View Full Version : Mostly OT: what's Cambridge (and environs) like then?
Ok, the on topic bit is that you can tell me about cycling, but any
comments are welcome :-)
There is a possibility that my wife will change jobs to a
new post, working at Addenbrookes and Hinchinbrook(?)
hospitals in Cambridge and Huntingdon, so we might upping
stick from Yorkshire in a few months time.
So anyway, what's it like down there?
--
Chris French, Leeds
chris French newspost-c-002@familyfrench.co.uk opined the
following...
> There is a possibility that my wife will change jobs to a
> new post, working at Addenbrookes and Hinchinbrook(?)
> hospitals in Cambridge and Huntingdon, so we might upping
> stick from Yorkshire in a few months time.
>
> So anyway, what's it like down there?
Flat. I used to live about 5 miles from Huntingdon and
cycled to school opposite the hospital. St. Ives CC (If it
still exists) used to run club runs on Sunday mornings of
around 50 miles, and they used to be good at coming up
with routes.
I'm afraid that your hill climbing abilities will slowly
recede and you will become very much aware of the wind!
That said. As long as you remember to start out into the
wind, there are hundreds of (relatively) quiet country
roads, especially to the south and west of Huntingdon. The
fen land officially starts just north of Huntingdon and
consists of 10 mile long, dead straight stretches of road
which are a ***** if you get a headwind, but fantastically
fast when you're riding with the wind.
You also have Grafam waters to cycle round (If your bike
can cope with loose gravel paths) which is a nice ride away
from cars.
WAGN (The local train company) don't seem to have
problems with bikes on trains. I use them to get from
Peterborough to Huntingdon when visiting my folks and
there are usually several people (Including me) with
bikes in the vestibule areas.
Hope it all works out well. I may still have some routes
noted down somewhere, and I know my parents have a book of
cycle routes in the area, so let me know if you want more
information.
Jon
chris French wrote:
> Ok, the on topic bit is that you can tell me about
> cycling, but any comments are welcome :-)
>
> There is a possibility that my wife will change jobs to a
> new post, working at Addenbrookes and Hinchinbrook(?)
> hospitals in Cambridge and Huntingdon, so we might upping
> stick from Yorkshire in a few months time.
>
> So anyway, what's it like down there?
Flat. About 25% of journeys in the city are by bicycle.
Active CTC group with lots of on and off-road rides every
week and active Cycle Campaign group. Fairly expensive to
live. Nice cycling out in Suffolk and Norfolk with Thetford
for off-road (but still flat) Very dry.
Tony
> WAGN (The local train company) don't seem to have
> problems with bikes on trains. I use them to get from
> Peterborough to Huntingdon when visiting my folks and
> there are usually several people (Including me) with
> bikes in the vestibule areas.
You'll be lucky to get a bike on WAGN proir to 9.15am
In article <c6t41v$prf$1@hercules.btinternet.com>,
kitemap@fake.com says...
> > WAGN (The local train company) don't seem to have
> > problems with bikes on trains. I use them to get from
> > Peterborough to Huntingdon when visiting my folks and
> > there are usually several people (Including me) with
> > bikes in the vestibule areas.
>
> You'll be lucky to get a bike on WAGN proir to 9.15am
I've managed it before, but I admit that it was at obscene-'o'-
clock in the morning (six something IIRC). I was however
thinking of them as a way of easily getting a bike to
different areas at social hours, not during the rat run.
Jon
chris French <newspost-c-002@familyfrench.co.uk> wrote in message news:<jD+I8QCjZYkANwvJ@familyfrench.co.uk>...
> Ok, the on topic bit is that you can tell me about
> cycling, but any comments are welcome :-)
>
> There is a possibility that my wife will change jobs to a
> new post, working at Addenbrookes and Hinchinbrook(?)
> hospitals in Cambridge and Huntingdon, so we might upping
> stick from Yorkshire in a few months time.
>
> So anyway, what's it like down there?
I second the points Jon S made, and would add that south of
Cambridge is full of pretty villages to cycle through and
gentle rolling hills. So hill training need not go
completely by the by - I have a significant "inverse" hill
in my commute (it lies on the straight road between the A428
and Comberton). Since Jon did the countryside so well, I'll
mention some of the more practical aspects.
