I think about 20 – 25 members made the start from St. Ives, heading out in the usual A, B and C groupings. I rode with the A group, and we got as far as Yelling before the cry of “puncture” went out. It was Dan with a flint in the front, fortunately easy to spot as we could see the air coming out with the tyre (a Conti for the record) still on the rim. Both the other groups rode past us, as we took time to admire some of the fine properties in Yelling.
Catching the C group just before Paxton Hill, we rolled through St. Neots & onto Tempsford, where we came across the B group who were waiting at level crossing where a hold-up is inevitable! Up Everton Hill I naturally supervised events from a position at the rear!
Paolo slipped his chain just after Wreslingworth, but we made up for the slight delay in proceedings with a good bit of group work along the B1042 to Croyden.
Climbing the hill out of Arrington, I became aware that there were a couple of riders missing – Tom & Andy had decided to take a shortcut using the pedestrian entrance to Wimpole Park in Arrington! I had heard them talking about doing this just beforehand, but did not for one moment think that they would take this ‘alternative’ route! I think this probably cut about 10 miles & 250m of climbing off of the official route 😉
We were joined by Sean (complaining of a hangover!) on the run into Wimpole, and Mark also turned up at the stop. After a very good coffee & cake/scone/bun we headed back out – Tom, Chris & Sean buggered off decided to ride on ahead and left us to fend for ourselves;-)
A very fast run back home was interrupted by a couple of minor mechanicals (all I can say is “Paolo, sort out your chain – putting that much power through it will mean it stretches!!”). A few fun sprints through Knapwell (Andy), Connington (Palo) & St. Ives (Jorden with a very impressive solo effort along Low Road) & we were back in St. Ives in no time with the wind at our backs.
I think those were the highlights from the A group. As I rode back to Cambourne up the same road we came in on, I did not see many St. Ives shirts – I hope all was well in the other groups?
When I got home, when I looked in the mirror I discovered why I had been getting some strange looks at the Café (I mean more strange than the usual – which I’m used to!) – covered in mud & road grime! Sorted after a hose down, for me & the bike….(serves me right, that’s what you get for wheel sucking!)
If you made it out on Sunday, I hope you enjoyed the ride & the clean down afterwards – until next time…
Best wishes,
Richard Neil (SICC Club Run Captain)
