For those of you who were unable to make Sunday's ride, you missed the best weather conditions of the year. 14C to 20C, with a light, south easterly wind and that big yellow thing in the sky which we haven’t seen much of in recent months.

So no wonder all 17 riders turned up wearing shorts and short sleeved jerseys and Phil arrived wearing his tri race suit. We were all very pleased to see Gary again after an absence of several months.

So, we all left the Market Square and headed out for Tempsford and our first challenge of the day - Everton Hill. After we conquered that one, we carried on past Potton where Group 1 set a brisk pace on the climb to Cockayne Hatley and split off from Group 2.

Group 2
At the top of Cockayne Hatley hill, Group 2 stopped to rectify a small mechanical problem and then carried onto Wrestlingworth.  From there onwards we followed the set route, through Bassingbourn, Meldreth, Chapel Hill to Haslingfield and on to Great Gransden and Abbotsley. There were a few navigational errors from over-enthusiastic riders on the front which added a couple of extra miles to the day’s proceedings. At the Abbotsley crossroads Group 2 split, with half the group keen to stretch their legs back to St Neots, whilst the rest were happy to maintain their steady peace and enjoy the hot sunny day.

Group 1
After the split, Group 1 headed south towards Ashwell and as each rider took their turn at the front it felt like we were in for 40miles of chain gang pace! Fortunately the pace eased up through Ashwell and we started to enjoy the ride. From Ashwell we headed east to Barrington and the Chapel Hill climb. Along the way Steve B hit a pothole and punctured, but we were soon back on the road. Picking up a tailwind we had a swift ride back to St Neots and caught some of Group 2 on the run back to Abbotsley.

Then it was back to Caffe Nero for a much needed cup of coffee - although three members (who shall remain nameless) sneaked next door and appeared with 3 pints of the best! Does this contravene club rule 26c?

Group 1 covered 54 miles at an admirable average speed of 20 mph whilst group 2 covered 49 miles at a much slower pace.

 

rule 26c

Does this contravene club rule 26c? New training regime?  Recovery drink?