A VERY MERRY JOY RIDE INDEED

We’re on a Joy Ride report roll today!  Read Esther’s review of the Christmas Joy Ride…

The last Joy Ride of the year was an absolute cracker!

A bumper group of cyclists gathered at the John Barleycorn pub in Duxford village on Sunday 20 November.  The weather has been very kind for this year’s Joy Rides, and the November ride was no exception – not a cloud in the sky!

We pedalled off on a circuitous route which took us up some hilly inclines (who knew Cambridgeshire had hills?) and behind the historic airfield of Imperial War Museum Duxford.   Following the country lanes, we passed rolling green fields aplenty before reaching Ickleton.  Here we took a spontaneous detour to The Barns for coffee next to the lake, where we made friends with the swans and ducks.   Suitably refreshed, we continued onward to the picturesque village of Hinxton before completing our circuit back to Duxford village.  Having cycled a grand total of 12 miles, and this being our last ride before Christmas, we felt that our healthy virtue deserved a treat.

There followed a fabulous Sunday lunch complete with crackers (well, you’ve got to have the bad jokes at a Christmas meal…!) and a delightfully relaxing end to a jolly day.  We were very merry gentlemen (and ladies) indeed.

With many thanks to Malcolm for the cycle route and to Dave, Siobhan, Bea, Mel, Sarah, Nick, Eileen, Ann, Jo, Vicky and Mary for making the final Joy Ride of the year so wonderful.

Thank you to everyone who has attended a Joy Ride this year.  When Catherine and I first discussed the Joy Ride concept over a large glass of wine (or two!) we had no idea it would be this popular.  I’ve had a fantastic time and met some amazing people – so thank you!

Very much looking forward to 2012 – discovering new rides, new places and new friends.