Author: Brian Connellan

Thursday’s weather forecast was plain wrong; the promised dry day had dawned decidedly wet.

Nine Windmillers sat glumly in cars outside The Red House in Longstowe peering out at the rain. Did anyone fancy riding in this? No, not really. So we drove to Bourn Golf Club to keep warm and drank coffee while waiting for the worst of the weather to pass. A golfer – in all seriousness – asked when we’d be starting our round. As soon as our lycra’s dry, we told him.

The rain did eventually stop and seven of us – Ken and John T having sensibly headed for home – returned to The Red House to saddle up the bikes and brave the flooded roads.

So it was that Maurice, Martin, Andrew, John B, Chris and both Brians pedalled off through the puddles back through Bourn from where we headed on to Caxton, the Gransdens, Abbotsley and Gamlingay, before turning back towards Longstowe and a well deserved  lunch. We didn’t stop along the way, it was too cold!

Arriving back at the Red House, we stowed the bikes and headed to the restaurant for beer and sandwiches. As ever, and despite the weather, we had enjoyed the ride and the good company. Thanks Maurice – for steering us around the worst of the floods – and Andrew for getting us organised.

Brian

Thirteen Windmillers on a Thursday outing is a record turnout – not to mention an overtaking challenge for the hard pressed motorists of north Essex. You can just imagine Radio 2’s Sally Traffic, “We’re getting reports of a rolling road block of cyclists near Stansted Airport”.

Thankfully, Maurice had selected a relatively traffic free route as – followed by Keith, Ken, Nigel, Sandra, two Brians (Brummie & Yorkie), John T, Andrew, Martin, Lawrence, Tom and Vernon – he led us out on a 34 mile circuit around the lanes of north Essex.

Squeezing past the beer delivery lorry at the Fleur, we headed out of Widdington and through Henham and Debden Green, before stopping at Thaxted for a windmill photo opportunity.

Back on the bikes, we headed for Great Bardfield – stopping for yet another windmill themed group picture at Gibraltar Mill – before heading to Finchingfield, where we pulled in for coffee and cake at Bosworths Tearooms. We suspect someone there is soft on Martin, singled out as he was for generous lashings of clotted cream.

Leaving Finchingfield, we headed for Little Sampford and, returning again via Thaxted, we took a more southerly route back to Widdington, stopping only to retrieve various belongings of Andrew (hats) and Martin (mobile phones) that we found scattered along the roadside.

Returning to The Fleur de Lys, Landlord Chris moved not only heaven and earth, but also large tables to accommodate our noisy gang. We enjoyed a hearty lunch, good beer, wide ranging conversation and Nigel’s novelty ringtones.

Thanks, Maurice, for planning an excellent route. And Andrew, for getting us all organised.

Brian

John, Ken and two Brians

The Windmillers – a rolling road block

Andrew doing his stretching exercises

A wet Thursday morning saw seven Windmillers – Sandra, Maurice, Ken, Ric, Nigel and two Brians – sheltering from the rain under a conveniently placed marquee in the middle of Thriplow. It was coming up to the famed Daffodil Weekend and the village was in full bloom. Ken somehow managed to park his car on top of some daffodils while the rest of us looked away, uncomfortably; we don’t know the guy – he’s not with us.

It was such a wet morning that we mooted calling the whole thing off – but Ric had cycled from Harston and we hadn’t the heart to send him back. So, shrugging off the rain, Maurice led the way out of the village and – as ever – we had a thoroughly enjoyable ride.

We headed out through Fowlmere, Melbourn, Meldreth, Orwell and Barrington before pulling in for coffee at The Moringa Tree in Haslingfield. It was our first visit to this cosy little café offering good coffee and an excellent selection of home-made cakes. The ladies gave us a warm welcome – which is more than can be said of their neighbour who stormed into the café upset because someone had parked a bike on The Green. What Green? we asked. That one, said the irate lady pointing to a one metre square patch of grass just outside. The culprit, Yorkie Brian, handled it very diplomatically and moved his bike a little closer to the café – and off the grass. Peace was restored.

Back on the bikes, we did a loop around Harlton and Barton, then back through Haslingfield and on to Harston and Newton, before returning to Thriplow for lunch at the Green Man.

We were delighted to be joined by Chris and Keith – neither of whom had fancied a wet ride (the big softies!). Keith, looking tanned, was just back from a 2 month sojourn in Lanzarote. He hopes to fit in a few rides with us before jetting off for the test match series in the Caribbean.

