Club Run Report - Sunday 12th January

Another Sunday in January, another frosty morning for the 30+ riders who gathered in the Market Square ready to do battle with the elements for this week's club run.

This week we decided to forego yet another attempt at Richard's north westerly runs that we had attempted in the last couple of weeks, and to head south west. As in the last couple of weeks, we undertook the route knowing that it was open to change depending on the conditions. Mark charged Steve & myself to take a group out and see what lay in store for us for the morning. In addition, there were two other middle distance groups and a short group. A big welcome to Paul from Spaldwick on his first run out with us.

Off we went out through the pot-holed Berkeley Street and out of town over the A1 towards Abbotsley. Lots of calls of 'ice!' went up as we were still in sub-zero temperatures well into mid-morning and even then, odd patches in shaded areas were in evidence right up until the end of the run. Plenty of banter was being thrown about as we went through the Gransdens and across the A1198 towards Bourn & Kingston. Those of us who studied the route knew we had at least one decent climb today but one of our merry band had elected to ride his single speed bike today.

Onwards through Harlton into Haslingfield where we changed direction to take in Chapel Hill. Our single speed rider muttered something unmentionable as we hit the ascent. However, we all got to the top without any real problems to take in the superb view before giving it some beans down the other side towards Barrrington. Over the River Cam and into Shepreth where a couple of us looked mounfully at one of our favourite tea rooms, Teacake before going through Meldreth and back across the A1198. Sensing our homeward-bound direction through Bassingbourn and the Mordens, we could smell the hot drinks waiting for us at Nero's as we passed through Potton towards home.
 
Steve, who had done more than his fair share of work at the front, upped the pace after Tetworth Hill along Drewel's Lane into Potton Road. It was clear the the build up for the town-sign sprint was coming to it's climax when Andy came from the middle of the pack with a blistering turn of pace to take the town sign and cruise down to Cromwell Road knowing that he'd done nothing to earn it. Nero's was busy both with us and other customers so a few of us elected to sit out and soak up some winter sun. A good ride with a good group and despite ice in a lot of places, we managed to stick to the 47 mile route. There were no falls or p******s reported in any of the groups and everyone got round without mishap - Tony