Author: Martin Woodhead

‘Has anyone seen my hearing aid?’ shouted Rod? ‘No’, we hollered back, ‘But we’ll help you find it’. ‘Watch where you’re treading’, shouted Rod. And so started a frantic search under the tables, chairs, sofas, behind the cushions (ugh, that was a sight), under hats, gloves and clothing but no luck. Even Simon on all fours failed to find it. But tech sort of came to the rescue. ‘It’s near here’, shouted Rod looking at the app on his phone but wherever he went the app maintained it was still nearby. And it was! Relief all round when Rod and Alan discovered it was on his clothing the whole time.

So after a pleasant meet up for a coffee in The Cricketers Arms in Rickling Green, suitably chosen by our leader for the day, Barmy Army Keith, seen above desperately trying to locate fivers for change, we set off in two groups on a delightful circuit to Little Easton and back.

The ride was pretty uneventful but clearly something warranted an inspection of Keith’s bike at one stage by his Group 1 colleagues of Simon, Maurice, Howard, Martin B, Andrew and Charles. Meanwhile Group 2 comprising Brian, Alan, Deborah, Rod, Ric and Martin W spent some of their time dodging bin lorries on the quiet lanes but luckily not ending up inside one. Fancy organising a ride on black bin day!

Whizzing past P & A Wood in Great Easton where Windmillers normally stop to admire the Rollers or Bentleys, it wasn’t long before we entered Little Easton and had coffee and cakes at The Tea Room of Little Easton Manor, and very good they were too.

With Christmas looming Keith organised the first festive Windmiller photo:

…whilst Simon went looking for some mistletoe to assist the amorous Charles:

The return leg was also mild and mucky with some wind on the nose at times but thankfully dry and through more quiet lanes. There was just one massive lorry and trailer to squeeze by between Manuden and Rickling Green but otherwise it remained uneventful. Back at The Cricketers we received a warm welcome and enjoyed an excellent lunch in ‘our own’ room. Hats off to Ric who rode all the way from Harston and back again, fuelled no doubt by all the American cuisine he enjoyed recently there.

Hear hear to Keith for organising a splendid ride, and thanks to photographers Charles and Simon.

This is where we went:

Martin W

Normal for Norfolk seems to include wonderful hospitality, endless sunshine (judging by Roger’s suntan), and eating delicious croissants and pastries for breakfast. Such was our introduction to what proved to be a bootiful day in Norfolk courtesy of Roger and Geraldine who greeted us at their smart new abode in Shereford just outside Fakenham followed by a magnificent route around Norfolk lanes created by Keith and Roger, before lunch at the nearby Sculthorpe Mill Hotel and Restaurant.

Besides Roger and Keith, the other Windmillers taking part were Maurice, David, Andrew, Howard, Graham, Brian, Simon, Deborah and yours truly, making 11 in all. We had a guest for the day too, Michael, a cycling mate of Roger who lives in North Walsham. Setting off in two groups in an anti-clockwise direction, it wasn’t long before we came across the village of Fulmodeston. Easy to pronounce, eh? Not for us Southerners I’m afraid. Howard had warned me about this place in advance and even stopped to ask an elderly couple how they pronounced it – Normal for Norfolk is FULLmuhst’n, it seems, although the couple said the Parish Council were still arguing as to whether the spelling should be Fulmodestone. We’re all aware of Narch for Norwich but for a full list of place names and how to pronounce them see here: https://www.visitnorfolk.co.uk/post/norfolk-dialect-or-how-to-pronounce-wymondham-and-happisburgh

And if you really want to talk proper Norfolk, such as ‘Oid loike a bear’ – translated as ‘I say good man, I wonder if you could pour me a pint of ale’, or ‘Orm guhha roide moi boike dana Carra Ruhd’ – ‘I am going to ride my bicycle to Norwich City’s football stadium’, then look no further than here: https://www.visitnorfolk.co.uk/post/how-to-speak-norfolk-larn-yew-norfolk

Howard also said there were over 1,000 medieval churches in Norfolk, the most in any county in England. We saw a good few on the way:

Not long afterwards my very own church, St Martin’s, came into view in the pretty village of Hindringham:

A whiff of the sea meant we were nearing the scandal ridden Binham Priory which was an impressive sight to behold after coming round a bend:

Coffee was had at an excellent café in the grounds of the Priory after which those interested in taking a look at the remains and going inside the church spent an interesting 15 minutes soaking up as much information as possible in the time.

