You should not let the lack of transport inhibit your gliding. Flying regularly helps you to make rapid progress and reach the same milestone with less flights (and therefore money).
Being able to get to the airfield without relying on someone else to transport you gives your another degree of freedom. You can fly when it is convenient for you and you are less likely to be going to the airfield on very busy days so you can make more out of your time.
This article will guide you on how to make your own way to the airfield by cycling.
Contents
Before you start
Understanding the laws and rules
Although it is not a legal requirement, you are strongly encouraged to read The Highway Code and Know Your Traffic Signs before attempting to cycle on the highway. These codes apply to both motorists and cyclists. The Highway Code in particular contains extractions from the Road Traffic Act, failure to comply with which can lead to criminal consequences.
Minimum equipment list
You will need:
- A roadworthy bicycle
- A cycling helmet (strongly recommended)
- Reflective clothing and lights (white in the front, red in the rear) if you plan to travel in darkness
- Suitable outdoor clothing which will not get entangled into chains and wheels
- Suitable shoes which you can walk in comfortably in case of a mechanical
- Other essential items which you will need at the airfield (such as your log book)
Know your routes
There are mainly two ways to get to the airfield. The first way (https://goo.gl/maps/QLWt2LMwD9W8D2JD7) is to travel along B1046 which goes through several villages. The second way is to travel along a road parallel to the A428 and go through Cambourne.
The first route is generally recommended because it is shorter, has smoother gradients, better sheltered (so the cyclist suffer less when there is a head wind), and it has calmer traffic. Besides, the second route has a few places where it is necessary to go off the road briefly (footpaths) and these can be rather tricky.
The major drawback of the first route being the road surface condition can be particularly bad for a segment of it (~1km). It is, therefore, important that your bicycle is comfortable for you to ride on.
Travelling along the recommended route
Navigate through the city yourself and you should be joining Newnham road (A603) at a roundabout. Follow this road and get onto the cycle lane (which is on the right hand side of the road when travelling to the airfield). This is particularly important because the road will become a dual carriage way with roundabouts and slip roads leading onto M11, and the speed limit will be raised to 50mph. Cycling alongside fast-moving traffic is particularly hazardous.
You will then meet a roundabout. Remain in the cycle lane, go straight on and cross onto the other side. You will then meet a brief climb, at the end of which is another roundabout. Again, go straight on.
Remain on the cycle lane and it will lead naturally onto B1046. If you are not on the cycle lane you will find the junction particularly difficult for a cyclist. Once you are sure you have got onto B1046 (you can tell this by the road becomes a single carriage way), leave the cycle lane and get onto your side of the road. The cycle lane ends shortly in front you.
Remain on B1046 for approximately 12km. You will pass Barton, Comberton, Toft, and Bourn in sequence. Then you will arrive at a double junction. Follow the traffic signs and continue onto B1046 on the other side. Be very cautious about the fast-moving traffic.
Once you are on the other side, carry on along B1046. You will pass Longstowe. You will then find traffic signs leading to the gliding club on your left and, shortly afterwards, the club gate on your right.
Do the reverse when you come back. Make very sure to join the cycle lane when B1046 disappears into the dual carriageway.