T minus 7 and counting

The prospective riders were anxiously scanning their ‘phones for the expected “Launch Cancelled” message. None came.

Outside it was -7C when the riders set off or loaded their bikes into cars or, more sensibly, opted to crawl back under their duvets (Special mention, though, to Deborah who’s reason for not riding was more disturbing: she had suffered a break in and her bikes had been stolen). Nevertheless nine riders felt able to brave the ride, lured in by the promise of a balmy +2C later in the day. The starting point was The Bell, Balsham where lunch was ordered (via a coffee at the Old Butchers cafe for Graham and Howard) .

Martin W had sensibly done a drive by reconaisance of his route earlier in the week and the worst sections of icy road were removed from the course. This meant that road conditions were, for the most part, dry and safe. The three remaining short but very icy sections were all negotiated safely and at an appropriate speed.

And so, despite relatively good road conditions and a calm blue sky, it was still very sub zero when the 9 set off in a northerly direction past our old favourite haunt of the Chestnut Tree on our way towards our new favourite haunt, Victor Victoria cafe in Newmarket. Unfortunately, Dawg (Andrew) couldn’t get the circulation going to his frozen hands despite vigorous arm ‘windmills’ and had to pull out leaving us as a single group of 8.

The café looked quite full when we arrived, which was slightly worrying as sitting outside wasn’t an option for any of us. Luckily the staff were sympathetic to our needs and quickly pulled together a number of tables and chairs to allow us to thaw out in the comfort of the café interior. Personally, I recommend the mocha and a warm cheese scones with butter. Once again, thumbs up to Victor Victoria (public service info: soon to be opening a branch in Martin’s old office premises in Sawston).

A quick visit to the Bill Tutte memorial with photo opportunity followed (Bill Tutte was instrumental, alongside more famous contemporaries, in the allied efforts to decode WW2 Axis communications; more details in earlier blogs).

Then it was back on the bikes for the journey back to the Bell on the beautiful quiet Suffolk roads. The sun was still shining and the temperature had crept up past 0C. In the circumstances, it felt positively balmy to the riders; water bottles had thawed, beard icicles melted and smiles had replaced shivering grimaces.

Back at the Bell, Brian was buying birthday beers. True to form, Maurice, Deborah, Charles joined the riders for lunch and free beer. Happy birthday Brian. Thanks for organising Martin W.

Riders were Martin W, Graham, Howard, Martin B (on new steed), Roger, Brian, Alan, Tom and Andrew.