Author: Brian Connellan

‘Well rutted‘ would be a rough summary of Andrew’s route. Indeed, some say that’s a rough summary of Andrew.

Starting from the Fleur in Widdington, Andrew led us out of the village via Cornells Lane – a no through road that degenerates into a dirt track; easy terrain for a ruggedised Land Rover but quite challenging for cyclists. Before long we had shouldered the bikes and were picking our way around trench-fuls of mud.

The other talking point of the day was Graham, or rather Graham’s face, which bore the scars of a heavy tumble from a mountain bike earlier in the week. It looked terrible but he assured us it only hurt when he smiled.

So there was plenty to talk about when we pulled into the Blue Egg for coffee. It was here that Geoff let slip it was his birthday and he would be buying the beers. Quick as a flash we were back on the bikes and peddling furiously towards Widdington. Howard and Roger being the fittest – or maybe just the thirstiest – beat the rest of us to the bar by a clear 10 minutes.

Landlord Chris served us an excellent lunch in the garden and we raised a glass to Geoff. Happy Birthday, old timer!

For the record:

Roger, Victor, Andrew, Charles, Geoff, Simon, Chris and Nigel all clocked up 36 miles – with Sandra, Howard, Graham and Brian adding several more cycling from home and back.

Thanks, Andrew, for organising everything. We even enjoyed the muddy challenge.

Brian

Thursday morning saw seven Windmillers set off from the Carrier’s Arms, East Bergholt, for a tour of the Shotley peninsula. Blessed with a lovely June morning, Maurice – followed by Andrew, Howard, Roger, Graham, Simon and Brian – led the way out into the Suffolk countryside.

Everything was going smoothly until our leader was brought to a sudden and unexpected halt, his chain jammed in the chainwheel. Dismounting, and with much effing and jeffing, Maurice tried freeing it with brute force – but to no avail.

We were pondering what to do next when Simon, reaching into his saddlebag, pulled out a large steel spike which, he maintained, was a tyre lever. Mmm, maybe for a tractor we thought, though some likened it more to a housebreaker’s jemmy. Whatever, in Howard’s capable hands it did the trick and – hey presto – Maurice was mobile again.

Our next stop was at Ewarton where we pulled in to admire the 16th century Hall. Seeing us at the bottom of her drive, the owner came out to chat and filled us in on some of the history. The Hall was once owned by Anne Boleyn’s uncle and according to legend, Anne loved the place so much she gave instructions that her heart should be buried in the local church. The owner doubts whether Anne’s heart is really there though during Victorian times renovations did uncover a heart-shaped tin casket in the church. This is now buried beneath the organ with a plaque marking the spot.

Rounding the peninsula at Shotley Gate, we paused for a photo with the cranes of Felixstowe docks as a backdrop.

Back on the bikes we made the steep descent down to Pin Mill for a coffee stop at the Butt & Oyster. We sat outside taking in the view over the Orwell and speculating as to what else Simon might have in his saddlebag. Maybe a lump hammer or two?

With the wind at our backs, we made short work of the return stretch to East Bergholt and lunch at the Carriers Arms. 

We had clocked up 34 miles, apart from Graham who seems to be competing with Sandra to make the rest of us look lazy. He opted to cycle the additional 60 miles home to Ickleton. Cor blimey, Graham.

Thanks, Maurice and Andrew, for organising another super outing.

Brian

A warm and sunny Thursday morning saw twelve Windmillers turning out for a ride from Widdington to Finchingfield and back. Joining us for the first time was Howard who, having bought a car from Maurice’s nephew, had been given a hot tip; check out the Windmill Club! Howard joins our growing contingent of riders from Saffron Walden.

We were also glad to see Graham back and looking fit as a fiddle.

Picking our way through the contractors digging up the road outside the Fleur de Lys, Maurice – closely followed by Andrew, Sandra, Deborah, Ken, Graham, Ric, Chris, Geoff, Roger, Brian and Howard – led the way out towards Debden and on to Radwinter.

We noticed Geoff wasn’t riding his usual machine; alas it had been stolen while on a cycling holiday. But there was a happy ending – within a few days of reporting his loss the insurance company had stumped up the money in full. Geoff will be out on a new bike – same as the last one – very soon.

