CUCC Touring – CUCC takes Oxford!

Posted on 17th April 201718th April 2017

Back in February six cyclists met at Brookside on a Saturday, at the normal time. This could have been mistaken for any regular old ride, but no. Not that day. That was the start of the much anticipated CUCC Touring ride to Oxford!

We set off a shade after 9:30, and it was clear from the start that there was going to be a slight headwind all day, as if cycling the 130km on its own wasn’t enough… but we pushed through, setting a decent pace, and the first 30 miles flew by. Rob got a puncture soon after, and whilst this was being fixed, Emilie took out some peanut butter filled dates and offered them around, which means it’s time for the return of my food blogging; so strap in boys & girls because here it comes:
With the appearance of, well, dates with peanut butter smushed in, I was not convinced at first. But I was wrong. Who knew such a simple combination could be so good?! Would recommend, even just for the insane amount of calories in them: 10/10. Food blogging over.
Anyway, we were back and away in no time.

Shortly after, we stopped in Woburn and settled in to a nice café for some lunch. After figuring out there was a button on the table to call over the waiter (wtf), we eventually got served. Back out on the road again, we now had less than half the distance left, with the sun shining nicely over head, we were well on our way to the Other Place.Continue reading→

London to Cambridge – TRIBE/Brother Cycles/RLR RIDE

Posted on 29th January 201727th February 2017

The day began with the sun still tucked up in bed, a fact which would make the cycle through London just that little bit more interesting. We boarded the 6:15 train to Kings Cross still half asleep, but excited about the day ahead none the less, wondering how many people would turn up for the ride, who on Earth RLR were, and most importantly, how many free Tribe bars we would get! On the train journey Kaitlynn swapped out the stock saddle on her bike for a better one, which she would then carry all the way back to Cambridge!

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Recap of Touring activities – Michaelmas 2016

Posted on 14th December 201627th February 2017

It’s been an incredibly successful start to the year for social cycling with CUCC. A few rides have been reported already – to Ely, and to cafes in Saffron Walden and Linton – but a highlight of the term has to be the trip to the Hotel Chocolat factory in Huntingdon.

On Saturday 19th November, a cold but crisp winter’s day, a whopping 17 cyclists showed up to Brookside at 9.30am, keen to stock up on chocolatey stocking fillers in time for Christmas.

Braving the frost up the guided busway to St Ives, we then split into two more manageable groups, with Natasha and Emilie leading both halves to Huntingdon. Although there was a bit of confusion and one half went clockwise, with the other anti-clockwise, we all happily met up at the chocolate factory and were rewarded with a few tasters.Continue reading→

Ride to Linton

Posted on 5th November 20165th November 2016

With Cambridge firmly in the grip of winter the turnout for this weeks ride wasn’t as high as previous rides this term, none the less 5 of us set off South in high spirits. The route took us over some of the ‘big’ hills that Cambridgeshire has to offer, which everyone dealt with easily. Toughness points for the guy tackling them on his single speed! Shortly after going through Great Chishill we spotted a Red Kite, a rare sight this far from The Chilterns where they’re being reintroduced! One of our group pealed off after Littlebury Green to catch the train back to Cambridge where he had left his friends who were visiting for the weekend, I hope they understood the importance of riding. Onwards now as a quartet we passed the beautiful Audley End House & Gardens, where I snapped the picture below, mis-timed and not quite getting the house but still capturing a happy cyclist at least!

Next we went through Saffron Walden past Bicicletta, beloved by cyclists and café enthusiasts alike, however that was not our stop for today so we waved as we rolled past with Linton in our minds.

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Tour to Ely

Posted on 30th October 20165th November 2016

Emilie Lostis writes:

Yesterday saw CUCC’s first touring ride of the year. It was a short social trip to Ely, with impressive attendance by 11 keen cyclists. We set of at 9.30am, and as the group was particularly fast, we reached Ely before 11am. We had a look around town, and were approached by an elderly gentleman near the Cathedral who was very happy to see us there as he’d been somehow involved with the club back in the days!

The Tourists at Ely Cathedral

He was only too happy to take a few pictures of us, after which we explored the vegan market that was on in the city centre. Everyone experimented with animal-free nibbles with more or less satisfaction (the Wandering Yak van got our seal of approval, but the rice milk in the coffees less so…), and with a full belly we got back on the road.

The Vegan Market

All but 2 decided to join the ride home – slightly longer and faster through the Fens – despite the easy option of a train back offered, and everyone made it home safely by 2pm.

It was great to see so many enthusiastic students on the road, and we’ll be planning many more themed rides throughout the year!Continue reading→