Arrangements had been made to meet at the Tally Ho, Barkway at 14.00. Would this be a good decision or not to go ahead, with on/off rain all morning and by midday the skies  couldn’t get much darker or the rain any stronger. Just as this heavy shower passed over Royston and headed to Wendons Ambo, the call came from Andrew, sheepishly looking to call it off, at the same time the clouds were clearing and the sun started to show itself, I couldn’t believe it myself but assured Andrew, so we postponed to 14.30. It was going to be just the two of us, so we’ll see what it’s like then. Sure enough the sun was shining as we met in the car park.

Suggestions on arrival that we should have brought boats instead of bikes, Andrew having driven through more flooding than me on the way to Barkway and clearly got his Health and Safety hat on, still unsure if this was a wise decision to go out. “We’ll be fine, the suns out, if a bit windy” I assured him. So we set off.

Not even 2.4 miles into the ride and we are pulling over outside ‘Morrice’ Green Cottage (there must be a connection there, even if spelt differently!) to sort out a puncture in Andrews front tyre (recently repaired following encountering hedge cutting debris), not that I was timing but the five-minute record still stands. Onwards to Shaftenhoe End, then up to Little Chishill, the drainage ditches flowing greater than seen before, on to Langley Lower Green, turning right to Meesden Bury and having to cross over the bridge instead of the fast flowing ford. The sun shone brightly and we headed to Roast Green, Starlings Green where several Red Kites were circling and playing just above the treetops above our heads, the fields looking vibrant, spring clearly on the way. On to Brent Pelham, Meesden, Anstey to Barkway encountering some fully flooded roads, good opportunity to relive the Hovis ad with legs adrift, sailing through the water.

Meeting up with Maurice back at the Tally Ho and Saleesha providing a warm welcome, good beer and nibbles even if some were a bit fiery (spicy wings).

Thanks Andrew for relenting and coming out. Glad we made the effort.

Sandra

Fleur de Lys, Widdington would be the starting point for this ride, with five riders attending, Maurice, Andrew, Low Carbon Rick, Nightrider Nigel and Sandra. Great to have Maurice back in the saddle, albeit dosed up on pain killers and Nigel back after his recent ladder incident, with glowing reports for the NHS, I think it’s fair to say he was checked over thoroughly.

With a forecast of fog, we prepared with high-vis and lights to make sure we would be seen, shame some drivers don’t think the same way though, as we encountered one white van along the route with no lights, barely visible heading towards us on a narrow road, he clearly took umbrage at meeting us that he turned around to make a second attempt to take some of us out, glad to say he didn’t succeed!!

The route below anticlockwise, from Widdington we headed to Henham, off roading was mentioned along the way, which we declined, then on to Thaxted and coffee in Parishes Cafe, where most of us declined cake with the coffee, (could this be a new year resolution or our we worried about the impending weigh in when Martin gets back), apart from Rick who chose the iced fruit cake (he deserves it with the extra miles travelled), sadly not on a par with the usual sizeable portion (bitesize let’s say)!! Suitably refreshed with caffeine we set off to Great Sampford and Radwinter, at this point we split into two groups, Andrew, Nigel and Rick opting for the scenic route via Whimbish Green and Maurice and I set off on the main road, as we parted Andrew was heard to say “Let’s see who gets there first” and the race started. Even though the 3 did almost an extra mile, we would be at the Tye Green junction at the same time (apparently they really upped the pace, I’ve heard since) but we had more climbing to do!!

So much for a foggy day, it was more like light drizzle which turned into substantial rain towards the end, needless to say discussions on how are waterproofs had faired ensued as we closed in on the Fleur de Lys. Starting to wonder if triathlon gear (wet/drysuits) would be an idea for future rides, especially as discussions over lunch turned to boats, the boat show and water skiing, there could be something in this!!

Warm welcome, lovely food and beer greeted us back at the Fleur de Lys.

Thanks for a great ride Maurice and to Andrew for organising us.

Sandra

The first official Monday outing for 2018 would be lonely affair (Yes I did head out on the 1st Jan for 19.5 miles, while everyone else was recovering from partying the night before!!). Determined to keep the Windmillers wheels turning, I was to set off on my own. With many away skiing, numbers were down and it looked like being just Andrew and myself. A dreary day set in, when I got the call from Dawg, that he was going to give it a miss, preferring to stay home with the dogs, well it was Hectors birthday. OK, I’ll see how the drizzle pans out and decide later whether to go or not, also remembering there was potential of some newbies turning up too (clearly fair weather riders, as they didn’t show!).

14.00 and The Tally Ho car park was heaving, good sign for the New Year. It was dry when I set off anticlockwise on the route below, taking in Anstey, Brent Pelham, Stickling Green, Arkesden, Duddenhoe End and enjoying the newly refurbished roads to Langley Upper and Lower Greens back to Meesden, Nuthampstead and Barkway. Needless to say I didn’t stay dry for very long but not as wet as some recent rides!! No off-road sections, although some of the roads were akin to the average dirt track

22 miles and so looking forward to a pint and warm by the fire in the Tally Ho but it was not to be!! New Year new opening times. Never mind, I was glad I made the effort.

