We had only 3 responses to the [internal message board] post for the regular summer 3rd Tuesday social ride to the Old Ferry Boat Inn at Holywell, so I knew it was going to be a small gathering. Then one dropped out, making it smaller still. The weather looked awful and JD wasn’t sure whether to ride or not as it was heaving down in Stamford. It was fine in Crowland, so I set off for the meeting point at Haddon services not expecting anyone to be there. I went for a coffee and a tactical pee and came out to find JD and GR waiting. JD was just stripping off to put on his waterproof underwear, as the sky was looking like a cloud formation containing an alien mothership bent on the destruction of human kind, complete with visual effects. I thought it was likely to stay dry and DB sent a message showing the forecast to confirm that, so at 7:15 JD GR and I, plus my pillion Dee, set off in the the darkening early evening.
The Route
I was prepared to alter the planned route in case the weather took a turn for the worse. In the end there was no need. We saw plenty of damp roads, some puddles but it was an otherwise dry ride despite the lightning for entertainment. The route was 42 miles taking in Haddon village, Bullock Road, skirting Folksworth and Stilton to hit Glatton and Holme. We cent round Glatton airfield and on to the B1043 and the B1090 to Abbots Ripon then on the the Tesco roundabout in Huntingdon. From there we headed to Kings Ripton, Broughton, Woodhurst and Bluntisham. From there it was a short hop to Holywell arriving at half 8, exactly as the MyRoute planner predicted.
Food for thought
Unfortunately, the Old Ferry Boat was only serving food for booked tables. This advice was not on their website and, in any case, until we started the ride I didn’t know how many to book for. So a drink and a packet of crisps seemed all we could have, until Duncan and Avril arrived in their car. After a good chat Avril suggested we try the chippie in St. Ives so we all arrived there at half 9. They were very welcoming, took our orders and we all enjoyed our belated meals; 3 kebabs , a steak pie, a piri period chicken and an actual fish and chips. We left about half 10 despite them ‘closing’ half an hour earlier. Good call Avril!
Homeward Bound
From there we made our separate ways home. Not sure how long it took JD, having left his sat nav on the ‘twisty’ route selection. He could be in Thursday now if it was really twisty. I got home at ten to midnight with 6 miles range showing on the fuel.
A cracking night and excellent company with a very welcoming and satisfying meal in St. Ives. And everyone dry. I may well use the chippy for the next evening social. With a different route, of course.
Thanks to all for your company
Written by Ride Leader KH