New pub and new coffee shop, so full marks to Graham. This was quite a flat route, through some very quiet and pleasant country lanes.
Sheering does have The Cock.
But it is much more famous as being the home of Steve Harris, the bass guitarist from Iron Maiden.
Is was worth 6.7 million or was it 4 million? I don’t know, but it was on the market for 10 years and as you know everything is only worth what you can get for it. It almost became a fan hotel. I just hope the sound proofing for the bedrooms is up to scratch, since those guitar solos can feel a bit self indulgent when the drugs wear off and sleep become a necessity. As for the green arm chairs, if he doesn’t want those, my mother will take them off his hands. Oh and there’s one Donald T. that will take that coffee table.
Anyway we had great weather especially for mid-March. We split into two groups; myself, Howard, MartinB, Andrew, Tom and group 2. Graham, Geoff, Alan, Rachael, Keith
Initially we went south towards Magdalen Laver, who’s church rector, William Webb Ellis was the inventor of the sport of rugby.
Then onwards towards to coffee at Bretts in White Roding, where we received a right roding for propping our bikes up in front of a display of ‘marvelous’ plant pots. Ones that would have flown out of the place, borne aloft by adoring spring gardeners, if only they had been able to observe them in their full glory.
Having suppressed GDP and perhaps more importantly the money supply (defined as M1 I think) for the duration of a coffee break, we continued past White Roding mill.
This worked by wind until 1921, then was converted to being powered by an engine until the WW2. It was then bought by Michael Redgrave, the actor, as a home. It escaped demolition during the 70’s and 80’s and has now been partly restored.
The final leg was all along the side of Hatfield forest, a prime surviving example of medieval hunting forest. Myself I thought this was an exceptional route, surprisingly flat, apart from a little kicker near the end and along exceptionally quiet roads, especially considering how close it is to Harlow and the M11.
The Cock had claimed it could cope without pre-booking lunch. I got mine and was finished before any others arrived, so I have no complaints. Can’t speak for the rest of you.
Special thanks go to Graham on this ride.
Nice weather. Let’s hope for a few more like this during the coming year.
The Windmill Cycle Club 