Binham Priory was founded in 1091 and was home to a Benedictine community of monks for over 400 years. Its history is one of almost continuous scandal. Many of its priors proved to be unscrupulous and irresponsible, and by the time of the priory’s suppression in 1539 the community had been reduced to just six monks. The nave of the priory church, with its striking 13th-century west front, remains in use as the local parish church. And who should be buried in the graveyard but none other than Roger Law, one of the creators of Spitting Image:

It wasn’t long before we reached Wells-next-the-Sea which brought back fond memories of previous Windmill rides and in particular a two day trip from Thetford to Kings Lynn which involved those taking part staying the night on the good ship Albatros, owned by an eccentic Dutch sea captain who served good beer and pancakes but awful below deck accommodation. Sandra who was with us wisely chose a comfortable nearby b&b.

Once again, it was high tide and it was great to see fishing boats moored at the quayside offering fresh lobsters and mackerel for sale. Andrew bought some whelks (sea bogies as he calls them) for immediate consumption, Keith bought a crab to take home and Simon bought a stick of Wells rock.

The route then took us from Wells directly into the grounds of Holkham Hall and then out through the back gate, a distance of around 3 miles in total:

Cycling through the peaceful grounds of Holkham Hall

A Roman road led us almost directly to the lunch stop at Sculthorpe Mill where it was good to be joined by Geraldine, who had whizzed down the lane on her e-bike, and Lisa who was picking up Howard after their stay in Norfolk. The restaurant is in a very scenic spot and a good lunch was had by all.

Lunch at Sculthorpe Mill

Special mention must be made of a phenomenal two day journey by Graham to attend this ride, staying in Fakenham overnight and clocking up over 200 miles in the process. Well done!

Graham about to depart back to Ickleton , and a summary of part of his 200 mile trip

Huge thanks go to Roger, Geraldine and Keith for planning and organising such a good Windmill day, and to the photographers. A day to remember.

This is where we went:

Martin

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

Yes, it was the 80th Anniversary of VE Day and we were privileged to see what appeared to be a real-life dog fight between Spitfires and a Messerschmitt over Elsworth. The noise was wonderful, perhaps because the Messerschmitt was rumoured to also have a Merlin engine, so not entirely original. It was a great display which nearly had us falling off our bikes at times.

The ride was organised by Brian who sadly could not take part on account of a bad back. But given the lumps and bumps on the several off road sections perhaps this was just as well. So 19 Windmillers set off in three groups from The Hare & Hounds in Harlton on a glorious 28 mile circuit, those being Rod, Graham, Howard, Martin B, Tom (birthday boy), Maurice, Geoff, Paul, Ric, Keith, Neil, Charles, Alan, Victor, Simon, Gareth, Jeremy, Nigel and Martin W. Sadly none of our lady members were present or Andrew who was celebrating his birthday in Holland, otherwise this could easily have been a record turnout. Ken joined us at lunchtime and of course Brian who waved us off and greeted our arrival, some nursing a few bruised bums and beaten up bladders.

Heading AC, the route took us through Haslingfield and Bourn on fairly quiet roads and then over the M11 towards Grantchester on the first of Brian’s off road sections, thankfully dry throughout. Then Coton came up, via an easy concrete track, before crossing to Madingley and then a long off road route along bridleways.

En route to Elsworth for coffee via Coton, Madingley, Lolworth and Boxworth with hardly a sight or sound of the mighty A14 nearby.

Coffee was taken at Frank’s Farm in Elsworth which was excellent. Good choice, Brian.

The dog fight commenced soon after coffee and continued for quite a while, focused perhaps on the American Cemetery at Madingley. The bravery of all those who fought in WW2 is something our generation has so much to be thankful for. If only that was the real end of wars and bloodshed………

The route back was more kind on the buttocks and took us via Great and Little Eversden before rolling up back at The Hare & Hounds where the extremely good news was that birthday boy Tom would be buying the drinks, having been queuing patiently the last few weeks whilst other birthdays have been celebrated, with more to come! Hint hint.

The pub was quite busy with other diners and so a hearty rendering of Happy Birthday was not delivered to Tom, 21 Windmillers being loud enough to blow the roof off. So to make up for this Tom, here’s a slightly different take: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQ0sjjx5zN4

Thanks go to Brian for organising a splendid ride but we are very sorry he couldn’t join us. Get well soon. Thanks also to photographers Charles and Graham.