Sandra

It was a day full of Christmas cheer but somewhat foggy (or was that just the brains not being in gear?) when six hardy Windmillers met at the Fleur de Lys in Widdington at 9.30am to work up an appetite for the days to follow. There was Deputy Dawg Andrew, Storm Sandra, Brummie Brian, Two Scones Keith, Lost Lawrence and the Revd Holy Moley Martin in attendance but only Brian decorated himself in festive attire, including a proud cock robin on his helmet, for the second year running, which seemed to again enjoy the ride:

There had been talk of a trip to the Blue Egg café near Great Bardfield but Andrew’s magical mystery tour took us instead westwards to Rickling, down to Manuden and then on to Maggotts End only to find that Martin’s very own pothole no. UTT357920084675B had been repaired, along with most other Essex potholes, which is very impressive (where did they find the money and is it true that Essex has more miles of road than any other county in England?).

Here is the route taken:

The murky pasts of the pagans present blended well into the general murkiness of the damp, muddy but mild Winter Solstice day when we should perhaps have gathered at the Fleur de Lys to dance at sunrise, Stonehenge style, instead of 9.30am, except there was no sunrise.  Even the pylons were difficult to spot, not to mention Range Rovers looming out of the fog with no lights on.

Shortly before stopping at the café at Clavering Lakes Lawrence serenaded us to a Flanders and Swann Christmas concert with a loud rendering of The Gas Man Cometh. Here are the words if you wish to join in :

The Gas Man Cometh – Flanders and Swann

‘Twas on a Monday morning the gas man came to call.

The gas tap wouldn’t turn – I wasn’t getting gas at all.

He tore out all the skirting boards to try and find the main

And I had to call a carpenter to put them back again.

Oh, it all makes work for the working man to do.

‘Twas on a Tuesday morning the carpenter came round.

He hammered and he chiselled and he said:

“Look what I’ve found: your joists are full of dry rot

But I’ll put them all to rights”.

Then he nailed right through a cable and out went all the lights!

Oh, it all makes work for the working man to do.

‘Twas on a Wednesday morning the electrician came.

He called me Mr. Sanderson, which isn’t quite the name.

He couldn’t reach the fuse box without standing on the bin

And his foot went through a window so I called the glazier in.

Oh, it all makes work for the working man to do.

‘Twas on a Thursday morning the glazier came round

With his blow torch and his putty and his merry glazier’s song.

He put another pane in – it took no time at all

But I had to get a painter in to come and paint the wall.

Oh, it all makes work for the working man to do.

‘Twas on a Friday morning the painter made a start.

With undercoats and overcoats he painted every part:

Every nook and every cranny – but I found when he was gone

He’d painted over the gas tap and I couldn’t turn it on!

Oh, it all makes work for the working man to do.

On Saturday and Sunday they do no work at all;

So ’twas on a Monday morning that the gasman came to call…

Thanks, Lawrence, for getting us all into the Christmas spirit on a dismal day.

Keith had clearly not readjusted to the English weather following his recent trip to Australia where he hired bikes in 30+C and cruised around Brisbane and Adelaide stopping every now and then for a scone or two and a tinny or two of Fosters. How different it was today, as we delighted in letting him know when we reached Clavering Lakes, where he was lucky to be allowed in considering the amount of mud on his jacket:

Unfortunately, cleaning of the deck had been completed otherwise Keith might have been able to take advantage of the hosepipe:

And so, suitable refreshed but still smothered in mud Keith and his fellow Windmillers cycled back through the lanes to a warm welcome at the Fleur de Lys where we were pleased to be joined by Rick who had sensibly decided to ride on cleaner roads from Harston to Widdington and back. As always, the food was wonderful and set us all up for the extravaganza to come.

Thanks, Deputy Dawg, for organising the ride and for all your hard work on our behalf throughout the year, for which we are very grateful.

Merry Christmas one and all and a very happy New Year.

Martin

A glorious sunny afternoon awaited the three amigos, Andrew, Keith and Sandra as they assembled for what would be a leisurely repeat of a ride taken a couple of weeks before but less windy and thankfully not blighted by fly tipping that we’ve encountered on recent occasions.

With all of us turning out Orange jackets we wouldn’t have looked out of place in the departure lounge of a certain Bedfordshire airport. Could this be the Windmill clubs new kit?!!! (I think the jury is out on that one!!!)

We set off in formation North before veering towards Shaftenhoe End with Dawg leading the flight. Elf and Safety officer ‘Dawg’ at the forefront, leading the way with his new found drifting skills being put to the test, the first shady bit of road throwing up a sizeable patch of ice, time to ease off and take it carefully. Heading downhill and then up to Little Chishill with Dawg developing his stabiliser deploying techniques, similar to those of a good quality speedway rider, the advantage for those behind hearing the scuffing of soles on tarmac and having chance to adjust speed accordingly.

