The glorious sunshine and light breeze accompanied the 13 riders throughout. Many exposed their lallies for the first time this year. The weather demanded a salade nicoise, drizzled with olive oil and washed down with a crisp pinot grigio. At the Mocha Cafe this was off the menu, so most riders opted for the nearest alternative, bacon sandwich on white bread with a mug of tea. Welcome to Peter and Rhys on their first rides with the club. No hindrances over 35 miles.
Fortunately clued up members John Farnham and Mike East pointed out to your doolally ride leader that the proposed café destination (Vanstone Garden Centre at Codicote) would be closed because of the Sunday Trading Act 1994, which precludes large shops with a floor area greater than 3,000sq ft from opening on Easter Sunday. Therefore Captain Bob hastily checked out Emily’s at Whitwell (which has a floor area more like 300sq ft!) and we went there instead because they were open.
My first Open 10 for 3 years! It wasn't all bad. With a strong SW wind making the Cambourne to Cambridge leg fairly quick, I did suffer a bit on the more arduous, slightly uphill return but still crossed the line at 24:44. This was good news as far as I was concerned because I was targeting between 24 & 25 mins. I'd like to believe that in more favourable conditions I'd have come in under 24 mins. A confidence booster for me as my fastest for this course is 24:12, done 6 years ago. A good early season workout that encourages me not to give up yet! 102/131. PW.
Having braved the rather windy F6 time trial course, a few of us left Cole Green in search of Wandon End Golf Club, hoping that the category 6 mob had not eaten all the cakes. Luckily they hadn't and we joined them outside in the sun. The return was mostly into the wind, but broken up by a twisty lanes route. No mechanicals and, more surprisingly, no punctures, since some were on skinny racing tyres!
When you know that it's very windy, it’s a good idea to do a ride where you get the headwind out of the way on the out journey, but when the ride’s already been advertised and the café booked, you just have to bite the bullet and do the ride.
This was a lovely ride with light winds, dry roads and hints of spring sunshine as the day progressed.
Graham and Peter rode out to Victoria CC's Ugley hut, which meant an early rise to make the 9:00 am start time. On arrival they found the usual cozy, glitz-free welcome with free coffee, tea and biscuits. By lunch-time, and at the end, the atmosphere remained but the food offerings now included home-made soup, rolls and an irresistable selection of cake. Excellent value and all within the £10 entry fee.
