Wow! Doesn’t time just fly by? It’s 14 years since Maurice came up with the idea of The Windmill Club and it’s gone by in a flash. But nothing much has changed – an eccentric bunch of lads and lassies who still meet twice a week if they choose to do so and raise money for worthy causes whilst keeping fit in the process. Well done, Maurice.
The Pheasant in Great Chishill was the first meeting place for the club and continues to be so today, especially on Mondays when we are always welcomed by Mike and his staff, who carry on in the tradition of the former owners Simon and Ollie who now live in Elmdon – good food, good beer and good company.
This ride was around familiar lanes starting at The Pheasant and taking in Heydon, Chrishall, Ickleton, Catmere End, Littlebury Green, Arkesden, Clavering, Brent Pelham, Anstey, Nuthampstead and Shaftenhoe End. This is a classic Maurice route – quiet lanes and villages which enable peaceful rides and much chatting en route. Brian organised and was planning to lead the ride but unfortunately had to pull out on account of a bad back and so Maurice led the way, departing at speed 10 minutes early as everyone had turned up. He’s never one to hang about. Fortunately, Brian was able to attend the lunch and show off his photographic prowess.
The others in the ride were Victor, Geoff, Keith, Howard, Charles, Rod, Simon, Paul, Andrew, Ric, Rach (who joined en route), Jeremy, Deborah and Martin W.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words and so with a substantial number of 14th Anniversary photographs to choose from (thanks also to Charles, Brian, Rod and Andrew) why not include the lot? If true, this blog contains the equivalent of 22,000 words, surely a record to date? Nearly half a book.
The highlight was the glorious spring day with bluebells and cowslips everywhere and, of course, an excellent lunch in the garden of The Pheasant, duly recorded from a precarious lofty perch on a wobbly table by ace photographer and organiser Brian – not to be generally recommended for those with bad backs.
Thanks again to Maurice for starting the Windmill Club turning and keeping it spinning.
This is where we went:
Martin
The Windmill Cycle Club 