Cambridge Cycling Campaign

For more, better and safer cycling in and around Cambridge

Ride to Reach Fair 2008

The Camcycle 20 / 50

The information shown here relates to the ride in 2008, it will be updated shortly. (I’m working on it right now.)

On Bank Holiday Monday 5th May 2008 join our big bike rides from Cambridge into the fenland countryside. There’s a short ride to the village of Reach, stopping for the village fair, or a longer ride through Wicken Fen to Ely. Both rides start together in Cambridge and will go at a leisurely pace following National Cycle Network Route 11.

Mayor opening Reach Fair
Mayor opening Reach Fair 2007 – throwing coins to the villagers.

Reach

Boy looking at a Hog Roast
Traditional country fayre.
Morris Dancers
Mad fun
Mock battles
I got here first!

The ride takes place on the day of the historic country fair in the village of Reach at the end of Devil’s Dyke. We’ll arrive in time to witness the opening of the fair by the Mayor of Cambridge at noon. This tradition goes back over 800 years, and is accompanied by the throwing of pennies for the poor villagers. There are stalls, fairground rides, a maypole, morris dancing and food and drink tents. It’s perfect for a family day out. The ride back to Cambridge will leave in the mid afternoon – the ride leader will arrange a time with the group to meet before setting back.

Ely

For those wanting a longer ride, the stop at Reach will be just enough for lunch. We shall then carry on through Wicken Fen, expecting to arrive in Ely in the mid afternoon. At Ely there will be time to enjoy the sights and more refreshment, before getting back on our bikes and returning to Cambridge by the same route. Bring bike lights. Alternatively return by train, subject to limited availability of space for bikes.

The Ride

Come prepared for stunning views of open country, wild horses near Wicken Fen and changeable weather. Bring water, snacks and money to buy food. The pace will be leisurely, the riding time to Ely is expected to be four hours each way. These rides are organised by Cambridge Cycling Campaign and are run in association with Sustrans. They are open to everyone, and everyone is welcome to bring their roadworthy bike. This includes accompanied confident child cyclists who are strong enough to ride for around 20 miles (the return distance to Reach). The return distance to Ely is 50 miles. Both rides will be accompanied by marshals who are able to help with simple bike problems. You are of course free to ride independently at your own risk. This is a ride just for fun, there is no charge and there is no sponsorship. Both rides start and finish in Cambridge.

Details

Cycling near Swaffham Bulbeck

9:30am Monday 5th May 2008
Gather outside the Fort St. George Pub on Midsummer Common, Cambridge
10am Prompt
Ride Departs along the river
10:15am
Green Dragon Bridge, Stourbridge Common
10:30am
Newmarket Road Park+Ride site
around Noon
Arrive in Reach

The ride leader will tell you the time and place to meet for the rides back to Cambridge or on to Ely.

Returning from Reach

Depending on the weather and what the group wants, the ride will probably leave at around 2pm. The riding time back to Cambridge is less than 2 hours.

Riders at Reach Fair
Riders at Reach Fair 2007

Onward to Ely and Back

Leaving Reach at around 1pm, there will be a short stop at Wicken Fen, arriving in Ely at around 3:30pm. In Ely the ride leader will tell you the time and place to meet for the ride back to Cambridge. We expect to be back in Cambridge before 9pm.

Questions

How many people are you expecting on the 20 mile ride or on the 50 mile ride?
It really will depend on the weather on the day. We are expecting between 50 and 100 riders in total. Most of them will be doing the 20 mile ride.
Are children welcome on the shorter ride – is there any age limit?
Children under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Accommpanied children are welcome on either of the rides – but you will be responsible for looking after them. We travel at a pace which should easily accommodate most children who are regular cyclists. Younger children might find the distance a bit much, but if they’re on trailer bikes they should be ok. You must be prepared to bail out and go back with them! The route is almost all along quiet roads or off-road paths.
Is it possible to ride to Ely and then take the train back to Cambridge?
As for the trains, for last year’s ride we contacted all the train companies that run Ely to Cambridge. The trains can take only two bikes at a time, but often take more at the discretion of the Senior Conductor. So they can’t guarantee space, but in my experience they are usually quite accommodating. There are three trains an hour on that day in the early evening, so if you can’t get on the first train, then another train will probably be able to accommodate you. We shall also be checking the list of planned engineering works nearer the time. We can’t be more definite than that!

More information

Cambridge Ely route map

Other Leisurely Rides

Leisurely rides take place occasionally throughout the year, each led by a member of the campaign. The rides vary in format, but they usually pass through a local part of the countryside, at a gentle pace, and include a stop at a tea shop, café or pub. We’re usually back in Cambridge by 6pm. Some rides have a specific campaigning aspect, such as reconnaisance or trailblazing and there are rare train-assisted rides further afield.

There are no more scheduled rides at present. Please check back another time, or lookout for announcements in your newsletter diary page.

Previous rides and suggestions for routes