The Good Friday run to Oundle is becoming a regular feature of SNCC and this year was no exception. Go here for last year's report.

This year, Good Friday started cold, but the weather was kinder than expected and a large number of SNCC riders turned out on the Market Square to enjoy the Hot Cross Bun Run. 20 riders departed just after 0830 and headed towards Kimbolton and a few hours in the saddle.

The roads were relatively quiet and we made good time along the B645, before turning onto the Easton Road at Stonely, where we were treated to an early taste of the road conditions.  A gentle scattering of ice on the climb away from Stonely, followed by more ice on Bigram's Lane meant caution spread through the group as warning shouts went up.  Further care was taken on the descent from Stow Longa to Spaldwick, as more ice and water on the road quickly dampened dreams of Strava segment glory.  We crossed the A14 to meet the first challenge of the day, climbing Belton's Hill to Barham, which had the usual effect of splitting the field, although everyone was back together fairly quickly.

The group split again near Winwick, when Gareth had a brief mechanical issue and, unfortunately, the leading group missed a crucial turn at Chapel End.  Ruth, Trevor, Gareth, Tony and Steve Rodley took the road to Luddington, while Andy Mc caught up with the lead group at Great Gidding and pulled them back to the right road.  The erstwhile lead group now chased down the smaller group along some beautiful, quiet roads through Luddington, Hemington and Polebrook, as the weather started to close in, but they were already being served at the Coffee Tavern by the time the chasers arrived at Oundle Market Place.

 HCBR2013

The Coffee Tavern itself did a roaring trade thanks to SNCC, with riders filling four of their tables downstairs, drinking lashings of hot chocolate and coffee, and devouring an array of tasty food.  There was a little bit of disappointment that no bacon butties were on offer, but the food and service was excellent and Oundle itself was a very pleasant surprise to those of us who hadn't visited before.

Special mention must go to David Lindsay who managed to stay upright in the Coffee Tavern this year, much to the disappointment of those who missed his Bambi impression last year.

Eventually, the tell-tale nods and side-long glances gathered momentum, and it was time to bid the warmth and laughter goodbye and to gather our strength for the ride home.  We left the Market Place en masse without realising that Gareth was still changing out of his smoking jacket and cravat, and was way off the back.  A number of riders were starting to feel the pace and distance at this point, which allowed Gareth to catch up by the time we crossed the A605 into Barnwell.  By Thurning, a definite split had occurred between the two groups, with Ruth, Tony, Ash, Steve Rodley and Andy Mc taking a more tranquillo pace home, as the larger group forged ahead.  After the climb to Catworth, we joined up with Trevor and continued on toward Bustard Hill, where Ash treated us to a speed wobble on the descent (Grip the saddle with your thighs, Ash - or are you just doing it for fun now? - Ed).  Ruth and Steve had ridden ahead by this point, and the remaining group agreed to head straight down the B645 at Kimbolton, rather than take the planned route via Spring Hill.

It was unusual to arrive back in the Market Square to find only a sole bike propped up outside Caffe Nero, but the general consensus on the road had been that the route and cake stop had made for a great morning out.

Thanks to Mark Colmer for supplying the route, even though he was unable to make the ride. Apparently, he was enjoying a relaxing weekend break in Europe...more to come about that shortly.