Cambridge ride Tues 6th May 2014
Bare legs were very much in evidence outside Weatherspoons,
as 11 of us “Cambridge punters” set off at 8.50 a.m., under dark threatening
clouds, for the University City. In fact some had already got a soaking on
their way to Hertford and the rash choice of shorts had only been made
following an encouraging forecast. By the time we’d got to Wadesmill however, the
optimism had been justified and surplus layers were being stripped off, and the
weather remained ideal for the rest of the day.
Barry had “volunteered” to lead this ride as he was born and
bred in Cambridge, and knows the City and it's surroundings very well. The countryside and villages clearly look their best at this time of year, and we couldn't fail to appreciate what we have so close to home. On going through Anstey , Stan
suggested however that we look out not only at lush green fields, but also for the famous
Rhea – an Ostrich like bird that had escaped from nearby about a month ago, and which has been
featured several times on the news. Despite careful searching the only
“rheas” I saw were dressed in Lycra ,and pulsated rhythmically with the turn of
pedals.
Apart from the hilly bits, the route was flat, and even the
hilly bits had downhill sections so we made very good time to Little Shelford,
just out side Cambridge. We were in fact early, so Barry made a diversion to Kings Mill
where ,as a young architect , he started out on his career. Although there is no blue
plaque on the mill to confirm it, he told us he worked there for two years.
 |
| These two were smiling before the camera came out |
From here we poodled on to
Grantchester tea rooms where lunch had been booked. : a really pleasant and interesting setting, offering good quality and value meals.
After a leisurely lunch, Jerry and Tim set off for the
station in order to train home, whilst the rest of us cycled along Grantchester Meadows into Cambridge.( Actually we left Tim and Jerry mending a puncture, so I
hope they got home…….!)
It was here that Barry
began his Tour de Cambridge, featuring first of all, the modern architecture of the University buildings,
then the ancient.
Did you know ---Hobson built a watercourse into Cambridge
and has a memorial dedicated to him. He was also a livery stable owner, and to
rotate the use of his horses, he offered customers the choice of either taking
the horse in the stall nearest the door, or none at all --- hence "Hobson’s
choice"; I’m sure you wanted to know that.
At 2.30p.m. we set off
for home, but Jenny aided by Ann, caused an unscheduled stop by insisting on
her afternoon tea and cake .It was here that Ron surprised me. He bought
an enormous and suggestive Belgium bun
, complete with a bright red cherry. As only to be expected from a man of
his vintage, he couldn’t “handle” it by himself and had to seek help.
Although we used the same route back , for some reason the flat sections that we’d enjoyed on the way out seemed to have disappeared, so our return was a much more leisurely amble along the lanes . At one point however this peaceful ride was
interrupted by Raul ,as he celebrated a new PB for a distance ride. Well Done Raul.
Many thanks Barry for a great day out, and for sharing your
knowledge and passion for architecture.
I registered 75miles for the return journey , but I know
Tony and some others who live outside Hertford, recorded well over 90 miles. So well done everyone.
Ok – where next?
Ray
