Yes, it was the 80th Anniversary of VE Day and we were privileged to see what appeared to be a real-life dog fight between Spitfires and a Messerschmitt over Elsworth. The noise was wonderful, perhaps because the Messerschmitt was rumoured to also have a Merlin engine, so not entirely original. It was a great display which nearly had us falling off our bikes at times.
The ride was organised by Brian who sadly could not take part on account of a bad back. But given the lumps and bumps on the several off road sections perhaps this was just as well. So 19 Windmillers set off in three groups from The Hare & Hounds in Harlton on a glorious 28 mile circuit, those being Rod, Graham, Howard, Martin B, Tom (birthday boy), Maurice, Geoff, Paul, Ric, Keith, Neil, Charles, Alan, Victor, Simon, Gareth, Jeremy, Nigel and Martin W. Sadly none of our lady members were present or Andrew who was celebrating his birthday in Holland, otherwise this could easily have been a record turnout. Ken joined us at lunchtime and of course Brian who waved us off and greeted our arrival, some nursing a few bruised bums and beaten up bladders.
Heading AC, the route took us through Haslingfield and Bourn on fairly quiet roads and then over the M11 towards Grantchester on the first of Brian’s off road sections, thankfully dry throughout. Then Coton came up, via an easy concrete track, before crossing to Madingley and then a long off road route along bridleways.
En route to Elsworth for coffee via Coton, Madingley, Lolworth and Boxworth with hardly a sight or sound of the mighty A14 nearby.
Coffee was taken at Frank’s Farm in Elsworth which was excellent. Good choice, Brian.
The dog fight commenced soon after coffee and continued for quite a while, focused perhaps on the American Cemetery at Madingley. The bravery of all those who fought in WW2 is something our generation has so much to be thankful for. If only that was the real end of wars and bloodshed………
The route back was more kind on the buttocks and took us via Great and Little Eversden before rolling up back at The Hare & Hounds where the extremely good news was that birthday boy Tom would be buying the drinks, having been queuing patiently the last few weeks whilst other birthdays have been celebrated, with more to come! Hint hint.
The pub was quite busy with other diners and so a hearty rendering of Happy Birthday was not delivered to Tom, 21 Windmillers being loud enough to blow the roof off. So to make up for this Tom, here’s a slightly different take: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQ0sjjx5zN4
Thanks go to Brian for organising a splendid ride but we are very sorry he couldn’t join us. Get well soon. Thanks also to photographers Charles and Graham.
This where we went:
Martin
The Windmill Cycle Club 