In Cambridge itself there are lots of people riding bikes, a
proportion of which are cyclists. Cycle commuting is by no
means universal, but I believe more common than elsewhere.
These points together equal cycle racks at most
destinations, of varying vintages, and a tendency for the
council to make nice red cycle lanes and cycle paths. Those
meet the common standards discussed on the ng (ie useless,
worse and dangerous) and the higher than average numbers of
bikes on the road tend to frustrate the motorists,
especially as central Cambridge is increasingly motor
vehicle free and many of the people on bikes appear to have
a death wish.
And I almost forgot students, language students and
tourists. The later pair being distinguished by their
ability to form completely immoveable impenetrable groups
entirely blocking the thoroughfare. The former by their
ability to survive, despite cycling.
There are bike thefts reported regularly, but I've never had
any problems, I think due to a safety in numbers effect in
the central town racks. Never leave a bike locked up by the
station, or on the street in the town centre after closing
time, unless you like building wheels. Also the train
station is not open to bikes at certain times, like rush
hour, you'd need to check.
There is the "park and cycle" on Madingley Road = A428 which
features nice bike lockers and acres of field covered with
tarmac for keeping cages on. And talk of opening more on
other entrance routes. These are in addition to the expected
park and ride facilities (beware the buses).
There is a variety of LBS and the instant p*nct*re
repair man.
It is easy to get out into the open countryside, and overall
probably as good a place as any for cycling. Come and join
us in the wind tunnel! Clear skies Sarennah (student at
University of Cambridge for past 7 years)
> > You'll be lucky to get a bike on WAGN proir to 9.15am
>
> I've managed it before, but I admit that it was at obscene-'o'-
> clock in the morning (six something IIRC). I was however
> thinking of them as a way of easily getting a bike to
> different areas at social hours, not during the rat run.
They even stopped me and my friends from getting on an empty
train on a Sunday morning to do the London to Brighton Bike
ride. We had to wait 'til
9.15.........Bastards.
In article
<5b5ff6e4.0404300256.42ac338a@posting.google.com>,
sarennah@volcanomail.com says...
> I second the points Jon S made, and would add that south
> of Cambridge is full of pretty villages to cycle through
> and gentle rolling hills. So hill training need not go
> completely by the by - I have a significant "inverse" hill
> in my commute (it lies on the straight road between the
> A428 and Comberton). Since Jon did the countryside so
> well, I'll mention some of the more practical aspects.
I'd forgotten that hill. It always formed a part of the
"Cambridge Wheel" bike ride organised by Action Research (Is
that still running?). I remember being most impressed by the
one-armed man riding up it on a modified MTB and not only
keeping up with the group of roadies, but holding a
conversation at the same time... nuff respect!
> In Cambridge itself there are lots of people riding bikes,
> a proportion of which are cyclists. Cycle commuting is by
> no means universal, but I believe more common than
> elsewhere. These points together equal cycle racks at most
> destinations, of varying vintages, and a tendency for the
> council to make nice red cycle lanes and cycle paths.
> Those meet the common standards discussed on the ng (ie
> useless, worse and dangerous) and the higher than average
> numbers of bikes on the road tend to frustrate the
> motorists, especially as central Cambridge is increasingly
> motor vehicle free and many of the people on bikes appear
> to have a death wish.
I took my driving test in Cambridge and remember very
clearly the paranoia at every junction or bend in the
road, because the cyclists had a habit of sneaking up you.
I'm glad to hear that they're still winding up the
motorists though.
Jon
In article <c6td9p$juj$1@sparta.btinternet.com>,
kitemap@fake.com says...
> > > You'll be lucky to get a bike on WAGN proir to 9.15am
> >
> > I've managed it before, but I admit that it was at obscene-'o'-
> > clock in the morning (six something IIRC). I was however
> > thinking of them as a way of easily getting a bike to
> > different areas at social hours, not during the rat run.
>
> They even stopped me and my friends from getting on an
> empty train on a Sunday morning to do the London to
> Brighton Bike ride. We had to wait 'til
> 9.15.........Bastards.
WHAT? I thought their no bikes policy was a "peak time"
thing. How can a Sunday morning possibly be peak time? Was
this recent (or pre- privatisation)?
