Nine thirty, Thursday morning saw seven Windmillers, all kitted up and ready to go, hanging around outside the Henny Swan. Alas we were leaderless. Where was Maurice? And where was Sandra? Come nine forty five, speculation was rife.
Eventually, and just before 10am, a familiar VW hove into view and Maurice and Sandra emerged, sheepishly and all apologies; something about a hold up in Newport.
So it was that nine Windmillers – Maurice, Sandra, Andrew, Ken, Ric, Chris, Keith, Vernon and Brian – set off on a tour of the Suffolk / Essex border country.
Rumour had it that John Bagrie would be joining us along the way, so we kept an eye out for a white bike propped against a pub wall.
Maurice led the way – via Bures and Stoke by Nayland – to Boxford, where we pulled in for refreshments at The Coffee Box, a new venue for the Windmill Club and a little gem of a place. We enjoyed a warm welcome and some excellent coffee and cake. We will return.
Back in the saddle, we continued on through Acton and Long Melford, skirting Sudbury before returning to Henny Street and the Swan for lunch, having clocked up 29 miles in all.
Birthday boy Chris bought the beers – nine pints of Wherry – good job he’d brought his credit card. He is a generous chap with a discerning palate; after just a few sips, he decided the beer was off (we agreed) and promptly had them swapped for nine pints of Adnams. We like his style!
Then, just as we were lunching, John Bagrie turned up to cheers all round.
It was another great outing. Thanks to Maurice for a lovely route – and to Andrew for getting us all organised.
Brian
The Windmill Cycle Club 