This where we went:

Martin

Wow! Doesn’t time just fly by? It’s 14 years since Maurice came up with the idea of The Windmill Club and it’s gone by in a flash. But nothing much has changed – an eccentric bunch of lads and lassies who still meet twice a week if they choose to do so and raise money for worthy causes whilst keeping fit in the process. Well done, Maurice.

The Pheasant in Great Chishill was the first meeting place for the club and continues to be so today, especially on Mondays when we are always welcomed by Mike and his staff, who carry on in the tradition of the former owners Simon and Ollie who now live in Elmdon – good food, good beer and good company.

This ride was around familiar lanes starting at The Pheasant and taking in Heydon, Chrishall, Ickleton, Catmere End, Littlebury Green, Arkesden, Clavering, Brent Pelham, Anstey, Nuthampstead and Shaftenhoe End. This is a classic Maurice route – quiet lanes and villages which enable peaceful rides and much chatting en route. Brian organised and was planning to lead the ride but unfortunately had to pull out on account of a bad back and so Maurice led the way, departing at speed 10 minutes early as everyone had turned up. He’s never one to hang about. Fortunately, Brian was able to attend the lunch and show off his photographic prowess.

The others in the ride were Victor, Geoff, Keith, Howard, Charles, Rod, Simon, Paul, Andrew, Ric, Rach (who joined en route), Jeremy, Deborah and Martin W.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words and so with a substantial number of 14th Anniversary photographs to choose from (thanks also to Charles, Brian, Rod and Andrew) why not include the lot? If true, this blog contains the equivalent of 22,000 words, surely a record to date? Nearly half a book.

The highlight was the glorious spring day with bluebells and cowslips everywhere and, of course, an excellent lunch in the garden of The Pheasant, duly recorded from a precarious lofty perch on a wobbly table by ace photographer and organiser Brian – not to be generally recommended for those with bad backs.

Thanks again to Maurice for starting the Windmill Club turning and keeping it spinning.

This is where we went:

Martin

A fine gathering of 15 Windmillers assembled at The Swan in Clare for what turned out to be a treat of a ride through exquisite Suffolk lanes. Planned originally by Keith, Simon wisely chose to do a repeat of the ride as it had been so popular previously. The weather was once again fabulous and the gentler pace of life in Suffolk was noticeable.

Those setting off in 3 groups at 09.30 were Simon, Martin B (welcomed back from Durban and celebrating a recent big birthday), Graham, Andrew, Howard, Rod, Keith, Victor, Brian, Geoff, Tom, Maurice, Alan, Nigel et moi. Ken joined us for lunch after starting the ride a bit later.

Heading out of the beautiful village of Clare we were soon in whisper quiet lanes with hardly a car or white van in sight. One of the first of many villages we passed through was Ovington which caught the eye of yours truly as the Sussex village where I lived in my youth was Ovingdean. There seems to be an Anglo-Saxon connection of both to Ufa’s people, or more likely Offa, the powerful King of Mercia who ruled from 757 to 796.

Catching up Group 2 quite early on gave Group 3 the opportunity of having a breather in the village of Belchamp St Paul where Simon insisted on climbing the village sign:

And then another ‘beautiful field’ came into view, this time Belchamp Walter which was indeed very picturesque:

The next stop was Borley where yet another fine church was seen through an amazing topiary pathway:

Cycling up the side of the River Stour it wasn’t long before the A1092 came into view which meant a quick dash to the Willow Tree Farm Shop where we enjoyed good coffee, a best ever cheese scone and excellent service, made better still by being able to sit outside in glorious sunshine:

If the hills on the first leg were a bit tough at times, the second leg put them into the shade – a long stream of ups and downs through wonderful countryside with far reaching views at times. A total climb for the ride of 500m. Who said Suffolk was flat?

Back at The Swan, after quenching thirsts in the garden, an excellent lunch was served when we celebrated the big birthday of Martin B who kindly bought a large round of drinks – thanks Martin, and good to have you back.

Thanks to Simon for organising a splendid ride and to photographers including Graham and Brian. And well done to Graham and Victor who rode to and from Clare, in preparation for Graham’s forthcoming 100 miler in June.

This is where we went:

Martin W

The warm weather of late has produced a record showing of knobbly Windmiller knees very early in the year. The photo above of Tom (hiding his from view), Simon, Alan, Andrew, Paul, Nigel and yours truly was just for starters at The Fox & Duck in Therfield as others joined the ride at various points on the route, also displaying an assortment of knobblies some of which might be better hidden from view.

