After last week’s flat affair through the Fens, this week the club tackled what is arguably its hilliest route. The faster groups had a ride into Saffron Walden while the slower groups had a similar, but slightly shorter route which afforded us the opportunity to try a new cafe stop in Ickleton. As we assembled at Richardson Cycles it appeared that someone had broken Summer; the sun had gone in and the temperature had dipped significantly from the last few days. Seeing people in full arm and leg warmers is not what you would hope for in the middle of June! With some of the club run regulars away tackling the monstrous Dragon Ride and others “enjoying” riding up the Alps (or possibly as a result of the disappointing weather) numbers were slightly down on the usual, but nonetheless still required us splitting up into four groups before heading out of St Ives.
Heading through Fenstanton and Conington we came to Knapwell which required a brief stop to put a bit of air in Harry’s soft rear tyre. While we were stopped we were passed by the St Neots CC club run heading in the opposite direction. Much as St Ives CC did they seemed to have a healthy number of riders out which is very encouraging for the popularity of cycling in the area. With Harry’s tyre properly inflated we continued on our ride, heading through Bourn, Kingston, The Eversdens and onto Harlton. As we approached Haslingfield I described Chapel Hill to some of the others in the group; this was going to be the first time some of them had ridden up it. As often happens a race up the hill ensued before regrouping – and catching our breath – at the bottom in Barrington. We continued south east to Chrishall Grange before making a left turn onto Royston Lane. The surface there has never been great, but had degraded rather spectacularly since we were last in the area. People were trying to find the few bits of road that weren’t potholed! Some of the group spotted a sign for Ickleton but unfortunately for them rather than turning left onto Grange Road our route took us straight on and over another hill. The descent was made interesting by the ever-increasing frequency of the potholes. It wasn’t so much a case of pick the best line down as it was pick the least bad one. Fortunately everyone stayed upright. As we approached the crossroads with Quickset Road I was asked, “Can we turn left now?” Well of course we could, but only because I knew that was taking us over another hill! We were now almost at the cafe stop but after the up and down nature of the previous few miles the sprint finish was rather half-hearted.
As my group rolled into Riverside Barns we were greeted by the sight of Jake working on a puncture. Obviously encouraged by last week’s record-breaking attempt he had decided to see if he could improve his own time! The usual coffee and cake was consumed, with most seeming to approve of the new stop. As a few people had left the ride on the way out (or continued straight on) we decided to merge the two groups who had ridden to Ickleton and ride back as one. As it was about time to leave we headed outside only to realise Jake was still working on his wheel; he hadn’t just beaten his own record, he had thoroughly smashed it! Things were to get worse for him. While attempting to put some air into the new tube the valve snapped! As the tube had a fixed valve core the poor boy, who must have been feeling rather self-conscious by now, was left with no choice but to put another tube in. Martin, concerned about potential damage and cuts to the tyre, enquired “What sort of shape is the tyre in?” About four people responded simultaneously: “Round!” Graham, experienced hand that he is, showed Jake the expert’s way of changing a tube – removing and replacing the tyre with no tyre levers. Once more we were on our way.
Heading back out of Ickleton we realised we weren’t sure of the number who should be in the group. A couple of us headed back to the stop to make sure we hadn’t left anyone behind, followed by a short bt of 2-up time trialling to get back to the group. As we crossed the A505 near Duxford a bit of a navigation failure led to some of the group heading off in the wrong direction. Fortunately they hadn’t got very far and we managed to get their attention and call them back. As we entered Newton the puncture fairy struck yet again. It will probably come as no surprise to find the victim was … Jake! This resulted in much good-natured mocking while the now thoroughly embarrassed Jake tried to effect his umpteenth tube change. We decided photographic evidence was in order and as I was getting my phone the A and B groups (who had also decided to ride back from Saffron Walden together) came past. Sadly, I fumbled the controls and missed getting some good action shots. Meanwhile, the offending tube had been replaced and inflated. However, on unscrewing the pump the valve core decided to come with it leading to Jake collapsing in exasperation and gales of laughter from the rest of the group! After replacing the core and inflating the tyre again Jake set off once more to be met with Graham’s comedy assessment of, “Looks like we’re on to a winner folks. He’s made it ten yards!”. We continued back towards St Ives, but by this point the hilly route and riding in a faster group was starting to take its toll on Harry’s legs . He was slipping off the back of the group and struggling to get back on again. After a bit of a chat we decided the best course of action was for Harry and I to ride back to St Ives together while the rest of the group carried on. As we arrived back in St Ives we met some of the C group leaving over the town bridge; even after slowing down a bit it seemed we hadn’t lost too much time. Chapeau to Harry for finishing what is probably the hardest route the C group rides!
