CUCC Touring to The Boat Race!
Early on the 2nd April, 11 intrepid cyclists gathered as CUCC teamed up with Cambridge University Triathlon Club on a voyage to the boat races. Proceedings kicked off with a classic jaunt up chapel hill, perfect to wake us up on our way out of Cambridge. After a mere few miles, most of us realised it was considerably sunnier than we had expected… cue a major kit change for most! Off with the jackets and base layers, on with the sunglasses!
Shades, Cycling Cap, and a Pint
The sun stayed with us as we made our way South, covering the slightly more undulating terrain of Hertfordshire. Having covered roughly two thirds of our distance, we reached St Albans. We found ‘The Mermaid’, where half the group settled down for a pub lunch, pints and all, whilst a second group sought out the more traditional cycling staple: coffee and cake!
Relaxing in the sun at The Mermaid
Having refuelled and regrouped, we jumped back on the bikes with London firmly in our sights. Before long, we passed the M25 and our ride began to change. Narrow winding roads became a single straight busy road which would take us directly into the centre of London. Progress was marred by traffic light after traffic light. Despite attempting to stick together, Matt and Harshal were lost to what we would later find out was a double puncture.
Finally coming to the end of this seemingly endless road, the Marble Arch appeared before us. A combination of confusing Garmin directions and lack of London knowledge led to much guesswork through the capital, but the views were not compromised. Thinking we were on the mall, some of us initiated a sprint, reminiscent of the final stages of the London 2012 Olympic road race, only to realise this was not in fact the mall, but an adjacent road. Despite this, we soon found our way to Buckingham Palace where we joined the many tourists, taking some all-important ride photos!
Striking a pose in London
After a quick stop at the palace, the ride continued over Westminster bridge before we split off to find various friends at the Putney and Hammersmith bridges. We were greeted by an awesome atmosphere on a beautiful day for the boat races! Huge respect goes to all who competed in the races with particular congratulations in order for both Cambridge women’s boats!
Although I can’t speak for the rest of the group, the journey home came with its own issues, attempting to carry a road bike on the underground whilst others confused my Cambridge cycling shorts for a rowing overall, thinking I had just come from the river.
In all, a great day’s cycling covering 70miles on what couldn’t have been a nicer day. Thanks to all who came, we look forward to cycling with you on touring rides in the future!
BUCS 25 and Varsity 2017 Riders!
With only days to go until Cambridge hosts the BUCS 25 mile time trial, and within it the Varsity race against Oxford, it’s time to announce who will be donning the light blue.
The time trial will take place over two laps of a 12.5 mile local circuit near Bottisham. 47 female and 113 male students from all over the country are entered to race, including a huge five women and twelve men from Cambridge, which shows just how strong the club is this year! In no particular order, our riders are:
The Women
Name: Lottie Mallin Martin
College: Clare
Year: 3rd
Subject: Law
Some last words for Oxford: ‘GDBO!’
Name: Hannah Evans
College: Selwyn
Year: PhD 4th year
Subject: Physics
Pre race ritual: ‘Having a nap.’
Name: Holly Knox
College: Newnham
Year: 2nd
Subject: English
What you will be thinking during the last 10 minute of the time trial on Saturday: ‘Maybe there’s another sport I can try.’
Women’s Captain
Name: Jess Atkinson
College: Churchill
Year: 3rd
Subject: NatSci
Favourite training snack: ‘Nutella single serving sachets.’
Touring Secretar
Name: Emilie Lostis
College: Hughes Hall
Year:
Subject: Graduate Medicine
Favourite training snack: ‘Dates stuffed with peanut butter.’
The Men
Name: John Grenfell-Shaw
College: Trinity
Year: PhD 2nd year
Subject: Maths
Some last words for Oxford: ‘Good luck beating our 3rd team.’
Name: Ali Golby
College: Jesus
Year: 1st
Subject: MML
Favourite Event/Discipline: ‘Cafe stops.’
El Presidente
Name: Seb Dickson
College: Corpus Christi
Year: 3nd
Subject: Engineering
Pre-race ritual: ‘Getting various tools jammed in the bike and having to hammer them out in a panic.’ [He still won BUCS 10 after this]
Events Secretary
Name: Oli Mytton
College: Wolfson
Year: PhD 4th year
Subject: Public Health
Favourite gel flavour: ‘I am yet to find one after 37 years of trying.’
Name: Sean Irving
College: Homerton
Year: 1st
Subject: Bio NatSci
Favourite gel flavour: ‘The one in my pocket.’
Name: Jali Packer
College: Kings
Year: 1st
Subject: PBS
Pre race-ritual: ‘Trying not to be hungover.’
Name: Nick Grogan
College: Trinity
Year: 1st
Subject: Maths
What you will be thinking during the last 10 minute of the time trial on Saturday: ‘Why did I do this to myself?’
Name: Rob Walker
College: Pembroke
Year: 1st
Subject: NatSci
What you will be thinking during the last 10 minute of the time trial on Saturday: ‘Pain is temporary, victory lasts forever.’
Name: Luke Fisher
College: Trinity Hall
Year: 1st
Subject: Engineering
What you will be thinking during the last 10 minute of the time trial on Saturday: ‘Anything but how much the last 10 minutes of a 25 hurt!’
Name: Hal Bradbury
College: Jesus
Year: PhD
Subject: Earth Sciences
Favourite thing about TTs: Being recognised as Ed’s brother on the start line.
Name: Chris Revell
Year: PhD
Men’s Captain, The Mulvinator
Name: John Mulvey
College: St Edmund’s
Year: PhD
Subject: Medicine
Favourite thing about TTs: ‘When they are over.’
CUCC Touring – CUCC takes Oxford!
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