Jon
chris French wrote:
> So anyway, what's it like down there?
So far, it's the only place I've encountered where you may
have to cruise around for half an hour looking for a parking
place for a bike! %>
Apart from that, some of the most expensive real-estate in
the Western world. About twice the price of central Paris,
so take your pick.
But if I manage to live a just and virtuous life, I hope
that when I die I shall go to Cambridge.
EFR Ile de France
"chris French" <newspost-c-002@familyfrench.co.uk> wrote in message
news:jD+I8QCjZYkANwvJ@familyfrench.co.uk...
> Ok, the on topic bit is that you can tell me about
> cycling, but any comments are welcome :-)
>
> There is a possibility that my wife will change jobs to a
> new post, working at Addenbrookes and Hinchinbrook(?)
> hospitals in Cambridge and Huntingdon, so we might upping
> stick from Yorkshire in a few months time.
>
> So anyway, what's it like down there?
Expensive!
--
Simon M.
In article <4092481E.78D56559@quadratec-software.com>, Elisa.Francesca.Roselli@quadratec-
software.com says...
> Apart from that, some of the most expensive real-estate in
> the Western world. About twice the price of central Paris,
> so take your pick.
You have got to be kidding me. Try London, or Edinburgh.
> But if I manage to live a just and virtuous life, I hope
> that when I die I shall go to Cambridge.
In this fabled afterlife, will the tourists have all decided
to stay home during a permanent summer season, or will it
remain the same?
Jon
>Ok, the on topic bit is that you can tell me about cycling, but any
>comments are welcome :-)
>
>There is a possibility that my wife will change jobs to a
>new post, working at Addenbrookes and Hinchinbrook(?)
>hospitals in Cambridge and Huntingdon, so we might upping
>stick from Yorkshire in a few months time.
>
>So anyway, what's it like down there?
Last I heard they didn't eat anyone from Yorkshire who moved
into the area ;-)
I used to live in St Neots - one of the commuter towns for
Cambridge. Lots of nice cycling around, much flat - but
much wind ;-)
Cambridge can be *expensive* in which to buy or rent
property - horribly so.
Dependent upon your finances - if you are wealthy, this may
well not be a problem for you, but if you aren't be prepared
for a possible price shock ;-)
One thing to consider perhaps - There's a direct train link
form Norwich to Cambridge now (hourly service) and I think
the journey time is an hour (give or take a bit). I'm sure
it stops at various staions en route, so there may be
opportunity to look at living outside of hideously expensive
Cambridge, yet still have a reasonable journey to & from
work. Of course, you could then join CC Breckland and enjoy
cycling in Norfolk :-D
Cambridge seem to have an active cycling campaign group,
http://www.camcycle.org.uk/
as does Norwich
http://www.norwichcycling.fsnet.co.uk/
Having lived within commuting distance of Cambridge from the
Norfolk side and the Bedford side, I prefer the Norfolk
side. Anyone else's mileage may vary on that of course :-)
Cheers, helen s
--This is an invalid email address to avoid spam-- to get
correct one remove fame & fortune
h*$el*$$e*nd**$o$ts**i*$*$m*m$o*n*s@$*a$o*l.c**$om$
--Due to financial crisis the light at the end of the tunnel
is switched off--
chris French wrote:
> Ok, the on topic bit is that you can tell me about
> cycling, but any comments are welcome :-)
>
> There is a possibility that my wife will change jobs to a
> new post, working at Addenbrookes and Hinchinbrook(?)
> hospitals in Cambridge and Huntingdon, so we might upping
> stick from Yorkshire in a few months time.
>
> So anyway, what's it like down there?
From what I've heard, it's absolutely hellish to get around
in a car there. Depending on what ratio of bike:car miles
you do, that may or may not matter much to you.
2 or 3 years ago.
--
David Brown :o)
http://kitemap.co.uk/stack
In article <jD+I8QCjZYkANwvJ@familyfrench.co.uk>, newspost-c-
002 @familyfrench.co.uk says...
> Ok, the on topic bit is that you can tell me about
> cycling, but any comments are welcome :-)
>
> There is a possibility that my wife will change jobs to a
> new post, working at Addenbrookes and Hinchinbrook(?)