Rod planned the ride to acknowledge that Ivan Titmuss, the landlord of The Fox & Duck, was moving on and this would represent a farewell from The Windmill Club. Ivan and his staff have looked after us very well over many years and we hope that the future management will be equally good.

Setting off in sunny but initially chilly weather, with non-knobbly Deborah, Maurice and Graham also in the group, the route took us via Reed and Barkway before picking up Gareth in Shaftenhoe End, the first of several of those who joined en route. Howard was next in Great Chishill and then several were met at the half way stage at Compass Courtyard – Ken, Brian and Victor.

The Mixing Shed Café at Compass Courtyard is fast becoming a very popular half way stop for coffee – excellent coffee, cakes and good service. What more could hungry and thirsty Windmillers desire? It’s also home to a fantastic bakery making an assortment of sour dough loaves. And if you haven’t tried their hot cross buns go there and fill your panniers; they are simply the best ever. (In case you’re wondering yours truly is not an influencer in receipt of free buns in return for plugging them.)

The return leg took us throughArkesden, Clavering, Meesden, Ansty and Barkway before crossing the A10 once again and heading back to Therfield.

Ivan was not behind the bar of The Fox & Duck but we asked the staff to wish him well. As usual an excellent and filling lunch was enjoyed by all.

Thanks to Rod for planning and organising the route. This is where we went:

Martin

Plan A was for a nice easy flat route around Essex lanes with a Huffer for lunch at The Compasses in Littley Green. But with many on holiday or otherwise engaged Plan B emerged at short notice which also enabled numbers to increase from 7 to 11. The result was a mountainous route devised by The Right Revd Holy Moley which produced outbreaks of Climb Every Mountain from The Sound of Music at times during the ride, but the nuns were more in tune:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKuqySkqhHw

Setting off from The Pheasant in Great Chishill at 09.30 without the promised coffee beforehand but on a reasonably mild day compared to recent rides, two groups headed initially for Elmdon for the first climb of the day up Hollow Road towards Freewood Farm where the Jersey bull and heifers have been replaced by another breed – Devons or Red Polls or something in between? Not sure.

Stopping firstly to see the sad remains of a recently burnt out house in Elmdon due to an electrical fault, which caused a fatality, Group 1 then paused again on Freewood Lane to inspect the site of a former windmill where only a mound now exists. It probably blew over given the strength of the winds on the ridge at this point.

Descending from Elmdon at speed, the next mountain to climb was up to Littlebury Green where Group 1 again stopped to catch breath and admire the nature reserve created by Windmiller Simon T and chums from an old chalk quarry – heaving with fauna and flora and well worth a visit the next time you’re passing by. The little corrugated iron church is interesting too – an original Ikea style flat pack similar to those sent overseas to preach the gospel to the heathens.

Hill Bastardo was the next in line but this time a descent to the B1039 before the climb up to Saffron Walden and another climb towards Debden when a large herd of deer were spotted by eagle eyed Maurice. A further climb towards Carver Barracks ended with a much needed rest for coffee at Elder Street Café and Deli who gave us a warm welcome and served great coffee and cakes.

The route back continued the theme of the outward leg – hills, hills and more hills until the final mountainous climb up to The Pheasant from Shaftenhoe End. This involved once again squeezing past a road closed section at Langley Lower Green but it was good to see some of the lane being patched up, particularly the steep descent to Little Chishill.

Lunch at The Pheasant is always pleasant and this was no exception. It was good to be joined by Ken who had done his own bit of climbing from Ickleton.

This is where we went up and down:

Thanks to Charles for most of the photos and a special mention of Ric who probably clocks up more miles than the average Windmiller by always riding to the start of a ride from Harston, and on a bike without much of a climbing gear. Well done Ric.

Rev Holy Moley

Heads down, mind the puddles, mind the potholes and don’t get blown over was the order of the day on this ride around Hertfordshire and Essex lanes. Even getting to the start at The Catherine Wheel in Gravesend near Albury was tough going for some due to road closures and flooded roads but at least there was a nice warm cup of coffee to spur the spirits before setting off at 09.30.

Did any of that deter Windmillers? Not a chance. 14 hardy types gathered to brace the elements and it was great to have Rach join us again after a long absence due to injury. Welcome back! Besides her, the others were Maurice, Graham, Ric, Andrew, Rod, Howard, Nigel, Geoff, Victor, Jeremy, Alan, Charles and yours truly.