The Green Man served up an excellent lunch, most of us opting for an assortment of tapas dishes, all washed down with some very good beer.

Thanks, Maurice, for organising another great outing and selecting such a good lunch venue.

Brian

Thursday morning saw nine Windmillers – Sandra, John T, Andrew, Martin, Ric, Chris, Rod, Brian and Maurice – gathering at the Pig & Abbot, sipping coffee and munching biscuits while Landlady Pat took our orders for lunch.

We were particularly pleased to see Rod. He wouldn’t be cycling, but had come along to catch up with his friends and to wish Maurice a very Happy Birthday.

“Today’s ride will be 30 miles and we should be back around one o’clock”, said Maurice. We were impressed with his confidence but, looking at the weather, thought it best to reserve judgement on his timekeeping.

Setting off into a bracing headwind, we headed towards Steeple Morden and continued on through Ashwell and Cromer to Weston, where Maurice treated us to coffee – and some remarkably good cake – at The Cricketers, a new venue for The Windmillers. We were given a warm welcome and agreed to bookmark the place for a future visit.

Then it was back on the bikes and onwards – thankfully now with a tailwind – to Baldock and Ashwell, returning at exactly 1pm to Abington Pigotts. How does Maurice do it? And he bought the beers as well – top chap!

We were delighted to be joined by Rod and Vernon for lunch; ten happy Windmillers tucking into Pat’s homemade pies with gusto. A blissful end to a good morning’s ride!

Brian

A very cold Thursday morning saw eight Windmillers – Maurice, Andrew, Sandra, Chris, two Johns and both Brians – setting off from the Fox & Duck, Therfield, for a 32 mile excursion around Sandon, Cromer, Puckeridge and Buntingford.

It being such a cold morning, we were looking forward to hill climbs as a means of warming up. Even so, it took us the best part of an hour to regain the feeling in our fingers.

There was ice to contend with in the shadier lanes. But it was reassuring to know that should the worst happen, Sandra – her bike now equipped with front- and back-facing cameras – would be there to capture our final moments on video. Thankfully, nobody came a cropper.

Once warmed up, we started to enjoy the Hertfordshire countryside and its wildlife; we saw deer, fieldfares, woodpeckers and red kites, not to mention a couple of alpacas and the odd abandoned boat.

After 18 miles we were grateful to park up, dismount and tumble into the Something Lovely Tearoom. It was at this point that John B’s strong aversion to caffeine meant he vanished into thin air and we didn’t see him again until we got back to Therfield. The rest of us enjoyed a warm welcome from the ladies who bake and tucked into their ever excellent coffee and cake.

Thawed out and refreshed, we mounted up and set off on the return leg. With the wind behind us and the roads now mostly ice-free we soon covered the last 14 miles back to the Fox & Duck, where we were delighted to find Ken and Vernon joining us for lunch. The beer was good and the steak and stilton sandwiches excellent.

All in all, another great outing. Thanks, Maurice and Andrew, for organising everything.

Brian

It wasn’t only Burns Night, it was also Brian’s birthday. And how better to celebrate than with a morning’s cycling, followed by a pint and a stonking great steak and kidney pie? It was Thursday lunchtime and the Windmillers were back in the Pig and Abbott, tucking in with gusto to Landlady Pat’s homemade pies.

We’d had a excellent ride under blue skies taking in Bassingbourn, Haslingfield and Bourn – where we stopped for a coffee at the golf club – continuing on through the Hatleys, Wendy and Shingay before returning for lunch to Abington Pigotts.

Maurice, Andrew, Ken, Lawrence, Chris, Sandra, Ric and Brian had clocked up 32 miles – though Ric and Sandra did umpteen more cycling to and from home – and Vernon also cycled over to join us for lunch.

What with pie for lunch and haggis for dinner, thank god for lycra; it’s so very accommodating.

Brian

A rain soaked morning saw Windmillers gathering in the Black Bull at Balsham for the first Thursday outing of the year. It looked so bleak outside, we decided to prolong our stay on the pub’s comfy sofas and drink coffee until the rain stopped.

We were a gang of six – Andrew, Lawrence, Sandra, Chris and the two Brians. Maurice, laid up following a painful visit to the dentist, had thoughtfully provided a route.

