It was a chilly start to this late May ride – a reminder that summer is not quite here yet despite very warm weather in recent weeks. What a contrast with Windmillers Andrew, Howard and Simon enjoying wonderful weather in Scotland and likewise Graham and Julia as they traverse Europe.
The wandering Windmillers meant fewer than usual for Maurice’s ride from The Black Bull in Balsham, but it was good news for Alan who was buying the birthday beers. Besides those two, the others who warmed up before the ride were Brian, Rod, Victor, Ric, Charles, Jeremy, Neil and both Martins. Ken joined us for lunch.
Maurice shot off at high speed with four in his wake on a circuit via Bartlow, the Bumpsteads, Baythorne End, Kedington, Great Wratting, Withersfield and West Wickham. The second group of six caught up the first in Bartlow where it was tempting to divert down a footpath to see the Three Hills (Roman burial mounds) but it was decided to do this another day. There used to be five burial mounds but in their wisdom the company that built the railway line from Four Went Ways to Haverhill decided to destroy two as they were in the way. HS2 has had a somewhat tougher process to endure, thankfully.
Coffee was had at Tarka’s at Baythorne End where the only ‘event’ of the day was a fall by Maurice whilst dismounting, luckily with only a bruise or two to show for it, thanks to an impressive parachute roll according to those who witnessed it. Subsequent discussion about the advantages of step through e-bikes did not result in Maurice rushing off to buy one.
Coffee at Tarka’s. Charles piles on the calories in an attempt to warm up. Just look at those marshmallows in his coffee!
By the time coffee was over we had warmed up a bit and so the odd layer was shed before the return leg back to Balsham, into quite a strong head wind.
Several could not make lunch and so it was quite a small select group including Ken who were able to thank Alan for buying the beers and who wished him happy birthday in the usual rousing manner.
Thanks to Maurice for planning the route and we trust his bruises soon mend. Thanks also to photographers Charles and Brian.
This is where we went:
Martin W
The Windmill Cycle Club 