Modern-day Argonauts set out on a new mission.

It was real pleasure to return to the Golden Fleece at Braughing, home to many a pleasant Windmill Club occasion, including Christmas meals. The last few weeks might in fact have been Christmas, judged by the weather. However, this was the first ride of May and at least it had turned a bit warmer. Still cloudy though.

I’m always amazed that Jess remembers me, my gluten free needs, and that, this being Braughing, that I always order sausages. How does anyone do that when we only go a few times a year?

Better weather and the prospect of quite a good cake had resulted in an excellent turnout; Maurice, Brian, Martin, MartinB, Roger, Kieth, Paul, Victor and Andrew, Charles, Ken, Howard, myself, Rick and Deborah or something like that. The groups got mixed up several times for various mechanical and biological reasons.

In Greek legend Jason needs to find the Golden Fleece. He was accompanied by heroes in a ship called The Argo, hence The Argonauts. We intended to cycle to The Brewery Tea Rooms in Walkern, then to re-find The Golden Fleece. Well, I supposed, someone with a Garmin and a sense of direction might be able to. I’ve just come along for the ride.

Those up for a little further education might want to re-read the legend of the Argonauts. https://theargonauts.com/the-story-of-jason-and-the-argonauts/. I didn’t realize that some words from this source have entered directly into our language like Harpies; an unpleasant sort of woman, who were cruel to Jason. Also see Sirens, alluring voices, but likewise bad news. Bit of a misogynous theme developing here. More of that later.

The ride out to Walkern was excellent. We went via High Cross where is buried Captain Arthur Martin-Leake, one of only three people who have ever been awarded two Victoria Crosses. The first was in the Boer War and the second in the First World War. I suppose he must have been quite brave then.

Less resilience was required of us as we proceeded towards a beautifully cooked, home-made cake at the Brewery Tea Rooms. Safely ensconced in the tent outside, with the joyful sound of children playing in the local school yard, continuing living seemed preferable to any attempt at winning medals.

Still, everyone must suffer some time and this time it was Kieth who had a puncture. Two weeks ago it was me, and last week it was, oh no not him again. However that one was before the ride, so it doesn’t really count. Still a new tire, on the bike, should fix all that. Scwalbe Marathons no doubt, this should avoid the possibility of an end of year award. Hopefully.

The Argonauts did return to the Golden Fleece where they enjoyed excellent beer, food and a good get together. We were more fortunate than Jason who ends up underneath the aging Argo after his wife has killed all his children. I’ve already explained that he didn’t have much luck with women. Finally, he is struck dead by a rotting timber falling off the boat.  They don’t call them Greek Tragedies for nothing you know.

Thanks to Maurice ably assisted by Andrew for another vintage Windmill Club ride.