3 April 2025. Exquisite Suffolk ride. 30 miles.

A fine gathering of 15 Windmillers assembled at The Swan in Clare for what turned out to be a treat of a ride through exquisite Suffolk lanes. Planned originally by Keith, Simon wisely chose to do a repeat of the ride as it had been so popular previously. The weather was once again fabulous and the gentler pace of life in Suffolk was noticeable.

Those setting off in 3 groups at 09.30 were Simon, Martin B (welcomed back from Durban and celebrating a recent big birthday), Graham, Andrew, Howard, Rod, Keith, Victor, Brian, Geoff, Tom, Maurice, Alan, Nigel et moi. Ken joined us for lunch after starting the ride a bit later.

Heading out of the beautiful village of Clare we were soon in whisper quiet lanes with hardly a car or white van in sight. One of the first of many villages we passed through was Ovington which caught the eye of yours truly as the Sussex village where I lived in my youth was Ovingdean. There seems to be an Anglo-Saxon connection of both to Ufa’s people, or more likely Offa, the powerful King of Mercia who ruled from 757 to 796.

Catching up Group 2 quite early on gave Group 3 the opportunity of having a breather in the village of Belchamp St Paul where Simon insisted on climbing the village sign:

And then another ‘beautiful field’ came into view, this time Belchamp Walter which was indeed very picturesque:

The next stop was Borley where yet another fine church was seen through an amazing topiary pathway:

Cycling up the side of the River Stour it wasn’t long before the A1092 came into view which meant a quick dash to the Willow Tree Farm Shop where we enjoyed good coffee, a best ever cheese scone and excellent service, made better still by being able to sit outside in glorious sunshine:

If the hills on the first leg were a bit tough at times, the second leg put them into the shade – a long stream of ups and downs through wonderful countryside with far reaching views at times. A total climb for the ride of 500m. Who said Suffolk was flat?

Back at The Swan, after quenching thirsts in the garden, an excellent lunch was served when we celebrated the big birthday of Martin B who kindly bought a large round of drinks – thanks Martin, and good to have you back.

Thanks to Simon for organising a splendid ride and to photographers including Graham and Brian. And well done to Graham and Victor who rode to and from Clare, in preparation for Graham’s forthcoming 100 miler in June.

This is where we went:

Martin W