Graham stepped forward to organise this lovely ride despite his diary for the past week being jammed with blog writing, climbing in Cornwall, serious bike riding in the Peak District on 31 May (a day trip) and then setting off early for this ride from Ickleton to the Cock Inn at Henham. You know what they say: ‘If you want a job done ask a busy person to do it.’ Nothing could be more true when it comes to Graham – even 2nd June was going to be busy with washing and changing the sheets……….. What a man!
So 17 Windmillers set off from The Cock Inn after coffee and ordering lunch in three groups on a delightful circuit devised by Graham of quiet Essex lanes, some unfamiliar and some familiar, passing endless cottages and grand houses looking good in their Spring finery, or is it Summer? It’s both – 1 June is the meteorological start of summer whilst, this year, the astronomical start of summer is 21 June. So now you know if you didn’t know already.
One of the first stops had to be P&A Wood in Great Easton to glance enviously through the showroom windows to admire the array of fine Rolls Royces and Bentleys on display. We were all wondering if Howard and Maurice might be interested in adding to their already fine collections but no salesman came rushing out to secure an order.
Windmillers admiring an ex-footballer’s (?) Bentley (or are they just preening themselves in the polished windows?)
Onwards we went through Lindsell and close to that wonderful Priors Hall Farm which make tasty Dunmow sausages and bacon products, passing yet more wonderful properties and enjoying glorious views. Stebbing, in particular, was very pretty with a nice looking pub which needs checking out some time.
Stebbing has strong Scottish connections and so who knows, our kilt wearing lads Andrew and Iain may well be able to trace their ancestors to here. For more info about Stebbing see: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stebbing
Just outside Stebbing Andrew had to stop, of course, at his very own airstrip, Andrewsfield, to watch what was going on. An ex RAF / USAF station it ‘s still in active use as a flying school and gliding centre as well as an emergency relief strip for Stansted.
Then came The Blue Egg at Great Bardfield, a popular coffee stop as always, but Paul and Simon arrived somewhat after the others having missed a turning. (Simon miss a turning? No way!)
Heading back along familiar lanes to Little Sampford it wasn’t long before we cruised into Thaxted and stopped to admire the Grade 1 listed houses situated behind the Guildhall, recommended recently by Ken McDonald of the 100 Parishes Society which organises walks around our same area and who will be giving a talk to The Windmill Club soon. One of the houses has a Dick Turpin connection, allegedly, but this is what a local society has to say about it:
The birthplace of Dick Turpin is actually this lovely chocolate box of a house in Hempstead, Essex. However, this Grade I Listed, 15th century cottage which also bears his name is in Thaxted, Essex. It sits at the bottom of Stoney Lane, an ancient and steep cobbled street that rises up to the churchyard.
If you’re unfamiliar with Dick Turpin, he was a horse thief, highwayman and member of the infamous “Essex Gang” during the 1700s. While Turpin was a real person and many facts about his life, misdeeds and eventual death in York are known, his story has become somewhat of a legend.
Many romanticized and not necessarily true stories about Turpin are still being told today. He is featured in numerous songs, plays and historical fiction novels. His name also adorns many pubs and a few homes, like this one!
Hunger was making itself known and so it was full pelt back to Henham for lunch and drinks in The Cock Inn after a very enjoyable ride in good weather.
It was also Graham’s birthday who generously bought a large round of drinks and received a hearty rendering of Happy Birthday in return. Thanks Graham, and also for a great ride.
Finally, mention must be made of all those who regularly cycle many additional miles to the start of a ride and back – Graham, of course, but also Ric who regularly clocks up big distances from Harston, Brian and Jeremy. Well done all.
And this is where we went:
Thanks also to Brian, Simon and Graham for some of the photos.
Martin W ;
The Windmill Cycle Club 