Saturday 12/9 Roller ski the Cambridge Busway + evening meal

Join us to roller ski along the Cambridge Busway from St Ives towards Cambridge, and round off the day with a meal in St Ives afterwards.

About the roller ski tour

Starting from St Ives we'll ski along the wide cycle path adjacent to the Busway which has good views over the gently rolling Cambridgeshire countryside. The busway from St Ives is mainly slightly uphill with just a few downhill sections. You can choose the distance you ski.  You can turn around at any point and ski back to the start, or continue and catch the bus back at several stops, these are the options:

• 40km round trip to Cambridge and back to St Ives for very fit proficient skiers!
• 20km to Cambridge and return by bus.
• Slightly shorter ski to Histon and catch the bus back [or even ski back].
• Ski to Longstanton (even shorter) and return by bus or ski back.

We usually roller ski in small groups [skate or classic] according to speed/preference.

Who the tour is for

As this is an informal roller skiing tour without any coaching, skiers must be able to ski safely and competently without the need of a coach, so unfortunately this trip is not suitable for total beginners to roller skiing.

You also need to be:

• a LRNSC member with a minimum of Green Tier Snowsport England membership;
• a member of another Snowsport England affiliated Nordic ski club with a minimum of Green Tier Snowsport England membership - to confirm please email copies of your memberships to the organiser.

If you are not a member of either, please join LRNSC here; until 31/10/26 this will also give you Green Tier Snowsport England membership.

Equipment

Use your own equipment [skate or classic] or there is a limited supply of roller skis, boots and poles that can be hired from the club on a first come first served basis at £10.00 for the event payable in advance here.  You will need to bring your own cycle helmet (this must be worn), knee pads, elbow pads and gloves. 

Refreshments & other useful info

Please bring plenty of drink, food in your backpack or bumbag, and don't forget the sunscreen and sunglasses, plus helmets, roller skis and poles. Packed lunches can be eaten in the shade under the tree at Histon or else where on route.

There are 2 cafes along the route which are useful stopping points for toilet and refreshments,  Northstowe Tap and Social a short walk from the busway, or The Station House at Histon.

Please be aware.

• There are 2 slight downhills skiing from St Ives that if you don’t feel confident to skiing down them then there is the option to take off your skis and walk that section.
• Running along the busway cycle track is a warning white line that warns you not to get too close to the actual bus tracks. The buses overhang the tracks and there is a risk of being hit if you are too near the white line even where there is a slight barrier. Buses will not stop!!
• Parts of the path now have an uneven surface and some cracks. Generally when skiing keep to the left-hand side and be aware of cyclists and other path users. There are also several road crossing to make, please use the pedestrian crossings where provided.

Meeting place

We will meet at St Ives Park and Ride car park at 10 for 10.30 am start, near to the toilets. A safety briefing will be given before we start: St Ives Park and Ride car park, Meadow Lane, St Ives PE27 4LG.
Parking is free and it is a large car park with unlimited stay up to 18 hours. Toilets available by Busway.

Evening meal

A table has been booked for 18.00 at:
Floods Tavern 27 The Broadway St Ives PE27 5BX 

On the booking form please indicate if you will be coming for the meal.

Travel to St Ives

If you're travelling to St Ives by public transport check the Busway routes/timetables on Stagecoach, also on thebusway.info.  The nearest station on the Busway route is Cambridge North and you can use the National Rail journey planner for train times.

What to do next

Please register via this form by latest 05.09.26 so the organisers know who's planning to come and if you're interested in meeting up for dinner on Saturday evening.

Any questions?

Please contact one of the organisers: Margaret Chalmers or Claire Branscombe