Arriving in Finchingfield, we found Bosworth’s Tea Room had closed, been refurbished and had now reopened as Winners Tea Room. And very good it was too, with better cakes and better coffee.

On the return leg, and just a few hundred yards from the Fleur, Roger pulled up with a puncture. What is it with that section of road at the top of Widdington? Roger is the third Windmiller – after Brian and Martin – to suffer a puncture there.

Arriving back at the Fleur we were greeted by John Bagrie and, rearranging the tables, the whole gang of us sat down to a fine lunch in the garden. It seems hardly a week goes by without a birthday and the associated pressure to buy everyone a beer. This time it was Ken’s turn.

Inspired by our recent visit to P&A Wood, Deborah had brought along a family heirloom. Written by her grandfather-in-law, Bryan Goodman, it was a boxed, gilt edged, two volume history of the Edwardian Rolls-Royce. Very impressive.

Thanks, Maurice and Andrew, for organising another fine summer outing.

Brian

Footnote: Riding home through Newport after lunch, Brian and Ric had to swerve to avoid a semi-naked man, chased by a policeman, running at full tilt down the middle of the High Street. Newport, eh? A little town full of surprises.

Thursday’s outing saw the Windmillers pay a return visit to Ireland – not the Emerald Isle – but a little place of the same name in Bedfordshire.

Setting off from the Cock at Broom, Brian – followed by Andrew, Bruce, Keith, Lawrence, Ric, Rod, Roger, Sandra, Simon and Tom – led the way around a 26 mile circuit very similar to last year’s but with some off road additions. What’s more it was polling day – this time for the European Parliament – and indeed we passed many a polling station along the way.

As last year, we pulled in at the Shuttleworth Collection to peek into the hangers full of restored aeroplanes before continuing on through Ickwell – surely one of the prettiest villages in Bedfordshire – Northill and the delightfully named Moggerhanger. All had polling stations, but all seemingly devoid of voters.

Venturing off road, we joined the Ouse Valley Way, now part of National Cycle Route 51, following the line of the old Varsity Railway which used to run between Cambridge and Oxford until it was axed in the Beeching cuts of the 60s.

Joining the road again at Willington, we paused for a photo beside the 16th century dovecote before pulling in for coffee and cake at Cardington Barns.

Refreshed, we made short work of the return leg – via Ireland – to Broom and a warm welcome at The Cock where we were joined by John Bagrie. Rod bought the beer – Happy Birthday, Rod! – and told the best Brexit related joke; something about the backstop being an item one purchases from the surgical counter at Boots.

While lunching we were very pleased to hear that Martin’s prolonged stay in Addenbrookes had finally come to an end and he is on his way home. The following day we also heard that Graham’s visit to Papworth had been successful and mercifully brief. We shall expect full reports from you both – but spare us any pictures.

We look forward to seeing Martin and Graham back on two wheels again soon.

Brian

A sunny Thursday morning saw eleven Windmillers – Deborah, Sandra, Lawrence, Andrew, Geoff, Simon, Ken, Tom, Brian, Maurice and this week’s birthday boy, Graham – setting off from the Henny Swan for a tour of the Suffolk / Essex border country.

Our first stop was for a photo opportunity at the Church of St Lawrence, Great Waldingfield, where we considered offering up a get well prayer for our pal Martin who is banged up in Addenbrookes Hospital recovering from a nasty virus. But on reflection, we thought it best to wait for pub opening time and toast him with a good ale.

Our next stop was Boxford where we pulled in at The Coffee Stop for refreshment. Still in Boxford and just a little further down the road, we pulled in again at Howard Watts’ garage and motor showroom. No Rolls-Royces or Bentleys here, but a fine collection of lovingly restored Ferraris, Porsches and E-Types – plus some less familiar models, such as the 1961 French Panhard. Howard, a friend of Maurice’s and a larger than life, diamond geezer of a character, was most welcoming, showing off his beloved collection and entertaining us with his many stories.

Back on the bikes, we took a diversion to visit Kersey; surely one of the prettiest villages in this part of the world.

Now well behind schedule and making best efforts to catch up, we were delayed yet again when Brian pulled up with a puncture. This was fixed soon enough – but not before we had endured Andrew’s usual sermon on the merits of Schwalbe Marathons.

