This Sunday’s ride out was the first to be planned and lead by Andy Gilbert (Gil) and was a new area and destination for PECAM, that being Walkers Snacks, Barton Mills in Thetford Forest, a very popular biker destination.
Twenty One bikes arrived at our usual start point of Haddon Services for the ride briefing at 9.15am, where Gil gave a comprehensive briefing, including a reminder that part of the route would mean we would be riding on Fen roads, which are notoriously bumpy and uneven, not a problem to those on GS and Adventure bikes!
The 60mile route Gil had planned crossed the Cambridgeshire Fen roads into Suffolk, with panoramic views across open landscapes, riding under the infamous railway bridge (where we all ducked!) spotting Ely Cathedral on the horizon and riding past an active American Airbase, where some of us were lucky enough to witness a take off!
On reaching Walkers Snacks, were were all ready for refreshments, as it proved to be a very hot day, sheltering under the parasols, the various snacks and breakfasts on offer, all freshly made, went down very well.
Fun ensued, when it was discovered the Gents WC was out of order, with PECAM male members being escorted by the Lady members to use the Ladies!
Those of us with non GS sized fuel tanks, headed just up the road to top up for the 80mile trip home.
Gil had once again planned a fantastic route, passing another airbase, before winding our way through the forest, crossing the Little Ouse, on what was originally a railway bridge, but now holds the local road and was featured in episodes of Dad’s Army, the road was narrow on this section.
We then went onto some main A roads, taking us into Norfolk and past a third airbase.
Back onto fen roads, along a hidden gem, a windy road that doesn’t really fit with the normal type of fen road.
The end destination was Manor Park, Whittlesey, to a Car and Bike Show.
A fantastic ride out, thanks Gil for organising and leading and to Bob Armstrong for pink vest duties and as always, thanks to everyone for their Company.