Windmillers must love their hills. What else could be the reason for a record turnout on a winter Monday, given that a warning of hills had been announced beforehand? Or was it just an opportunity to slice a few inches off Christmas / New Year expanded waistlines? Probably not – Windmillers love expanding their waistlines.
So 12 masochistic Windmillers gathered at The Red Lion in Hinxton at 12.00 noon to climb 350 metres around local lanes. The first ride of the New Year included Maurice, Deborah, (New Year’s resolution – DDD – Don’t Dither Deborah), Ric, Rod, Ken, Sandra, Hazel, Charles, Alan, Geoff, Graham and Martin. The intention was to end at The Red Lion for refreshments but it had just closed for a fortnight and so, before setting off, orders for lunch were phoned through to The Plough in Duxford instead.
This is where we went:
The first hill was a steep but short bastardo from Ickleton Grange on the poorly surfaced Cambridgeshire lane towards Strethall followed by a fast descent on smooth Essex tarmac and then a steady climb towards the M11 bridge above Littlebury and a fast descent into the village, where it is always satisfying to be exceeding 30mph as the speed sign is passed.
Then it was back up towards Littlebury Green and down past the badgers to the B1039 where it was noted that two Windmillers, who shall remain nameless, took the easier route up to Duddenhoe End instead of the intended bastardo. There was only one climb left up to Chrishall, except for Ken who chose to peel off back to Ickleton via Elmdon, thus having to endure yet another steep hill before the descent to Ickleton. He must already be up for the Masochist of the Year award, unless yours truly is a candidate having planned the route.
Alan and Charles also peeled off, having set out from their homes to begin with, and the remainder made their way back in relaxed style to The Plough in Duxford, where Ric set off back to Harston having clocked up the longest distance for the day. Others enjoyed an excellent lunch at The Plough where we received a warm welcome.
Thanks to Charles for some of the photos.
Martin
The Windmill Cycle Club 