Setting off in two groups in a northerly direction with the wind behind there was soon a difference of opinion as to which route to take – group 1 obeying the rules and avoiding the road closed through to Stocking Pelham whilst group 2 tried their luck and found an obliging road worker who shifted the barrier and let us through. Then we continued north to Duddenhoe End via Clavering before descending to the B1039 and having coffee at the excellent Compass Courtyard Mixing Shed café.

It was only after the cofee stop that the full effect of the wind and rain was really felt. Starting with a long haul up to Newland End, which probably took 10 mins compared to the 2.5 mins achieved by racing cyclists during summer weather, the route then passed Ann Currie’s sculpture barns and grounds where many rounded specimens could be seen through the hedgerow – well worth a visit when her exhibitions are on show, (and fibre glass casts being available for purchase at Compass Courtyard). Then it was through to Arkesden, Wicken Bonhunt and another long haul up to Rickling Church when a pause was made for some to don wet weather gear.

From Rickling onwards it was hard going – strong wind on the nose and driving rain at times resulting in Group 2’s decision to avoid the loop out of Manuden and to proceed directly to Hazel End, despite the potholes and heavy traffic on this stretch of road. The final stretch westwards was easier and then a blissful downwind mile or so to the Catherine Wheel completed the ride.

Lunch was excellent, as usual in this fine pub, and good conversation was had around a large convivial table.

Thanks go to Maurice for planning the route, to Andrew for distributing it and Charles for some of the photographs. In normal circumstances the ride would have been glorious, but such are the vagaries of English weather……

Martin

‘An “anticyclonic gloom” which has brought dreary grey weather to the UK is set to finally subside, with sunshine making a welcome return.’ This is what Holly Bishop of GB News said on 11th November 2024, which just goes to show that you can’t believe everything you hear on GB News.

The endless grey skies and cold weather indeed continue, resulting in some Windmill rides having to be cancelled, but we were fortunate to have a dry day on this albeit cold ride organised by Jeremy, and there was even sight of some blue sky at one stage, and so we can’t complain too much. It’s just English weather and it will improve, according to Holly Bishop.

Starting from the Duxford Community Centre, ten hardy Windmillers took part. Besides Jeremy, the others were Rod, Howard, Nigel, Ric, Alan, Andrew, Roger, Deborah and Martin W.

The mathematics of group numbers once again proved a bit of a challenge for Windmillers not knowing their 5x table resulting in Group 1 setting off with initially four in tow until a fifth caught up. Whilst waiting with Group 2 this reminded Martin of a Robert Maxwell story who once asked the senior partners of three top accounting firms bidding for his business what 3+2 came to. Two of them said 5 but the guy who won the business asked ‘What figure did you have in mind, sir?’.

Jeremy’s route took us through Whittlesford, Little Shelford, Hauxton and then towards Trumpington Meadows where some fine hedge laying was taking place before the M11 bridge. In Grantchester, there was a loud shout from Andrew at the rear of Group 2 as everyone ahead had missed the turning down a bridle lane and back over the M11 towards Barton. Then it was pretty straightforward through Comberton and Toft, passing over the Greenwich Meridian Line and soon arriving at the very warm and cosy café, The Stove, in Bourn for coffee.

The return leg took us back via Harlton past one of Ken Worthing’s famous off road Friday evening 40mpg rides (beer not petrol) taking the bridle way to Barrington with Lawrence Wragg, John Bagrie and others. This resulted on one occasion with someone falling into some blackberry bushes and yours truly doing the same through laughing so much and breaking a rib in the process.

The only event in Harlton on this ride for Group 2 was another loud shout from Andrew, this time with a detached chain. Fortuitously, this happened outside a house with this notice in the window, which got the onlookers talking whilst Andrew attended to his bike with some help from Rod:

Harston was next, followed by Newton and then back to Whittlesford where it was good to see a fine display of snowdrops, and if you fancy seeing a lot more just head for Chippenham Park near Newmarket.

Back at Café 19 in Duxford Community Centre, well ahead of schedule, a good lunch was enjoyed by those staying.

Thanks go to Jeremy for organising an excellent ride. Let’s hope this marks the end of the gloomy weather but if it continues maybe this will cheer you up: It was a dark and gloomy day and to make it worse I ate all the cheese in the house. Ain’t no sunshine when cheese gone.

