The fine weather tempted 34 riders to assemble in the Market Square, but for the first time in weeks, a stiff south westerly was blowing to test the riders legs on the first part of the run.
Two medium distance groups, a long distance and a short distance group set out from the Market Square.
The fast pace medium distance group
With Richard O, David L, Bomber and one or two other strong riders, this promised to be a tasty group and so it proved. Eleven riders headed out along the Bushmead Road (to give us a sighter for later) and turned south and then west to Colesden. The climb up the Barford Road stretched some legs and then we crossed the river in Great Barford and headed south through Moggerhanger to our most southerly point at Old Warden. Turning north-west, the hill down to Cardington was as exhilirating as ever with strong side winds. The group was riding well together with everyone taking their turns. As we headed back toward Great Barford the pace picked up and stayed high all the way to the traffic lights at the river crossing. Turning west again on the old Bedford Road, we headed over the A421 to Wilden and thence to Bolnhurst and Bushmead. The Bushmead sprint got going early on with several attempts to form a breakaway that were chased down, with Steve R doing much of the chasing. Eventually David L put a dig in on the ramps by the Red House and took the sign. A very enjoyable ride in a reasonably well matched group - 46 miles at 19.3 mph. The other medium distance group covered the same route at about 18mph.
The short distance group
Just four riders chose the short ride today, led by Andy Holt and Collin Mullins. A big SNCC welcome to debutant Ian and returnee Mike.
We headed out of town up the Bushmead Road where we turned left towards Chawston. There was a testing, blustery WSW headwind on much of the outward leg as we then passed through Colesden and Great Barford. From there we crossed the A421 into Renhold then Wilden before joining the B660 towards Bolnhurst, and turning back to St Neots via Bushmead. The wind-assistance on the return was greatly appreciated.
27 miles completed at 15.4 mph average. Compliments to the Route Planner for a very pleasant run out through the Cambridgeshire/Bedfordshire countryside in hot sunshine. Pretty uneventful run really – navigation went smoothly and no other issues to report. It won’t be long before we will lose both Mike and Ian (who promises to join up!) to the Medium Route!
A reminder that this short steadier ride goes out every Sunday and everyone is welcome to come along and have a go.