Heads down, mind the puddles, mind the potholes and don’t get blown over was the order of the day on this ride around Hertfordshire and Essex lanes. Even getting to the start at The Catherine Wheel in Gravesend near Albury was tough going for some due to road closures and flooded roads but at least there was a nice warm cup of coffee to spur the spirits before setting off at 09.30.
Did any of that deter Windmillers? Not a chance. 14 hardy types gathered to brace the elements and it was great to have Rach join us again after a long absence due to injury. Welcome back! Besides her, the others were Maurice, Graham, Ric, Andrew, Rod, Howard, Nigel, Geoff, Victor, Jeremy, Alan, Charles and yours truly.
Setting off in two groups in a northerly direction with the wind behind there was soon a difference of opinion as to which route to take – group 1 obeying the rules and avoiding the road closed through to Stocking Pelham whilst group 2 tried their luck and found an obliging road worker who shifted the barrier and let us through. Then we continued north to Duddenhoe End via Clavering before descending to the B1039 and having coffee at the excellent Compass Courtyard Mixing Shed café.
It was only after the cofee stop that the full effect of the wind and rain was really felt. Starting with a long haul up to Newland End, which probably took 10 mins compared to the 2.5 mins achieved by racing cyclists during summer weather, the route then passed Ann Currie’s sculpture barns and grounds where many rounded specimens could be seen through the hedgerow – well worth a visit when her exhibitions are on show, (and fibre glass casts being available for purchase at Compass Courtyard). Then it was through to Arkesden, Wicken Bonhunt and another long haul up to Rickling Church when a pause was made for some to don wet weather gear.
From Rickling onwards it was hard going – strong wind on the nose and driving rain at times resulting in Group 2’s decision to avoid the loop out of Manuden and to proceed directly to Hazel End, despite the potholes and heavy traffic on this stretch of road. The final stretch westwards was easier and then a blissful downwind mile or so to the Catherine Wheel completed the ride.
Lunch was excellent, as usual in this fine pub, and good conversation was had around a large convivial table.
Thanks go to Maurice for planning the route, to Andrew for distributing it and Charles for some of the photographs. In normal circumstances the ride would have been glorious, but such are the vagaries of English weather……
Martin
The Windmill Cycle Club 