“Guaranteed mud-free or your money back” was Brummie Brian’s sales pitch for Thursday’s ride; a rash promise considering it had been raining steadily for two days.
Ten Windmillers – a goodly turnout considering the weather – met up at Cara Coffee in Great Shelford. Joining Brian were Deborah, Roger, Charles, Rod, Howard, Victor, Tom, Yorkshire Brian – and Lawrence, this week’s Birthday Boy, resplendent in a new all-weather top; a present from a doting daughter.
Setting out from Shelford we headed for Hauxton, crossed Trumpington Meadows to Grantchester and on to Coton, where we took the cycleway into Cambridge. Pausing for photographs on Garret Hostel Bridge, Charles yelled encouragement to the tourist punts passing on the river below. Poor souls, they looked chilled to the bone. Why go punting in winter, anyway? Beats me.
Weaving through the town centre, we followed Brian to Jesus Green and thence along the River Cam towpath through Chesterton to Milton, where we pulled in for coffee at Grounds Café.
It was in Milton Country Park that the first mud-related mutterings were heard from the peloton. “It’s not mud, it’s moisture,” yelled Brian over his shoulder. But we were soon back on the road and, mutiny averted, we headed for Landbeach and then on to Waterbeach – where we rejoined the riverside for the return leg to Cambridge.
Some were heard to liken the towpath to a mud bath. “The drainage is a little patchy,” conceded Brian, staying well ahead of the pack and not daring to look back.
Nearing Chesterton, Victor took a tumble, a victim of the wooden rails along the towpath that have claimed Martin and Vernon on previous outings. Glad to say, the involuntary dismount was momentary, indeed, executed in some style and – in a trice – Victor was back in the saddle, unscathed, nay unmudded.
Crossing town again, we joined the cycleway running along the guided bus track, the home straight back to Great Shelford, where we were delighted to find Ken, Martin and Maurice waiting for us at The Square and Compasses. We enjoyed a good lunch and Lawrence, top chap, bought the beers. Happy Birthday, Lawrence!
Brian
The Windmill Cycle Club 