Sunday dawned dry and cool. Autumn is definitely in the air, but the weather was great for riding your bike. Twenty five riders turned up in the Market Square. Welcome to Gareth who was out with us for the first time.
Group 1
Ten Group 1 riders left the Market Square intent on using the well oiled ‘on-the-hoof’ navigation system. It was a unanimous decision that we should head towards Royston then find a suitable route home.
As we set out to the Gransdens there was some discussion on the exact direction we should take and we agreed that we would follow the leader.
Well, we were somewhat shocked when Tim took the lead as we all know his navigational skills! We headed onto Bourne, Toft and Comberton and once we reached Barton we turned on to the A603 and eventually turned off to Barrington.
We crossed the A10 to Fowlmere then crossed the A505 towards Barley when six St Ives riders passed us at pace (someone said 'Thank goodness Justin's not with us as it would be like red rag to a bull').
From Therfield, we rode onto Wrestlingworth, Cockayne Hatley, Gamlingay and back to St Neots for a farewell coffee with Geoff, who is due back at Christmas.
Whilst discussing his recent forum comments, Maureen ‘The Moderator' arrived and promised to keep an eye on the Devil in Lycra’s future contributions.
Group 1 covered about 62 miles at a very good pace.
Bon Voyage, Geoff.
Group 2
There were about fifteen riders in Group 2, one or two of whom were relatively inexperienced at riding in a group, but the group rode well together at a good steady pace. However we hadn't gone very far and were just on the road to Gamlingay from the golf club when Ash punctured. He was soon up and running again and we headed on through Gamlingay to Potton and on to Biggleswade past "Alistair's place". Through the town and out towards Old Warden and the route started to get a bit lumpier and we had to make sure there was no-one off the back - thanks to Steve R, Ash, Chris and Trevor for encouraging and helping.
What's it with horses? Every ride now seems like a trip round Newmarket; there seems to be more cyclists and more horse riders than ever - I guess it's the Brits cashing in on being experts at sitting-down sports. We continued down the hill to Cardington and then on to Great Barford. After the rise that crosses the dual carriageway we found ourselves on a cycle race course; luckily the race was going in the opposite direction, so we didn't cause any disruption. We pulled over to let the main bunch through; they were riding tranquillo after the climb from Wilden.
After warning the new boys that things might get a little feisty beyond the Bushmead cross roads, it was every man for himself back to St Neots - there was a breakaway of four riders and Steve R got his wheel in front at the sign - he does go downhill like a bullet, that guy. Not bad on the flat either. About 42 miles at a steady pace.