Martin

It’s been a Black week for Windmillers. Other than Black Friday when hopefully some bargains were found, we had Black Ice Thursday which felled four Windmillers resulting in a different kind of Black Friday, plus Black Saturday and Black Sunday for Brian when the bruises appeared from his Thursday fall. But that didn’t stop him riding 26 miles on Monday with his Shelford Spokes group – a man truly made of sterner stuff.

Worst of all, however, was Black Monday for Graham who had a horrific accident near Harlow whilst doing a recce for his planned ride on 5 December, resulting in a blue light and siren rush to A&E to be assessed for his injuries and to be stitched up. It seems a water filled pothole was responsible for throwing him off his bike and landing on his helmet which got trashed in the process – without that it could have been a lot worse. Thankfully he was discharged early on Black Tuesday and was able to join us all for lunch after our ride and to show off his cuts and bruises – another great example of sterner stuff.

And it’s good to know there are still Good Samaritans amongst us. Graham fell outside a guy’s house on a quiet lane and was discovered lying unconscious in the road by his daughter. Together they managed to get him up and indoors where they called the ambulance and cleaned him up as best they could. The guy then delivered Graham’s bruised but not broken bike back to Ickleton a few days later. He deserves a medal.

So it was in a mood of careful riding and thankfulness that there was a short window of dry, mild weather available that 17 Windmillers set off on a hastily but brilliantly organised ride by Jeremy from The Pig and Abbott in Abington Pigotts which replaced Graham’s proposed ride. To achieve a pub booking for such a large number, let alone at the home of Pat’s famous pies, also deserves a medal.

Those riding were Alan, Charles, Deborah (from half way), Geoff, Howard, Jeremy, Keith, Martin W, Maurice, Neil, Nigel, Paul, Ric, Rod, Simon, Tom and Victor. This is where we went:

Setting off in three groups clockwise via Wendy and Croydon it wasn’t long before we reached Wimpole and climbed up to the ridge to enjoy magnificent views towards Barkway and Chrishall, where groups 1 & 2 merged for a while for the obligatory photos:

Descending from the ridge, the route bypassed the Wimpole Hall café and took us through to Orwell, Barrington and Shepreth before smelling the coffee on the outskirts of Melbourn where a high quality stop was made at Hot Numbers, and where Deborah joined us for the rest of the ride:

After coffee the route took us via Meldreth, Bassingbourn and Shingay although it was tempting to take a cheeky short cut in Litlington and get back to the bar first at The Pig and Abbott.

Back at the pub a warm welcome was received as usual from Pat and her staff where it was good to be joined by Graham, loooking better but still a bit worse for wear, and Brian who kindly drove him over. Unfortunately, Brian probably overdid it earlier in the week such that his leg was not quite ready for a 30 mile ride. We wish both him and Graham a speedy recovery from their injuries.

Thanks to Jeremy for planning and organising the ride at such short notice and to assistant photographers Charles and Simon.

Martin

Birthdays are coming thick and fast at present, what with Maurice’s last week, Roger’s this week and Rod getting in early next week with his 81st before he departs to Oz for 2.5 months after Easter. Keep ’em coming – we all love it when birthday boys and girls buy the drinks.

Graham chose a delightful route through quiet Essex lanes to celebrate Roger’s birthday. Accompanied by Rod, Maurice, Andrew, Ken, Keith, Simon, Deborah and the duo of Martins, the route started at an old favourite The Fox & Hounds in Steeple Bumpstead and took us on an anti-clockwise route via Great Bardfield, The Blue Egg for coffee, and through lots of Ends – Bridge End, Church End, Rotten End, Blackmore End – until the final end back at The Fox & Hounds for lunch.

This is where we went:

Great Bardfield is both a pretty and interesting place which is well worth a stop on future rides to admire some of its fine buildings, many of which were once homes to famous artists between 1930 and 1970. Known as the Great Bardfield Artists, they shared a love of figurative art which made them distinct from the better known St. Ives School of artists in Cornwall. Amongst them were Edward Bawden, whose works can often be seen in the Fry Art Gallery in Saffron Walden, Eric Ravilious (who also made wonderful drawings of Sussex landmarks) and John Aldridge. Associated with them also was Bernard Cheese, whose paintings of boats on Aldeburgh beach are very collectable. A talk on Great Bardfield Artists is being given in Ickleton Village Hall on 11 July at 7.30pm for those who might be interested in attending.

