After a succession of wet or cancelled Thursdays, not to mention riding through a 50m long 30cm deep flood last Monday, what a relief it was to have an enjoyable dry ride from The Bull at Burrough Green to Newmarket and back, courtesy of Victor’s organisation. Ok, it was a bit mizzly towards the end but nothing serious and furthermore Victor decided wisely on the tarmac option at the end of the ride instead of a muddy bridleway.
Setting off at 9.30 after a welcoming coffee and placing lunch orders with the landlady of The Bull, Victor led the first group with Charles, Jeremy, Andrew and Martin in tow whilst Brian brought up the rear with Rod, Graham and Alan. Graham was nursing a sore knee but he rode to the start from Ickleton and opted for a lift home at the end. Victor’s route was a fascinating new one to start with taking us firstly towards Swaffham Bulbeck and Swaffham Prior, then Reach, Burwell and Exning before negotiating a network of Newmarket bike paths to arrive at Victor Victoria for coffee.
Both groups decided to stop, independently, in Swaffham Prior to admire the two churches packed close together, St Mary’s and St Cyriac’s. Group A repented their many sins, led by Charles, whilst Group B looked holier than thou. Next time we must stop and admire the window in St Mary’s which is dedicated to the aftermath of World War One and features submarines, tanks, Zeppelines and an aircraft with German markings. The Swaffhams, and Swavesey, were originally founded by a tribe from western Germany after the Romans had left, the Swabians, and so perhaps this is the reason for commemorating the German war machine in the window of St. Mary’s church? A full account of both churches can be seen here: https://greatenglishchurches.co.uk/html/_swaffham_prior.html
Coffee in Victor Victoria in Newmarket was up to the usual standard but one cake aficionado was heard to make the comment that those in Victor Victoria in Sawston were superior. On the other hand the croissants were truly excellent. Being half term week it was somewhat difficult to find a seat but that’s to be expected.
It had been downhill almost the whole way to Newmarket and so it was time for some ups and downs on the return leg passing fancy training establishments such as Godolphin along the way with their long lines of manicured hedges.
Back at The Bull a roaring fire greeted the diners where it was great to have Maurice and Ken join us and a good lunch was enjoyed by all.
Thanks go to Victor for organising an excellent ride and arranging better weather, and to photographers including Charles, Brian and Graham.
This is where we went:
Martin
The Windmill Cycle Club 