Club run reports - 18th June

Off road ride ride led by John Farnham

A large group of 9 Wheelers and 1 guest rider set out on a very hot and sunny day for our annual ride across the Fens using a combination of the Lodes Way, back roads and bridleways. Our outward route took us through Bottisham, Lode, Upware, Barway and finally along the riverside path into Ely. Unusually for a  ride across the pan flat Fenland there is a mountains prize AKA the ascent of Cherry Hill up to Ely Cathedral, won for the second year running by Cathy Parker. Finding refreshments in the shade was the next priority before setting out on our return leg via Wicken Fen for afternoon tea. 36 miles.

Category 6 ride led by Mike East

There 3 points of special interest on a 34 mile ride for 10 on a very hot day:
1. Change of venue to Vanstones, Codicote, as our arrival time at Wandon End was scheduled to coincide with a golf tournament meal break. Apologies go to the cat 6 groupies who made it to the Tea Green Golf Centre when we did not.
2. After our break Bob B took a direct route back to attend a Father's Day "treat" he had already paid for.
3. After having trouble with gears around Old Welwyn, Marcia discovered on the outskirts of Hertford that her bike had shed the contents of its bottom bracket. Aided by a combination of Kevin McP, Rhys F and an "off duty" Sam L, Marcia plus parts made it home.

Category 3 ride led by Gareth Wignall

8 riders set off on a warm morning, little did we know it was going to be possibly the hottest Sunday this year! A wandering route through Barwick Ford and into Puckeridge with the back lanes, before picking up the old A10. Making a left, and passing through Buckland, Sandon, Rushed, Cromer, Gravely and onto the Handle Bar Cafe for a stop. Let down by no cake we made our way back via St Paul's Walden and Datchworth. 

No major mechanicals although the heat forced a shortening of the planned route to finish on around 58 miles.