Riding through Ashdon reminds one of the splendid Ashdon Meteorite on display in Saffron Walden Museum. A century ago this grapefruit-sized space rock landed in the village and today a post marks the spot where it fell. Yet another reason to wear a bike helmet, eh?
Having set off from The Crown in Little Walden, we were 6 miles into a 31 mile route of Ken’s devising. Before setting off, Andrew – aka Mr Elf & Safety – had listed the many hazards we would encounter along the way and, though omitting to mention meteorites, it all sounded rather alarming. Given the bumper turnout of 18 Windmillers, we wondered how many would make it to the finish unscathed.
Several miles on from Ashdon we paused in Radwinter to admire the fine building at the crossroads.
Opened in 1885, the Village Hall formed the centrepiece of the village re-development following Radwinter’s Great Fire of 1874. Caused by a young girl playing with matches in a barn, the fire destroyed 24 buildings and left 95 people homeless. Note to Andrew: add playing with matches to list of hazards.
Pulling in at Debden Barns, we realised Simon was missing. He turned up as we were finishing our coffee and cake having overshot the Barns by some miles before realising his mistake and turning back. Note to Andrew: add rider inattention to list of hazards.
In the event, we successfully avoided Newport’s potholes, dodged our way through Saffron Walden’s busy traffic and all arrived safely back at The Crown.
Ken’s ride saw a bumper turnout: Alan, Andrew, Brian, Geoff, Howard, Jeremy, Keith, Ken, Martin B, Martin W, Maurice, Nigel, Paul, Rach, Ric, Rod, Simon and Victor – and we were delighted to see Ann, Deborah and Deborah’s new love, her black labrador puppy, join us for lunch.
Our thanks go to Ken for planning and leading the ride, not to mention buying the very substantial round of drinks.
The Windmill Cycle Club 