The Diamond Jubilee weekend was upon us, as was the rain and there were a number of texts being fired around - “Are we really going out in this?” The answer of course was “yes”, but how many others would follow and join us this fine, wet morning?
The final number at the Market Square was 10 although we were joined by Lee Radley, for his first run with the club, just as we were leaving. Justin had decided to bring the Jubilee to the ride with the Union Jack proudly fluttering from his saddle.
Steve Rodley had agreed to lead Group 2 for the first time and Richard Ostler was trying to revise the proposed Group 1 mileage downwards in view of the weather.
The Groups split at Offord with Group 2 heading towards Fenstanton via Hilton. Going through Hilton, Joe was almost swept away as a cascade of water hit him midriff, courtesy of a passing motorist ploughing through a puddle. Lee decided that about an hour would do him for his first run and returned home just before Fenstanton. He has promised to come out again. The Group then headed for Swavesey, Over and Longstanton, Oakington and back across the A14 at Dry Drayton. Despite some optimistic observations the rain did not let up at any time. There were brief seconds of respite soon to be followed by a deluge. Despite the rain the pace and tempo of the Group was very good with all sharing the lead as we headed into Madingley, through Toft and back via the Gransdens to St Neots. The Buckden Boys cut off at Abbotsley deciding that a hot shower was a preferable option to a coffee this morning.
Group 1 had a revised route on account of a trip into the Fens in persistent rain would be miserable. We continued to Huntingdon then onto Abbots Ripton, Monks Wood, Alconbury, Old Weston, Catworth, Kimbolton, Staughton and Bushmead. Once again we kept a brisk pace. averaging about 20mph despite the weather. Or perhaps because of it just to keep warm! We also had a good soaking from an overtaking car on the way to Old Weston. Tim meanwhile had decided to combine his riding with his washing as soap suds were observed bubbling from his shorts...so did Alistair in Group 2 apparently. Check those rinse cycles, lads.
Chapeau to all who braved the elements this morning (good to see a week in Italy hasn’t turned Tim and Ade into fair weather cyclists) and let’s hope that the cycling gods are on our side for the Tuesday Jubilee ride on the Sportive course.