It was unseasonally chilly for May, and yet another polling day – they’re coming thick and fast now – that saw the Windmillers gathering in the Fleur de Lys car park in Widdington. There were ten of us – Maurice, John T, John B, Sandra, Martin, Chris, Rod, Keith, Andrew and Brian – saddled up and ready to head out on a 34 mile circuit of north Essex.
Maurice led the way from Widdington through Wimbish, Ashdon, Helions Bumpstead and Little Sampford, to Thaxted where we answered the perennial question; how many bikes can you chain securely to a lamp-post? After several attempts we came up with the answer; four!
We stopped for refreshment at Parrishes – a quirkily timbered tea room, cum bar, cum restaurant right in the middle of Thaxted. But despite the limited bike parking facilities, Parrishes got the Windmiller Seal of Approval; the coffee and cakes were excellent.
Then it was back on the bikes for the return leg via Debden, with Chris setting the pace on the bike he’d borrowed from Tom. We really must check that machine for a hidden electric drive.
As ever, Fleur de Lys landlord Chris served us an excellent two course lunch at our favourite fireside table. A few pints of Wherry later and the conversation was flowing freely; everything from how to fish an errant cyclist out of a river (ask Martin), through to how to remove port and brandy stains from a carpet (ask Andrew).
Thanks, Maurice, for organising another great outing.
Brian
The Windmill Cycle Club 