One last challenge remained, the surprisingly hilly section around the village of Lamarsh, before we finally made the descent, hot and hungry, to the The Henny Swan.

Sharing a table in the garden, we enjoyed an excellent lunch plus several beers courtesy of Graham. We’ll be thinking of him next Thursday when he’s having his wiring checked out at Papworth. Good luck, Graham.

We also raised a glass to Martin, wishing him a speedy recovery and looking forward to seeing him out on the bike again soon.

Thanks, as ever, to Maurice and Andrew for organising things.

Brian

Windmill Club photo album 2019

Windmill Club photo album 2018

Thursday morning saw eight Windmillers – Brian, Bruce, Deborah, Ken, Maurice, Roger, Sandra, plus birthday boy, Andrew – gathering in the car park of the Fleur de Lys.

Maurice had planned a special treat – a tour of P&A Wood, the local Rolls-Royce dealership. With much anticipation we headed out of Widdington, down the hill towards Henham and thence to Great Easton to look at some fancy motor cars.

We received a warm welcome at P&A Wood and they gave us the run of the place for as long as we liked. Wandering around the various workshops and showrooms, we were particularly taken with heritage models such as a 1912 Silver Ghost. A snip at £2 million, Maurice looked tempted but, alas, his barns are full.

Thankfully, the current range is more affordable, with some models going for as little as half a million quid. Once again, some were tempted but – could you fit a bike rack?

Having passed a very enjoyable hour, it was time to move on and, saddling up, we headed for  Thaxted where we pulled in for coffee (and cake for Deborah) at Parrishes. The stop was timely as, once inside, the heavens opened and there was a 20 minute downpour. Maurice’s timing is uncanny.

Back on the bikes, the sun came out to dry the roads and an hour or so later we arrived back at The Fleur where we were joined for lunch by Keith.Andrew bought the beers – and a bottle of wine to boot – top chap. Happy Birthday, old timer.Thanks, Maurice, for another great outing.

Brian

PS – There’s more photos in our 2019 album here. And our 2018 album is here. Please feel free to upload your own photos.

“Mmmm,” pondered Martin, a replacement inner tube in each hand, one with three old repair patches, the other with just two; it was a tricky decision – and it took  two attempts to repair the puncture. Meanwhile the rest of us lolled about in the sunshine. It wasn’t exactly a peaceful spot – we were within spitting distance of the Blackwall Tunnel. But eventually Martin managed to re-inflate his tyre and we were back on the road.

We were halfway around our annual outing to London. Thirteen Windmillers: Maurice, Andrew, two Brians, Martin, Keith, Simon, Geoff, Rod, Graham, Victor, Roger and Peter had set off at 9am from the car park of the Lee Valley White Water Centre at Waltham Cross.

It had been a very chilly start but Peter – who had found time to slip away from his duties at The Golden Fleece – arrived in shorts, brave man, and Graham, having cycled all the way from home, wasn’t feeling the cold at all. More of him later.

Maurice led the way out and on to the River Lee towpath. Heading south, we warded off the cold by keeping up a good pace along the 12 mile stretch to the Olympic Park. From there we crossed the Lee and followed the Hertford Union Canal for a further couple of miles, eventually reaching the Regent’s Canal. Then it was another two miles to Limehouse Basin and the Thames, where we paused to take in the City skyline.

We stopped for coffee and cake at St Katherine Docks before crossing the river at Tower Bridge, where we encountered the only heavy traffic of the day. Then it was back along the south bank, stopping for an aperitif at The Blacksmiths Arms, before heading on to Greenwich for lunch at the Trafalgar Tavern.

Back on the bikes, we looped around the O2 and took the cable car over the river; the views were superb. Landing on the north bank, we wound our way through the backstreets of Canning Town and back on to the River Lee towpath.

Heading north we took the return leg at a more leisurely pace, arriving back at the cars around 5pm having clocked up 44 miles; apart from Graham who had continued pedalling northwards and all the way home, clocking up some 120 miles! Well done, Graham, we reckon that’s a club record.

Thanks, Maurice and Andrew, for planning a truly exceptional day.

