How good it is to be back at The Pheasant in Great Chishill for some of our rides, particularly those on Mondays. Owned originally by members Simon and Ollie until they retired, and used as a base for The Windmill Club when first established by Maurice over 10 years ago, the pub is now under the management of Mike and his staff. We always get a warm welcome and enjoy good food and beer. What more can one wish for in life?
After a wet October it’s been good to enjoy a colourful, yet often crisp, November ride and this was no exception. Nearing the end of autumn, there were still colours galore to see whilst cruising around some favourite lanes on a route devised by Maurice. Accompanying him were Andrew, Geoff, Rod, Jeremy, Graham, Ken, Brian, Alan, Roger, Gareth, Chris, Tom, Simon and Martin – 16 in all which meant that 5 groups of Pheasant Pluckers set off on schedule at 9.30 after ordering lunch and having a warming cup of coffee.
This where we went, clockwise for most except for Andrew’s Group B who initially shot off at high speed in an anti-clockwise direction towards Shaftenhoe End until a hollering from Gareth brought us to a halt and we climbed back to the start feeling sheepish. Stay behind for GPX lessons Group B!
Ken joined Group A at Duddenhoe End and all proceeded through colourful lanes to The Catherine Wheel at Albury for coffee where it was warm enough to sit outside in the sunshine.
The return leg took us northwards with the benefit of the wind and sun both behind, passing many more oak and beech trees en route:
Just outside Brent Pelham several gathered to inspect the site of the nuclear bunker which we have visited in the past – useful to know in the event of a nuclear holocaust. The Windmill Club might be the only survivors! It’s still possible to climb down the ladder where some basic furniture apparently still exists. No one has had the courage to do so yet.
Back at The Pheasant an excellent lunch was enjoyed, swilled down with an excellent choice of beers.
Thanks go to Maurice for planning the ride and organising the coffee and lunch. Also thanks to Graham and Brian for their photographs and, as always, to Andrew for administering our WhatsApp groups and ride schedule.
Martin
The Windmill Cycle Club 