> hospitals in Cambridge and Huntingdon, so we might upping
> stick from Yorkshire in a few months time.
>
> So anyway, what's it like down there?
Further to my earlier comments:
If your wife's work will be divided between the two
hospitals, there are many pretty villages that lie roughly
between the two. Get a map and look for stuff around the A14
between Cambridge and Huntingdon. If you listen to the
travel reports on R2 in the mornings, you should have some
idea of how sh*t a road the A14 is, so plan alternative
routes (Or cycle, thus flouncing past the stationary traffic
in an eco-friendly stylee!).
Jon
P.S The hospital in Huntingdon is Hinchingbrooke, as is the
school opposite. And make sure you have your blue suits
to hand, 'cos Huntingdonshire is the conservative
capital of Britain.
In message <20040430091139.09993.00000105@mb-m23.aol.com>,
dirtylitterboxofferingstospammers
<wafflycathcs@aol.comcomcom> writes
>>Ok, the on topic bit is that you can tell me about
>>cycling, but any comments are welcome :-)
>>
>>There is a possibility that my wife will change jobs to a
>>new post, working at Addenbrookes and Hinchinbrook(?)
>>hospitals in Cambridge and Huntingdon, so we might upping
>>stick from Yorkshire in a few months time.
>>
>>So anyway, what's it like down there?
>
>Last I heard they didn't eat anyone from Yorkshire who
>moved into the area ;-)
Ah, but we are both southerners anyway :-)
>
>I used to live in St Neots - one of the commuter towns for
>Cambridge. Lots of nice cycling around, much flat - but
>much wind ;-)
>
>Cambridge can be *expensive* in which to buy or rent
>property - horribly so.
>
>Dependent upon your finances - if you are wealthy, this may
>well not be a problem for you, but if you aren't be
>prepared for a possible price shock ;-)
>
Initial research (browsing a few property websites)
indicates that as expected, Cambridge is the expensive
bit, but out outside of there the average prices seem
similar to our part of Leeds (which is on the more
expensive sides of Leeds.
The post is for a Consultant in Obs and Gynae at the
hospitals so we will have a 'Decent Income' (I just earn the
pin money....), though would probably not particularly be
looking to live in Cambridge itself anyway.
>One thing to consider perhaps - There's a direct train link
>form Norwich to Cambridge now (hourly service) and I think
>the journey time is an hour (give or take a bit). I'm sure
>it stops at various staions en route, so there may be
>opportunity to look at living outside of hideously
>expensive Cambridge, yet still have a reasonable journey to
>& from work.
Consultants have to live within something like 10 miles
of the hospital (or have a pied a terre) for when they
are on call.
--
Chris French, Leeds
On 30/4/04 3:27 pm, in article MPG.1afc727a7499a9439896bc@news.clara.net,
"Jon Senior" <jon@restlesslemon_DOT_co_DOT_uk.remove> wrote:
>
> If your wife's work will be divided between the two
> hospitals, there are many pretty villages that lie roughly
> between the two. Get a map and look for stuff around the
> A14 between Cambridge and Huntingdon.
Looks like one of the little villages just north of the A14
will give a nice length commute each way without having to
use the major roads.
..d
In article <20040430104409.25861.00000253@mb-m04.aol.com>,
wafflycathcs@aol.comcomcom says...
> >Looks like one of the little villages just north of the
> >A14 will give a nice length commute each way without
> >having to use the major roads.
> >
> >..d
>
> Such little villages can be horrendously expensive to buy
> or rent a property
> in.
True, but as has been mentioned elsewhere, so is Cambridge.
Buckden and Brampton are two villages at the Huntingdon end
which I know quite well having lived in both. Both have a
mixture of old buildings and modern estates and (AFAIK) have
reasonable rates for the area. And probably not soon enough
for Chris, there is a new housing estate going up on the
road between Huntingdon and Alconbury.
Jon
dirtylitterboxofferingstospammers wrote:
> Such little villages can be horrendously expensive to buy
For those of limited means, though, a hamlet may be
affordable...
--
Guy
===
May contain traces of irony. Contents liable to settle after
posting. http://www.chapmancentral.co.uk (http://www.chapmancentral.co.uk/)
Victory is ours! Down with Eric the Half A Brain!
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