I've decided it's my turn to host a ride and so I'd like to invite you to join me on
Reggie's Ride to Regicide on
Saturday 11 July (which appeared to be the favourite poll wise).
The RouteThis will be a 50-ish mile ride from Cambridge to Ely and back, following NCN Routes 51 and 11 via Stow-cum-Quay, Lode, the Swaffhams, Burwell, Wicken Fen and the Great Ouse to Ely and then via Witchford, Wilburton, Cottenham, Landbeach, Waterbeach and along the Cam River Path back to Cambridge.
Road SurfacesMuch of the route out of Cambridge will be on traffic free paths (some cycle only and some shared use). Once we are past Lode, there are shared use paths alongside the road which people may wish to use, partly because they have better/smoother surfaces than the road.
On the way out there is about 1 mile of 'off-road'. The first part is several hundred yards of cinder path on the approach to Wicken Fen. I would rate this as a 2 on the LQLL (Laura's Quivering Lower Lip) Scale
and I wouldn't recommend riding it on ridiculously skinny tyres. The second part through Wicken Fen itself. This is on compact, smooth and well cared for dirt paths - these are a 1 on the LQLL Scale and I've done them on smooth skinny tyres with no problems. The final part is about ½ mile of dirt track after Padney before you get to the river path to Ely. This is about a 1-2 on the LQLL Scale and is bumpy but not excessively so. I've done it on skinny tyres before with no problem. However, it is worth doing for the most spectacular view of Ely Cathedral.
On the way back, the route is all on cycle paths or roads up to Waterbeach. Some of the road surfaces aren't wonderful but they wouldn't rate an entry on the LQLL Scale. From Waterbeach back to Cambridge we would use the path along the Cam. This is a smooth, compact dirt path, similar to that through Wicken Fen and would rate a 1 on the LQLL Scale at the most. Easily done on skinny tyres and worth it for the views alone.
Programme for the Day10.00-10.30 a.m. Meet at Cambridge Station.
Elevenses-ish at the NT Cafe at Wicken Fen, which serves lovely
CAKE and local ice cream.
A leisurely
Lunch in a suitable pubbe in Ely, with time for a visit to the Cathedral and the 'regicide' reference.
A leisurely ride back to Cambridge, with time for further visits to hostelries should the group so desire.
HeadwindsI'm afraid that this being Fenland, we will get a headwind, either on the way out or back. On the way out would be best and we shall consider reversing the route depending on the wind direction on the day.
So, who's up for it?
AttendeesThe attendee's so far...
Possibles:Mike + the fragrant, delectable Mrs Mike!
Clarion (got himself run over to avoid this ride)
ToKaMaK
Bobb
Alan
and Marj (plus cakes I hope...
)
Slowfen
RichForrestJJ (+?)
Basil
RogerT + Mrs T
PippaG
Wobblyjohn
Jurek
Definites:Regulator
Fat Bloke
The Wowbaggers
AndrewC
JT
Delthebike
Auntie (sp) Helen
Emily & Dasmoth
Teethgrinder (World Food Programme warned that emergency food lift may be needed)