We eventually got going at 10:15, heading out northwards towards Newmarket and then on to Exning and Burwell before turning south for the return leg via Reach, the Swaffhams and the Wilbrahams.

It was at this point, behind schedule and with a strengthening headwind, that we opted for the shortest route back and foolishly followed Brummie Brian on an off road shortcut. This turned out to be a mule track of the sort favoured by John Bagrie and, no doubt, would have been delightful on a summer’s day. Alas in January it was heavy going.

It was a relief to be back on the road where Chris used the contents of his drink bottle to clear the mud jamming his brakes.

Reaching Balsham at last, we were delighted to be joined by Maurice for lunch. We munched sandwiches and sipped beer while swapping tales of Christmas past. The prize for most eventful festive season was shared by Chris – who had experienced drama on the M11 – and Sandra; if she ever offers to change your wheel, just say no.

Thanks, Andrew for getting us organised. And thanks, Maurice, for the route, even if we didn’t follow it very well.

It was a sunny winter’s day but – with ice and snow on the lanes – we decided it would be wise to cancel Thursday’s ride in favour of a walk over the hill at the back of Maurice’s place.

So it was that Ken, Anne, Sandra, Lawrence, Brian, Andrew and Maurice himself were to be found traipsing across the snowy landscape, oblivious to the cold, thanks to the warming mulled wine at Maurice’s table.

We came across a small herd of roe deer. They didn’t seem particularly spooked by our presence and, keeping the dogs in check, we were able to follow them for a while across the field. Returning to the house, we looked into Maurice’s various workshops and gave him some helpful tips on classic car restoration.

Making our way to The Pheasant, we found John Bagrie giving baleful looks to a very noisy – and semi inebriated – bunch dressed in 1940s army uniforms, accompanied by some bearded johnnies in ball gowns. Good Lord!

Ignoring the hubbub at the bar, we enjoyed an excellent lunch by the fire before heading home in suitably festive spirit.

Thanks for the hospitality, Maurice, and Happy New Year to all!

Brian

It was one of those mornings when you hope Andrew will phone to say, “Let’s call the whole thing off”. Alas, the call never came, which meant Sandra, John, Martin and Brian felt obliged to turn up and join the foolhardy Scot in the Fleur De Lys car park. The forecast was heavy rain.

Andrew himself was somewhat under the weather, croaky voiced, but convinced the Essex air would be a tonic. You’ll catch pneumonia, we thought.

We headed out through the steady drizzle to Henham and thence on to Thaxted and Great Bardfield, where we pulled up at Cole’s tea room on the High Street. The place had only been open a few weeks and they made us very welcome, turning a blind eye to our mud spattered attire. The coffee was very good.

Revived, we set off on the return leg. By the time we reached Lindsell the drizzle had turned to steady rain and before long it was coming down like stair rods. We still had 10 miles to go; visibility was poor, some roads were under water, and our waterproofs were proving to be anything but water proof.

“I know a pub here”, said Martin as we approached Great Easton in a downpour. Sure enough, there was The Swan straight ahead. Dismounting, Martin tried all the doors, maniacally. Let us in! Ten past twelve and it was shut. We exchanged glum looks and soldiered on.

Arriving eventually at The Fleur, we abandoned the bikes, peeled off our useless waterproofs and gathered around the fire, shivering and gently steaming.

Chris and Ken, having sensibly decided to give today’s outing a miss, were enjoying a beer at our usual fireside table. We were all tucking into a hearty lunch when, mid mouthful, Martin suddenly became agitated, experiencing a burning sensation in his withers. The spare batteries he was carrying in his pockets, now damp, were short circuiting and he found himself wearing electrically heated trousers!

The All Weather Windmillers had clocked up 31 miles and, heading home for a hot bath, we had to agree we had rather enjoyed the challenge. 

Thanks, Andrew, for organising things; John too, whose local knowledge kept us clear of the busier roads.

Brian

A cold but sunny November morning saw hardy Windmillers gathering in the car park of The Rising Sun at Halls Green, Hertfordshire; a new venue, suggested by Vernon.

Maurice had mapped out a new route, a 28 mile circuit around Stevenage. Joining him were Ken and Martin – looking spry despite yesterday’s heavy session of beer and curry at the Steele-Bodger game – Vernon, Sandra, Lawrence, John T, John B and Brian; nine Windmillers in all.

