Sawtry Saunter
Posted on Monday 5 November 2007 by Nick Bloom
King’s Cross Thameslink early Sunday morning, Police already in action, Fire Service at the coffee shop. And the train is late. But there’s quite a crowd, despite the crisp morning. More at Kentish Town, another at Bedford - 16 on the road. Our Leader’s attempted ban on fixies has brought four out. Deaf ears, wasted words.
Off at a nice pace through the winter sunlight. We’re sort of following the route of the Bedford 100 audax, so after 25k we stop for coffee at Grafham Water, unfortunately just after a posse of motorcylists. The staff are in shock, people have been asking for coffee at the coffee shop all morning, so time passes. 3 peel off to make their own day. John makes some calculations and shortens the route - a circuit to Kimbolton. Two pubs, all booked out. But one at least offers baguettes, so we’re fed. Slowly. And we’re chilled sitting in the shade.
Various appeal for a short afternoon, promises of an easier pace. But John is on a roll, and the fixies are playing in the hills. This is slightly new territory for us, and very pretty it is as we zap along. Suddenly a sharp crack announces a spoke protesting at Stephen’s beer intake. Linus goes back to assist, but all is well - the wheel will survive another round. Onward, upward, and downward. Lights on for the last stretch, a few fading with the light, but we’re in almost there (is Beds. a dormitory town?). All back safe and well. Even Camille resisted her instinct to copy the Australian pros and kept upright. 92k, not bad for winter, and a very nice 92k it was.