16th June 2013

With the Continental Market visiting St Neots, the early morning sights, smells and even weather made the Market Square seem more like a corner of Belgium than Cambridgeshire.  Twelve riders, some complete newcomers, other returnees and two new members Argo and Stas, assembled for the inaugural weekly Short Club Run which replaces the old monthly Intro Ride.

  Andy H and Colin M were leaders for the day supported by Gareth S (who was later to complete some 90 miles before the day was out riding to Whittlesey in support Club Chairman Richard Ostler competing in the Circuit of the Fens Race - chapeau).

The route took us south easterly out through Eynesbury and onto the Club TT Course past Abbotsley Golf Course then to Gamlingay. We then swung westerly to Everton for a fast descent of Everton Hill before regrouping at Tempsford Level Crossing where the passage of two trains meant we could grab a snack and enjoy a quick breather.  The route then took us over the A1, through Blunham and Great Barford.  The climbs up over the A421 and north of Wilden resulted in the previously tight group stretching out a little but we were pretty much back together for the turn for home along the Bushmead Road.  We arrived back in the Market Square in well under the 2 hour mark having covered 28 miles at a very respectable, but comfortable 15.1 mph average. The weather was a very pleasant sunny 14 deg whilst the blustery 11 mph wind from the south west did prove a touch challenging at times. Pleased to report no navigational errors and no mechanicals whilst the group were discliplined throughout and the banter suggested everyone enjoyed themselves. Unfortunately, due to the encroaching market outside Cafe Nero, there wasn't the seating to enjoy our usual post-ride coffee and many riders either headed home instead or elected to explore the stalls.  Hopefully next time.   As this was the first of the new format we really would welcome any feedback from those who took part.