Setting off westwards we headed for the quaintly named villages of Great Wymondley, Poynders End and St Pauls Walden, huffing and puffing our way over the rolling terrain; these hills were bigger than the ones on our side of Hertfordshire. Sandra, however, was in her element, overtaking on the ascents and waiting patiently at the top for the rest of us to catch up.

Two Johns at Poynders End

Maurice, Vernon, Ken and Sandra at Poynders End

Arriving in Whitwell, we pulled in for some well earned refreshment at Emily’s Tea Shop, a delightful old barn of a place in the middle of a busy farmyard. Surveying the fine selection of cakes, most opted for the richly fruited scones with clotted cream and jam, while Sandra looked on enviously – being in training for the coming weekend’s 75 mile Sportive at Thetford. No cake for her.

Emily’s Tea Shop

The gang at Emily’s

Then it was back on the bikes for the return leg – via Codicote, Datchworth and Walkern – to The Rising Sun, arriving in good time for a pint and a hearty lunch.

As usual there was a mix up over Vernon’s lunch order; what is with him that seems to confuse kitchen staff, we wondered? And Lawrence, our resident chorister, was on larynx-friendly soft drinks in preparation for his forthcoming performance at Saffron Hall.

Thanks, Maurice, for organising and leading us around another lovely route.

Brian

It wasn’t anybody’s birthday – there would be no free beer today – so turnout was down to just seven Windmillers. But this was a ride for the foodies amongst us!

Firstly, we planned to stop for refreshments in Puckeridge to savour the wonderful cakes, scones and coffee at the Something Lovely Tea Room, a favourite haunt of the Windmillers where we are guaranteed a warm welcome from the ladies who bake. As this was Yorkie Brian’s first visit we took care to point out the full English breakfast being served on the ceiling (no kidding; go and see for yourself). Brian was impressed but opted instead for a hot chocolate, fruit scone, clotted cream and jam, not wanting to spoil his appetite for lunch,

Speaking of lunch, this was to be taken at the Fleur de Lys, another Windmiller favourite and surely a candidate for the most welcoming pub in Essex. Landlord Chris had reserved our usual table by the fire and served up some excellent beer and a superb lunch. The cod goujons – served on a bed of aubergine and cous cous – were a triumph! Likewise the Stortford Pale Ale.

Oh, and we did a bit of cycling too, in and around North Essex / Hertfordshire border country, Maurice leading the way from Widdington through Rickling and the Pelhams, to Braughing, Puckeridge and Standon, before returning via the Hadhams and Elsenham to Widdington. Maurice was joined by Andrew, Martin, Sandra, Tom and Brians; Yorkie and Brummie. Nobody fell off and there were no punctures.

Thanks, Maurice, for another splendid day. We are looking forward to dining with you again next week.

Bon appetit!

Brian

Thursday morning saw eleven Windmillers gathering in the car park of The Golden Fleece in Braughing. Maurice had planned a 32 mile ride around the lanes of North Herts and he was to be accompanied by Keith, John B, John T, Andrew, Martin, Lawrence, Sandra, Tom and two Brians.

Setting off we headed for Much Hadham and then on to Hunsdon and Stanstead Abbotts where we turned northwards on to the River Lee towpath.

We stopped to admire the bird life – mostly cormorants – at Amwell Nature Reserve before continuing on to Ware where we pulled in for refreshments at The Corner Coffee Shop.

Then it was back on the bikes for the return leg to Braughing.

Arriving at the Fleece we were delighted to be joined for lunch by Vernon. He let slip that it’s his birthday next week, guaranteeing another bumper turnout.

Thanks, Maurice and Andrew, for organising another delightful ride.

Nine Windmillers set off from the Fleur de Lys on an autumnal Thursday morning. The season was turning, the bare knee count already in low single figures.

Maurice – followed by Ken, Keith, Sandra, Andrew, Ric, Lawrence and the two Brians – led the way, via Henham, Brick End and Tilty, to Thaxted where we pulled in for coffee and cake at Parrishes. Then it was on to Lindsell and Great Easton, where we pressed our noses to the window of the Rolls Royce showroom and ogled the shiny new motors. Could you fit a bike rack to one of those, we wondered?

Back in the saddle, we continued on to Broxted and Henham before returning to Widdington and a warm welcome from Fleur landlord, Chris, having clocked up a respectable 31 miles.

Thanks again, Maurice, for leading us around some delightful, quiet lanes – and to Andrew for getting us all organised.