Martin might appreciate this old Clarence Carter classic from 1970, “Patches”

And there’s many more pictures in the Windmill Club photo album.

Brian

Thirteen Windmillers set off from The Fox Inn at Newbourne for a forty-odd mile outing to the Suffolk coast.

Or at least, that was the plan.

Maurice – followed by Ric, Graham, Tom, Deborah, Keith, Martin, Andrew, Geoff, Lawrence, Ken, Simon and Brian – led the way southwards through Felixstowe and out to the tip of the peninsula, from where we would catch the ferry across the Deben to Bawdsey. Alas, the jetty was strangely quiet and, looking our way, the patrons of the nearby cafe were shaking their heads sadly. Maurice went along the jetty to read the notice and came back looking decidedly sheepish; the ferry was closed until April 1st.

Clearly, we had options:

1. Hanging around for four days until the ferry opened.
2. Swimming across, it couldn’t be more than 100 yards.
3. Or just milling around for 10 minutes while Maurice poured over the OS map.

Maurice soon came up with fallback plan. Back on the bikes, we followed him inland on a gravel track along the Deben to Falkenham and thence back through Newbourne to The Fox where we pulled in for coffee and some further route mapping.

With lunchtime little over an hour away, a short hop to Woodbridge and back seemed our best bet and so, draining our cups, we headed north to visit the Woodbridge Tide Mill.

Pausing for photographs, we then headed back to Newbourne. Somehow on the return leg we managed to lose half the peloton – but all were eventually reunited at The Fox where we enjoyed an al fresco lunch in glorious sunshine.

Thanks, as ever, to Maurice and Andrew organising the day.

Brian

Alas, Storm Gareth put paid to Thursday’s ride – but that was no reason to miss out on a good lunch – especially when Maurice was buying the beer.

Joining Maurice at the Pig & Abbot were eleven well-wishers / beer-swilling freeloaders: Ken, Andrew, Graham, Victor, Chris, Keith, Ric, Rod, two Simons and one Brian; all tucking into Landlady Pat’s meat pies with gusto. And then there was cake – topped with a bloody great firework – to follow.

Let’s hope there’s no storm next week – for the sake of our waistlines.

Where do the years go, eh? It seems no time since we last toasted Maurice on his birthday. Here we were in 2018 https://thewindmillclubdotnet.wordpress.com/2018/03/13/8-march-2018-happy-birthday-maurice/.

Brian

It was the blackboard outside The Linton Kitchen that caught our eye; “French Tart Thursday” it proclaimed. Quick as a flash, we dismounted, abandoned the bikes and formed an orderly queue at the counter. The French tarts were indeed sublime – and the coffee was good too.

Some two hours earlier eleven Windmillers had set off from Andrew’s house for our regular Thursday outing. Cresting the hill at Strethall, Martin persuaded us to follow him off road along a roughly gravelled, but thankfully dry, mile-long track through picturesque woods, emerging on a quiet lane just outside Elmdon. From there it was mostly downhill to Ickleton and then on to Hinxton, Duxford, Whittlesford, Sawston and Babraham, where we hauled the bikes up and over the A11 footbridge.

Brian then led the way from Abington to Linton, home of the aforementioned French Tarts, before Andrew resumed the lead, guiding us back to Wendens Ambo where we met up with John Bagrie at The Bell. The beer was free flowing and the conversation wide ranging; everything from Ickleton level crossing woes to Mike Ashley’s sprawling business empire.

For the record, our team roster for the day was Ric, Victor, Simon, Sandra, Deborah (on a shiny new bike), Martin (Shorts? In February? Strewth!), Andrew, Graham, Ken, Lawrence and Brian.

Thanks, Andrew, for getting us all organised.

Brian

Eight Windmillers – Graham, Victor, Sandra, Simon, Roger, Maurice, Andrew and Brian – turned out on Thursday for an excursion into Suffolk. But we hadn’t long left Moulton when Andrew pulled up with a puncture. It only took fifteen minutes to fix – by which time, Andrew was covered in oil and Roger was bleeding from a cut finger. (Health and safety be damned!) Thankfully, Sandra was on hand with wet wipes, the puncture was mended and we were on our way once more.

