Advance notice that it was Vernon’s birthday and that the drinks would be on him brought Windmillers out in force, or was it the thought of the pies for lunch at the highly regarded Pig and Abbott in Abington Pigotts, where the ride commenced over coffee in the bar?Probably both and what a feast it turned out to be for the birthday boy accompanied by Maurice, Andrew, John B, John T, Keith, Sandra, Ken, Rick, Brummy Brian, Yorky Brian and Martin.
But to create a thirst and appetite Maurice had planned a flattish route clockwise of 34 miles through quiet lanes taking in Steeple Morden, skirting Ashwell, Eyeworth, Waresley, Great Gransden and back through pretty Hatley St George to Abington Pigotts. Here is the route taken:
But, hang on, where was John B? Somehow he got left behind but it wasn’t long before he zoomed up from behind and took the lead.
The coffee stop was at The Duncombe Arms in Waresley, which turned out to be quite a long one as the coffee machine had not been turned on before our arrival, despite Maurice’s tip off by phone. The coffee wasn’t great either but that’s a rarity these days.
There was therefore time to take in the local area before setting off back:
The return leg continued through mainly quiet lanes when the group split up, some wanting to get to the pies first and others wishing to soak up the beautiful countryside, including this huge herd of deer grazing on some poor farmer’s winter wheat. Dear dear!
Soon we were all back at the Pig and Abbott celebrating Vernon’s forthcoming birthday in fine style – thanks Vernon! We’re looking forward already to next year. And then the pies arrived – steak and ale, steak and kidney, chicken (an entire panful for Keith) and other choices too, all accompanied by excellent veg and washed down with fine ales. A truly great pub with roaring fires to boot.
And so endeth another fine ride. Thanks go once again to our hard working leader Maurice for planning the ride and printing out the maps and to Andrew for getting us to the starting line, in dribs and drabs this time due to an accident in Royston which held some up. Thanks also to fellow blogger Brian for the map and some of the pics.
Martin
The Windmill Cycle Club 