Brian

Nine thirty, Thursday morning saw seven Windmillers, all kitted up and ready to go, hanging around outside the Henny Swan. Alas we were leaderless. Where was Maurice? And where was Sandra? Come nine forty five, speculation was rife.

Eventually, and just before 10am, a familiar VW hove into view and Maurice and Sandra emerged, sheepishly and all apologies; something about a hold up in Newport.

So it was that nine Windmillers – Maurice, Sandra, Andrew, Ken, Ric, Chris, Keith, Vernon and Brian – set off on a tour of the Suffolk / Essex border country.

Rumour had it that John Bagrie would be joining us along the way, so we kept an eye out for a white bike propped against a pub wall.

Maurice led the way – via Bures and Stoke by Nayland – to Boxford, where we pulled in for refreshments at The Coffee Box, a new venue for the Windmill Club and a little gem of a place. We enjoyed a warm welcome and some excellent coffee and cake. We will return.

Back in the saddle, we continued on through Acton and Long Melford, skirting Sudbury before returning to Henny Street and the Swan for lunch, having clocked up 29 miles in all.

Birthday boy Chris bought the beers – nine pints of Wherry – good job he’d brought his credit card. He is a generous chap with a discerning palate; after just a few sips, he decided the beer was off (we agreed) and promptly had them swapped for nine pints of Adnams. We like his style!

Then, just as we were lunching, John Bagrie turned up to cheers all round.

It was another great outing. Thanks to Maurice for a lovely route – and to Andrew for getting us all organised.

Brian

It had been a while since we last did a Thursday outing from The Pheasant. Andrew led an elite team of five Windmillers – Vernon, Sandra, Ric and Brian – on a 39 mile jaunt around the lanes south of Saffron Walden.

Along the way we pulled in at the Mutton & Kipper Cafe at Wimbish for coffee and cake.

We returned to The Pheasant for an excellent lunch and toasted Andrew, who was celebrating three years of cycling activity. We think he’s getting the hang of it.

It’s never too late to start!

Nine Windmillers – Maurice, Andrew, Vernon, Lawrence, John B, John T, Tom, Keith and Brian – turned out on a fine September morning for our regular Thursday outing.

Maurice had planned a route starting from the Fleur de Lys at Widdington, one of our favourite watering holes. The outward leg took us via Thaxted to Finchingfield where we pulled in at Bosworth’s Tea Room for refreshments. Overlooking the green, we sipped coffee and sympathised with Andrew who was still suffering toothache, despite his visit to dentist earlier in the week.

Then it was back in the saddle for the homeward journey via Wimbish to Widdington. Back in the Fleur we were joined at the big round table by Ken – who had pedalled up from Ickleton – and Landlord Chris served us up an excellent two course lunch.

All in all, it was a very pleasant outing; 33 miles, puncture free, no rain and nobody fell off.

Thanks are due to Maurice for planning the route and leading the way – and to Andrew for organising things.

Brian

Thursday morning saw the Windmillers on an excursion to the Suffolk Coast. There were eight of us in all – Maurice, Andrew, Sandra, Lawrence, John B, Ken, Keith and Brian – gathering in front of The Royal Oak at Laxfield, while Landlord Mike provided coffee and took our orders for lunch.

Maurice had planned a circular route to Aldeburgh and back, a reprise of the run we did last July, only this time in an anticlockwise direction.

Setting off for Snape, it was mostly downhill and – with the wind at our backs – we made good time on the outward leg. Along the way Sandra spotted a – very much alive and wriggling – snake in the road.

With the East Anglian harvest in full swing, it’s a matter of self preservation to pull over and let tractors pass safely. They seem to get ever bigger and quicker – and their drivers ever younger. We were overtaken by one, in particular, pulling a trailer full of red onions, many of which it distributed in the road ahead of us. That was another first for the Windmillers, dodging bouncing onions.

Leaving the road at Snape Maltings, Maurice led us on footpaths along the river and through the pines, an off road section of around five miles. Having done this in past years, we know to look out for the deep sand where it’s traditional for one of us to get stuck and fall off. Sure enough, this time it was Brian’s turn to take a tumble – though it was a soft landing, executed in some style.

Emerging from the pines and arriving in Aldeburgh, we pulled up at Maurice’s place on the High Street where he kindly provided coffee and croissants.

