FNRttC FNRttC Cambridge to Kings Lynn August 30th

[mjr]

Just been looking on Google Earth and looks like a route not too far from the ferry. Not too worried about a bit of mud.

I'd not try to go along the board walk south of the ferry pier to reach the dirt track. The slaloms on it may not be obvious on satellite images but they are difficult for wheelchairs, while tricycles and long wheelbase bikes have to be lifted over. Instead, exit along Bankside and the road out to the old garage at the T junction, then a cycleway takes you to the river and into town along its east bank where 20mph streets will take you to Ferry Lane to meet the ferry.

You may be arriving into town just as a group of us leave on a hundred mile ride into Holland Parts of Lincolnshire and back. You're welcome to join us if you can stand our blistering 10mph pace! Otherwise, I commend Norbury's bakery and Soul Cafe in Tower Street and the Filling Station in Norfolk Street as good central cafes. Marriott's Warehouse on the South Quay has the riverfront views but maybe is Cambridge prices more than Lynn ones If anyone's catching a train but has a few minutes to wait, I suggest getting a coffee or ice cream from the cafe by National 1 in the Walks just south of the tracks. Opens 10am I think. The station buffet coffee is not very good, but much else in it seems OK.

 

[Nick Saddlesore]

We're coming across from West Lynn.
All routes have been ridden, ferry has been forewarned, pub is booked for breakfast - it's a Fridays ride.

 

[mjr]

We're coming across from West Lynn.
All routes have been ridden, ferry has been forewarned, pub is booked for breakfast - it's a Fridays ride.

I know you're coming in from West Lynn and assumed you'd warned the ferry, but the reference to mud above made me think someone was considering taking a recumbent along the west bank which is worth warning against IMO. It's all up to you, of course.

 

[LucretiaMyReflection]

I was mentioning bridleway / track earlier on in the route (heading into Ely), which I'd assumed was the bit Mr Saddlesore meant. Not familiar with the West Lynn approach.
Apologies if I'm confusing matters!!

Station buffet has been very patient with me in the past, including a request for lukewarm tea so I could down in haste before dashing for the train

 

[mmmmartin]

We're coming across from West Lynn.
All routes have been ridden, ferry has been forewarned, pub is booked for breakfast - it's a Fridays ride.

 

[Elybazza61]

No can do; will be working on the Saturday;still you'll have a nice bright orange Light Blue Robinson in the group I believe.

 

[kimble]

Upferit in principle, but not signing up until I've proven that I can do >100km without Achilles problems. (riding at someone else's slow pace for hours on the Dun Run set it off, and while I'm now pain-free, it's weak and Not Quite Right™ so I'm building back up gently.)

 

[LucretiaMyReflection]

No can do; will be working on the Saturday;still you'll have a nice bright orange Light Blue Robinson in the group I believe.

It needs a wash, so not so much on the 'bright'

 

[StuAff]

It needs a wash, so no so much on the 'bright'

Gravel bikes attract muck, don't they?

 

[fuboab]

I'm in, coming down in first class, returning in cattle. I'm not sure they'd let me in First after riding all night. That, and the lack of any super-discount- offers.
The responsible adults come from further north than me and have balked at a £200+ train fare. Can't say I blame them, tbh.
I'm hoping for some new roads. And possibly tracks.

 

[LucretiaMyReflection]

Gravel bikes attract muck, don't they?

Yup, like an orange magnet!

 

[LucretiaMyReflection]

The gate at Barway (Bertie for comparative size, 48cm frame) with views back up the track and down track toward Ely. The track section is about 1km, then across a cattle grid up onto tarmac path.

 

[Nick Saddlesore]

I think we're following Route 11 - right fork after Barway on the other side of the drain. On the recce we followed a sign to the right down a very short gravel descent, then it got better. I can't see it on Google, so I'll rely on the Garmin. What could go wrong?

 

[mjr]

I think we're following Route 11 - right fork after Barway on the other side of the drain. On the recce we followed a sign to the right down a very short gravel descent, then it got better. I can't see it on Google, so I'll rely on the Garmin. What could go wrong?

National 11 is OK but presumably you leave it somewhere to head to TSC - maybe at the junction with National 1? If so, may I suggest using London Road to cut out the wiggles and obstacle course between Denver and Downham Lynn Road unless you really like unnecessary detours with bridges and sand.

 

[Nick Saddlesore]

As before, the entire route has been ridden. We know where we're going. It's a Fridays ride.