenny, Lewis and three Brians - Yorkie, Brummie and Local - gathering outside Cara Coffee for our weekly outing.

We were off to Wimpole Hall where we were sure of a coffee, albeit a takeaway one with nowhere to sit.

Along the way we passed the meridian marker at Orwell before pulling in for eagerly anticipated refreshments at Wimpole. Sipping coffee on the lawn in front of the café, as ever, the conversation was wide ranging; Yorkie Brian lamenting the disappearance of the cash economy, Janet and Lewis extolling the delights of Australia, while Brummie Brian and Local Brian wondered why you never come across a Brian who's younger than sixty. Our time has definitely passed.

Making short work of the return ride to Shelford, we paused for final photo outside Cara Coffee; still closed but we hear normal service will return soon.

26 miles anticlockwise

Socially distanced (and a bit lost!)

Our first outing since lockdown and we were following all the rules; six riders max, all socially distanced. So it was that Jeremy, Lewis, Jenny, Ian and both Brians set off from Cara Coffee - sadly still closed - heading for Whittlesford, Duxford, Ickleton and Coploe Hill.

The ever windy Coploe Hill

Pausing at the summit to get our breath back, we headed for Chrishall Grange - and it was here that Brian somehow managed to lose half the peloton as Lewis, Jenny and Ian overshot a turn and ended up in the traffic on the A505. Oo-er!

Catching up with each other again near Whittlesford, we made short work of the home straight to Shelford where Lewis kindly invited us all back to his place for coffee.

22 miles clockwise