Sunday 29th December

It was one of those cold, crisp, sunny winter days, but with white, ice sprinkled roads, that greeted the 20 or so riders who gingerly made their way to the Market Square for the last club run of the year. Thoughts of safety first were in our minds as we decided to forego the pre-advertised route (sorry Richard!) and stick to busier roads to minimise the risk of fallers (at the time of writing, I'm unaware of anyone coming off so a sound choice in retrospect).

Twelve of us set off on the premise that we'll do a medium-length run of between 40-50 miles. As it panned out, we essentially did the Ramsey loop from the 17th of Novemeber, but in the opposite direction.

So, setting off through town on a steady pace onto the B645 and through Kimbolton before heading off onto the B660 and the day's first climb over Bustard Hill, and even before this there were plenty shouts of 'Ice!' up and down the line. The early sun wasn't melting the ice particularly quickly, and even at 10am there were sections in exposed areas where we had to slow down to ensure everyone stayed upright. We kept on the B660 through Catworth, over the A14 and through Old Weston, Winwick and Great Gidding. The section from Great Gidding, through Glatton to the A1 is fast becoming a favourite of mine, as on clear days like today, you get great views in all directions. Over the A1 onto the fens, through Holme to the end of the B660 and south towards Upwood. By now, some of the group were starting to feel the pace a little so by the time we got to the Raveleys, we decided to split the groups, Our group went through King's Ripton, over the A141 and through St. Ives, Hilton & Graveley while the others took the shorter route through Huntingdon, Godmanchester & the Offords towards home.

We all made it back in one piece so a good morning's riding to end the year. Let's hope 2014 is just as good.

Tony.