This Thursday’s ride once again showed the quality of our cycling adventures. From award winning pub, via award winning cafe, through some of the best cycling lanes in the area.
Fom The Chestnut Tree in West Wratting, rural pub of the year 2023, via the Victor Victoria Coffee in Newmarket, best cafe of 2023 and through quiet lanes in beautiful autumn sunshine. It could be worse you know.
The route was;
The route was designed by Graham, I particularly enjoyed the views descending into Newmarket alongside the ‘gallops’ for race-horses.
It was a good turnout, which was no surprise in light of the weather. Groups 1; Charles, Maurice, Sandra, Chris, Rod, Alan and Andrew, who appears to be practicing for his Christmas ‘rock-performer’ impression.
The second group got split up when I had to stop and get my front tire pumped back up. Still Gareth, Jeremy, Geoff and Roger carried on in the clear but chilly autumn sunshine.
By Newmarket it was time for a hot drink and a cake. Group 1 had taken position outside, resulting in Victor becoming far to warm and comfortable inside the cafe, smelling the freshly brewed coffee. Meanwhile I didn’t feel smug at all.
After coffee Victor was able to indulge his interest in shop signage. Who am I to complain having interrupted many a ride to photograph agricultural scrap-iron and bags of horse excrement.
The second photo perhaps requires more explanation. In ‘The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin’ his place of employment ‘Sunshine Desserts’ gradually loses letters from above it’s head-quarters doorway in step with Reginald’s declining desire to carry on with his pointless job. Something which struck a cord with many viewers. Certain other aspects from the series also entered into national conversation including; “I didn’t get where I am today …” from the boss and ‘super, fantastic’ in response to stupid ideas from fawning subordinates. The series also gives a subtle nod to surrealism (Dada), whenever his mother-in-law is mentioned, Reggie visualizes a hippopotamus trotting along. Classic subversive British TV, that would mystify an international (American?) audience I think.
On the way back to the pub our group split again(!) with myself and Graham doing a steep bit past some rather attractive wind turbines and the ‘spliters’ taking the easy route for the last mile.
Good food and beer at the Chestnut as normal. News that they are selling the pub and moving on is very unwelcome. Nothing stays the same I suppose, enjoy things well you can and hopefully we will be able to find another lovely pub from which we can explore this area.
Thanks to Graham for organizing, really enjoyed it, as I hope we all did.
The Windmill Cycle Club 
3 replies on “Quality Ride, Quality Stops, Quality Club.”
Would be wonderful if anyone could make a book of all the rides you have done, at least the maps and possibly sell it for a charity?
LikeLike
Hi Sue. Until last year we did produce an annual printed volume of blogs but the cost has increased substantially and there were few takers last year. To make a profit we would need to charge around £100 in order to make a decent charitable donation, which is not viable. We raise around £5k – £6k for charities each year through charging £5 per ride and so this is probably our best way of raising money. Glad you like the blogs. Martin
LikeLike
Thank you Martin for taking the trouble to reply. I appreciate what you say re costs and am impressed by your fund raising. I do enjoy reading about your exploits, your ingenuity and good humour in the face of various mishaps that seem to happen to you all!!!
LikeLike