Are Nature Bike Rides a thing? I am declaring that they are a thing.
Beside the Guided Busway, from Cambridge North to St Ives, is a smooth clear flat stretch of dual-use cycleway / footpath, all off-road and clear of cars, running through countryside and RSPB Fen Drayton. Beyond St Ives, the pathway continues through The Thicket out to the beautiful National Trust Mill and meadows at Houghton.
The idea here is a quiet, gentle and easy ride down the busway, appreciating the countryside, joining up with another Nature Lovers event at Houghton for a picnic. We might stop occasionally en route if some Interesting Nature catches my eye!
Obviously I am planning this for a Bank Holiday, so watch this space: I will reschedule if the weather is poor (and especially if there are strong winds, as the busway can become quite gruelling in a headwind). If the weather is good, the busway - and Houghton - are likely to be busy, but I can't do much about that.
This event is intended to be a gentle ride, and will suit less athletic cyclists - though if you are not used to 15 miles in one journey, I do suggest that you are likely to feel it in your seat, so please don't over-commit. More athletic cyclists are also welcome, as long as you are willing to take it easy.
I am limiting attendees so that the number of cyclists is manageable, and there will be no guests for this event, I'm afraid. Please take responsibility for your own safety, and respect those around you: I am not trained to lead a cycling group, and all I can do is show you the route!
During the event I will take a voluntary subscription (£1 / attendee suggested): this will go towards the running cost for the Meetup group, and then anything left over I'll put into a pot - and when we have enough I'll put it towards a special event with a specialist to talk us through something interesting.
Because of the following picnic, I'm running this as a one-way event: i.e. you will need to find your own way back to Cambridge. This is as simple as following the cyclepath by the busway, so it should be very easy! But if you're at all worried, post in the comments or chat, and we'll sort something out. If you can stay for the picnic, I'll happily show the route back to St Ives after - and from then on it is very simple.