It was good to be back at The Bull, Lower Langley, for a Monday ride even though a 3.00pm start meant that it was a bit gloomy towards the end. But opening time is an all important consideration and The Bull does not open until 5.00pm, and so it was lights blazing as Andrew, Rod, Charles, Nick and Martin cruised around the lanes.
Nick was the proud owner of a flashy new Cannondale e-bike which looked the part with its drop handlebars and which had a fine turn of speed. Charles, Andrew and Martin had trouble keeping up with him and Rod, and planned to secretly hitch tow ropes on them in future. This is where we went:
Heading firstly towards Little Chishill we took a right towards Builden End up a well surfaced track which Rod and Martin did in the opposite direction a few weeks back – a very useful short cut to / from Chrishall and beyond, and a popular place for Charles to walk his dogs. Thereafter it was up to Chrishall and through Elmdon towards Ickleton, turning right to Strethall Crossroads, until we spied a familiar figure jogging towards us at a steady pace – Simon Oughton – who was on a circuit from Elmdon via the woods between there and Catmere End. Stopping for a chat resulted in a very generous invitation from Simon for us to call in and have a beer any time we are passing. Thanks, Simon, I’m sure we’ll soon take you up on that!
Passing Simon T’s house in Littlebury Green we were soon descending at speed down to the Wendens Ambo road where we took a left and then a right up the timed course for cyclists towards Arkesden, which we achieved in around 8 minutes compared to the fastest time by a competitor recently of just 2 minutes. It was very noticeable how much water there was in the stream running alongside the road opposite the Axe and Compasses, which is usually dry.
By this time it wasn’t exactly dark but we were grateful to have good lights whilst mums were on their school runs whizzing around the lanes. Nick’s back light was particularly penetrating despite its size. Perfect timing saw us back at The Bull just as the door was opening, where the usual warm welcome was received and a good natter had with the regulars.
Thanks, Andrew, for leading the way.
Martin
The Windmill Cycle Club 