Then it was back on the bikes for the return leg – via Thorpeness, Leiston and Westleton – to Laxfield, a 20 mile run which we did non-stop and at quite a clip. We enjoyed a late lunch at the Royal Oak and Landlord Mike very kindly donated £10 to the Windmill Club charity. Cheers, Mike!

Thanks Maurice for planning another delightful outing and for hosting us at Shrimp Cottage.

And here’s a link to Andrew’s STRAVA recording of our route, with some more pictures.

Thursday morning and the heavy overnight rains had left puddles in the car park of The Fox and Duck, Therfield. Early comers were passing the time counting the scrapes on Ken’s new car until he diverted us by demonstrating the retractable towbar. Cor! I want one of those.

Sandra had planned our route – some thirty miles around the lanes of North Herts. She was joined by Ken, Andrew, Vernon, Lawrence, Ric and the Brians, Brummie and Yorkshire;  eight Windmillers in all.

We set off past Longcroft Luxury Cat Hotel (North Herts being too posh for a mere cattery) and headed southwards towards Sandon, on through Rushden and Weston before reaching Baldock, where we pulled in for a refreshment stop at Delizia, the Italian cafe in the middle of the town. Sitting outside in the sunshine, we were tempted by the proprietor’s suggestion of Aperol Spritz, but sensibly opted for coffee instead.

Back in the saddle, we headed for Ashwell and then back to Sandon where we stopped for a breather and photo opportunity on the green. With the wind at our back we sailed the last few miles back to Therfield to enjoy a well deserved pint and lunch on the benches in front of the Fox.

Thank you Sandra for organising everything, planning the route and leading us on a delightful ride.

A fine Thursday morning saw nine Windmillers gathering at Brian’s house in Great Shelford where Pam laid on coffee and took our orders for a lunchtime booking at the Queen’s Head in Newton.

Setting off, Brian led the way along the cycle track to Trumpington, followed by Lawrence, John Tarrington, Tom, Sandra, Yorkshire Brian, Ken, Chris and Keith – who we noted was toting a bag of rhubarb and custard bonbons.

Reaching Grantchester, the cycle-way across the Meadow was notable for its splattering of fresh cow manure, which was somewhat challenging for those of us lacking mudguards. We carried on, keeping mouths and nostrils shut tight while sucking on rhubarb and custard bonbons.

Then it was on to Newnham, one of the prettiest parts of Cambridge, and along Grange Road and past the colleges to Adams Road, where we picked up the cycle path to Coton. Panting up the hill out of Madingley, we continued on to Comberton and Barton, where we pulled in to Burwash Manor for a welcome coffee break.

Refreshed and back in the saddle, we headed for Haslingfield, where Lawrence attacked Chapel Hill with gusto, easily beating the rest of us to the summit. Indeed, from here on it was John and Lawrence who set the pace, leaving the rest of us in their wake.

Heading on through Barrington, Orwell, Shepreth and Foxton, we arrived at last at the Queen’s Head in Newton. The sun was shining so we lunched outside which, given our besplattered state, was appreciated by the other diners. Beer and conversation flowed – everything from the sex life of bees (thanks, Ken) to the evacuation of Dunkirk – and the soup and sandwiches were excellent; simple fare done well.

We made short work of the final leg to Shelford. All in all, we clocked up 34 miles, John Tarrington winning the yellow jersey while Lawrence was crowned King of the Mountains (or rather, Chapel Hill). Both subsequently tested positive for IPA, though they swore it was medicinal. We gave them the benefit of the doubt.

Thursday morning saw Maurice, John, Chris, Sandra, Andrew and Brian gathering in the car park of The Golden Fleece in Braughing, Landlord Peter coming out to greet us and take our orders for lunch. We tried persuading him to join us for the ride but he declined; all work and no play, eh?

Maurice had planned a new route; setting off from Braughing, we followed him through Barwick, Thundridge, Sacombe and Benington. Rain threatened but didn’t materialise – and John tried on several occasions to tempt us into some off road excursions, which we respectfully declined.

We pulled in for a coffee and cake stop at Church Farm, Ardeley. Refreshed and revived, we made short work of the return leg to The Fleece where, having clocked up a respectable 30 miles, we tucked into a well earned lunch and a restorative pint of Peter’s best. Bliss!

Thanks are due to Maurice – for planning another great route – and to Andrew for getting us all organised.

Here is Andrew’s recording – with photos attached – of our ride.