All went swimmingly as far as The Blue Egg where, once again, we enjoyed some excellent coffee and cakes whilst sitting outside, although some were heard mentioning that the choice was not perhaps as comprehensive as usual.

The return leg of 20 miles started on the busy stretch of road outside The Blue Egg which created two groups of riders. The second group also split up into those who knew the way and those who didn’t, plus those who wished to admire some of the beautiful buildings that we passed continuously, so much so that Deborah suggested the title of this blog should be Beautiful Buildings Ride, which it is, sort of.

The lost souls caught up but it wasn’t long before a double whammy happened simultaneously to tail enders Deborah and Martin. ‘I’ve got a puncture’, shouted Deborah. ‘And I’ve got an electrical issue’, shouted Martin. The latter was easy to fix, or so it was thought, but without a spare tube or tools poor Deborah started to think about walking the 9 miles still to go. Martin’s spare tube was too big but a call to Gallant Graham, who frequently comes to Deborah’s rescue, soon had him whizzing back with a tube and getting stuck into the job of removing her tyre and replacing the punctured tube.

On we went, thinking that the first group was probably stuck into a pint and having lunch by this time, only for Martin’s electrics to play up again and a few minutes were spent sorting them out whilst Graham and Deborah went ahead. Eventually all 3 of us reached The Fox & Hounds together to find that lunch was indeed in full swing.

Joining us at lunch were Brian who had ridden 19 miles on his bike from home, Tom who had off-roaded on his motor bike for much of the way, via Chrishall, and Nigel who had come on his motor bike from near Much Hadham. All joined in with a hearty rendering of Happy Birthday to Roger, who kindly bought the drinks. Thanks Roger!

And what did we all talk about?

Thanks go to Graham for not only organising the route but also once again acting as shepherd to his flock.

Martin

It was quite a week of celebrations for Maurice’s 80th birthday. Firstly, a ride and lunch at The Pheasant in Great Chishill on his actual birthday of 11th March and then a repeat on the 14th from The Pig and Abbot in Abington Pigotts, surrounded by his Windmill Club friends on both occasions.

Joining Maurice on the 14th were Andrew, Roger, Keith, Paul, David, Howard, Gareth, Ric, Rod, Graham, Deborah, Victor, Geoff, Charles, Martin B and Martin W. After coffee and tasty bacon pastries provided by Pat, three groups set off on Maurice’s anti-clockwise route via Bassingbourn, Barrington, Haslingfield and the Eversdens to Bourn for coffee and then back via Longstowe, Hatley St George, Croydon and Shingay – a lovely 33 mile circuit and a mild dry day to go with it.

Charles came to the rescue of Martin W before setting off with a pair of spare gloves, Martin having forgotten his, only to discover that Charles had also forgotten to charge his battery, resulting in a range issue and his decision to take a shorter route to avoid the risk of having to pedal his heavy beast without power. Such are the potential woes of an e-biker.

Keith also had an issue with his rear gears refusing to work but luckily that only became apparent towards the end of the ride with a strong breeze head on to make matters worse. Deborah’s bike, however, behaved itself admirably after having given her grief on the 11th when her chain jammed well and truly for the second time. And who came to her rescue again? Gallant Graham of course. Bike repair shops in the vicinity will be having a field day.

Brian recommended an excellent new coffee stop in Bourn, The Stove, which all agreed was excellent and that we should pay another visit.

The route back was uneventful with some good speeds recorded whilst descending Croydon Hill, Howard in particular seen riding almost Tour de France style – was he actually sitting on the crossbar?

Back at The Pig and Abbot, where it was good to be joined by Simon in civvies, Pat did us proud once again with her fabulous choice of pies and puddings along with other excellent fare. The highlight of course was the celebration once again of the 80th birthday of our remarkable leader Maurice with a hearty rendering of Happy Birthday. That makes three 80+ Windmillers still pedalling strongly, albeit on e-bikes most of the time, (but there has to be a bonus for reaching such a milestone, surely?), and another to follow in a few months time.

Finally, fresh from the ski slopes with the Windmill ski team Andrew reminded everyone of his love of French petit pois, a large tin of which was consumed one evening apres ski. Missing his peas, Simon very kindly donated one to keep him happy:

Thanks go to Maurice for planning the route and buying a large round of drinks and the coffees, Rod for preparing and distributing the GPX file and photographers including Charles, Simon and Gareth. This is where we went:

Martin W