Maurice led the way out to the Maglia Rosso cycle shop and café, where we pulled in for coffee and inspected the fancy bikes on sale, some for three thousand quid. Any Windmiller seeking a more sensibly priced machine should contact Andrew, as Bridget Tarrington has kindly donated two of John’s machines to the club. These are available at very reasonable prices and all proceeds will go one of our charities. Well done, Bridget (and John!)

Back on the bikes, we made the return leg via Hargrave and Dalham, posing for photos by the Windmill, before returning hungry and thirsty to the Packhouse at Moulton. We enjoyed an excellent lunch of steak sandwiches washed down with some very good beer.

Thanks, Maurice and Andrew, for organising another great outing.

Brian

It was more like a Roman candle than a birthday candle fizzing away in front of Brian. He had bought the beers and the Windmillers – back from a 29 mile outing – had just finished a big lunch at the Pig & Abbott, when Landlady Pat surprised the birthday boy with a very large cake topped with a rather alarming firework. Pat stood by with advice on the best way to blow it out – but the pyrotechnics eventually fizzled out themselves and Brian was able to cut generous slices for all.

Twelve Windmillers – Maurice, Graham, Sandra, Deborah, Ken, Lawrence, Rod, Brian, Chris, Tom, Andrew – and his old school chum, Don – had set off from Abington Pigotts on a route that had taken in Steeple Morden, Potton, Gamlingay and Waresley, where we pulled in for coffee at the garden centre. Then on the return leg we took a diversion to visit Cockayne Hatley; a charmingly named little place at the end of a no-through road. Nice enough but – as Americans say of Canada – not for the whole weekend.

The outing would have been uneventful but for Chris taking a tumble on a slippery bend not far from the finish. Thankfully, the road was quiet and – apart from road rash and a very sore shoulder – Chris didn’t sustain too much damage. Just as well, as he is off skiing soon.

Back at the pub, we were delighted to be joined by Vernon, who’d heard rumours of free beer.

Thanks, as ever, to Maurice for planning the route and guiding us around – and to Andrew for getting us all organised.

Brian

There was a certain aroma in the air as Martin emerged from his BMW; distinctly savoury, some likened it to Lancashire hot pot, others to boeuf bourguignon. Martin explained his misfortune; he had up-ended a pot-full of casserole in the footwell earlier in the week. We suspect it’s a new business venture; some sort of meals-on-wheels-for-the-well-heeled, or a soup kitchen for the super rich. We will let you know.

There were eight Windmillers gathering outside Andrew’s house in Wendens Ambo for the regular Thursday outing: Geoff, Chris, Tom, Roger, Sandra and Brian, plus Andrew himself and the fragrant Martin.

A quick risk assessment concluded that – barring an unlikely encounter with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Land Rover – the main hazards to look out for would be a low sun and frost in the shade.

Anticipating a cold ride, we set off at pace, heading out through Saffron Walden and Hadstock to Linton, where we passed a vaguely familiar rider going the other way. What with him being so well wrapped against the cold it was a while before it dawned on us that that did look like Victor. Likewise, with the low sun in his eyes, Victor had pulled up wondering whether he had just passed the Windmillers. But, sensible chap, he turned around and we all caught up; so now we were nine.

It wasn’t long before Tom pulled up with a flat tyre. Alas, his reputation as a mechanical wizard took a knock when he needed two attempts at the repair, though no doubt the poor chap was hampered by cold, numb fingers.

With Tom re-inflated, we continued on through Little Abington, where we shouldered the bikes and took the footbridge over the A11, Babraham, Sawston, Whittlesford and Duxford, where we pulled in at Greystones for refreshment. Our first visit, the warm welcome, coffee and excellent cake were all very much to our liking; we shall return.

Then it was on to Hinxton, Ickleton (where we were minded to inspect Martin’s kitchen facilities – alas time was short) and up the steep incline of Coploe Hill to Strethall, where we spied a familiar figure on his shiny new e-bike. Maurice! Now we were ten.

Then came the best bit; whizzing down the long descent into Wendens Ambo and the warm embrace of The Bell, where we thawed out in front of a splendid log fire. It was here that John Bagrie turned up; now we were eleven! And this being Martin’s birthday, we enjoyed a few beers – not to mention stew jokes – at his expense. Cheers!

Brian