About 15 of us gathered at the start on a cold but bright morning, and we split into 2 groups. The departure of the A’s (inc. myself) was delayed by about 5 mins whilst James attended to a puncture – the ‘others’ (if I can call you that!) heading off ahead, mostly as hanging around at the start is a recipe for getting cold!
Coming over the Town Bridge, I was surprised to see 3 of the first group heading back – something about a forgotten helmet?
As it was about to transpire, going to fetch a skid lid was a very sensible move. The overnight frost was still very much in evidence, and seemed to form a skid-pan like road surface in places.
Jack was the first to suffer in Graveley, hitting a treacherous patch where the road was iced by water run-off. Fortunately there was no damage to rider or bike.
We agreed to split the group at Offord Cluny, Tom, Luke, Jamie & James wanting a faster ride. Roland, Paul, Alec, Mark, Jack & myself picking our way along the country lanes, concentrating hard at every corner for fear of hitting the deck! The other element not in our favour on the outward leg was the wind. Not strong (nothing like Friday’s ‘horrendous just horrendous’ conditions!) but enough to offer some real resistance.
Somewhere around Bolnhust(?) we came across the faster group, coming back the other way – I believe a navigational error had occurred – and then, rounding a corner there was Nigel (who set off originally with the ‘others’) picking himself up; another victim to the icy roads. We continued to the stop at Roxton basically as one group – a bit strung out due to the understandable care being taken on the bends.
After a good, warm, stop, we headed back for home, with a mostly tail wind & bright (if non-warming!) sunshine cheering the mood. Some good ‘through & off’ from Papworth to St. Ives (mostly ‘off’, less of the ‘through’ in my case!). We had decided not to take the road to Fenstanton, due to the potentially slippery conditions, and instead make the most of the tailwind by continuing straight on through Hilton. Jack led the charge & my heart rate hit 100%!! Still, I’m sure it’s good training (training for what I don’t know!). As a result of Jack & Roland’s work, I crept up to 4th overall on the Strava segment between the A14 & Vindis – I’m sure this will slip once Jack & Roland put their ride data up.
Arrived back at St. Ives C. 1PM. A good ride on very quiet but treacherous roads with a good stop.
If you got out, I hope you managed to stay upright! I wonder what the weather will throw at us next week?!
Best Wishes,
Richard Neil (SICC Club Run Captain)
