All too often in this ever-online world we find ourselves at the mercy of autofills and spellchecks that render our hastily despatched messages into meaningless gibberish – or even unintended filth; we will never forget Andrew’s promise of a sinning trip to London! This time round it was Martin who, ahead of Thursday’s ride was promising “bidet drinks“. How intriguing; Cillit Bang martinis? Domestos daiquiris? Who knew? On reflection we decided he meant birthday drinks; more specifically, free beer. Top chap! No surprise then that 15 Windmillers turned up for the ride and a couple more freeloaders rolled in for lunch.
What a sumptious day, all blue skies, sunshine and very light winds, to explore the rural idyll that is North East Herts. Setting off from The Pheasant, we headed south to Anstey and The Hormeads before turning east to Furneux Pelham, Manuden and Rickling Green where we pulled in at The Cricketers for coffee. There’s never a good time or place to suffer a puncture but, if that is your misfortune, where better than just before the coffee stop. So it was that Howard, notwithstanding his sealant-filled tubeless tyres, pulled up with a flat rear tyre. Not to worry; while the rest of us took refreshment, Howard, with the help of yet more sealant (courtesy of Charles) affected a swift repair.
Back on the bikes we made short work of the return via Arkesden, Clavering and Langley Upper Green to Great Chishill.
As ever, we enjoyed a cracking lunch at The Pheasant and Martin, top chap, bought us all a beer.
For the record, the turnout was: Alan, Andrew, Brian, Charles, Deborah, Geoff, Howard, Martin, Maurice, Nigel, Ric, Rod, Roger, Tom and Victor – and we were delighted to see Gareth and Ken joining us for lunch.
Our thanks go to Alan for planning the route, booking the pub and leading the ride; Charles for the many photographs and, naturally, birthday boy Martin for the big round of drinks.
The Windmill Cycle Club 