On to Lower Langley before turning to head towards Meesden Bury, crossing the fast flowing ford, all of us surprised to see so much water flowing over, must be a result of the recent snowfall melting, then cutting across to Roast Green, discussions of previous icy rides on the same roads with involuntary dismounts ensued.

It became clear as we took it easy on the way up to Roast Green that I had an issue, fuel to air mix had gone astray, air intake compromised/filter blocked but I would pluck my way up, the guys patiently waiting for me, this would be one of those kill/cure rides, the fresh air would do me good!!!

On to Starlings Green, Brent Pelham and the back road to Anstey, where there was plenty of opportunity for Dawg’s stabilisers to be deployed, then back to Barkway taking in the glorious sunset of which we could compete on brightness. Keith keen to give two magpies  dining on fresh road kill a wide berth following a recent experience in Australia, if we see him sporting a helmet with spikes sticking out of the top, we’ll know why!!!

Sun setting over Wyddial

Orange Easy riders

17.6 miles anticlockwise

Back at the Tally Ho we were joined by Maurice, who took great delight in saying he didn’t think it was safe to go out but we all survived unscathed and I think it did us the power of good.

Thanks Andrew for organising a great ride.

Merry Christmas and looking forward to riding with you all in 2018.

Sandra

A large gathering of 23 Windmill Club members and spouses met at The Pheasant on 14th December for a sumptuous Christmas lunch, prepared by chef Steve. Andrew ‘Deputy Dawg’ was our Master of Ceremonies and his wife Lindsey collected the cash. Here are some pics of the happy occasion:

After lunch our MC thanked the staff of the Pheasant for an excellent lunch and all those present for attending. Keith had only just arrived back from Barmy Army duties down under but did not appear to be particularly jet lagged. Andrew went on to say what a good year it had been for the Club and then introduced our leader Maurice.

Maurice said how wonderful it was that the club had raised over £1,500 for charity in 2017 and thanked all members present, and those unable to make the lunch, for their contributions to this amount. £250 had been given to the Cystic Fibrosis charity, £250 to the Eve Appeal – the UK’s Gynaecological Cancer Research Charity, £750 to Macmillan Nurses and £250 to the Great Chishill Windmill Preservation Society.

Andrew then introduced Martin who gave a summary of the year from the Club’s blog which he, Brian and Sandra had contributed to throughout the year. The key highlights were:

• No. of rides since 5th January: 73 – grand total for 2017 likely to be 76 once pre- and post-Christmas rides have taken place
• Total distance: 2,135 miles
• Av. distance / ride: 29 miles
• Longest rides: 2 days in Norfolk, total 87 miles, + Ely 53 miles
• Shortest rides: several of 17 miles from the Tally Ho! in Barkway
• No. of pubs visited: 23
• Most frequented pubs: The Pheasant (24), the Tally Ho! (10), the Fleur de Lys (11).
• Largest no. of riders: 12 (Anniversary ride, 20th April)
• Smallest no. of riders: 2
• Deaths: 2 – Kell Ryan and Charlie, Andrew’s labrador
• Illnesses and ailments: lots but mostly recovered. Best wishes for a speedy return were given to Rod, who was present, and to new member Nigel who had recently had an accident on a ladder.
• Bike accidents – none, other than 3 minor falling offs

Martin also awarded various prizes:

• Falling off prize (in the sense of both falling off a bike and having a bike fall off a car): Vernon
• Puncture prize: Martin – 3 on the same day including an inner tube supplied by Brian that exploded
• Dodgy bike prize: Andrew, for having gear problems and a cheap Chinese pedal that snapped in half . But few running repairs on the whole.
• Getting lost prize: Lawrence – 3 times.
• Going AWOL prize: Maurice – twice, but on reflection John B might have been a nominee too
• Smallest carbon footprint prize: Rick and Tom jointly, for often cycling to the start point
• Flashiest new bike prize: jointly to Lawrence – lime green machine with knobbly tyres to defeat potholes- and Chris for his mean red speed machine
• Getting out of a skid without falling off or being squashed by oncoming motorist prize: Andrew
• Off road prize: John Bagrie
• The most number of bikes and riders that can fit into or on a 2004 VW Golf prize: Brian
• Photographer of the year prize: Brian (sometimes lying on the ground to get a good shot)

A weather report was also given – mostly sunny except for a couple of cold days and one extremely wet day – and thanks were given to all those who had owned up to having a birthday and who had therefore bought a round of drinks, which excluded Martin whose excuse was his January birthday. The fauna and flora around our delightful lanes was also mentioned.

Martin also thanked Andrew for being ‘secretary’ and always getting us to the starting line on time. He was presented with a special Chilean Sauvignon Blanc for cyclists.

Andrew then rose to his feet again and presented Maurice with a large hamper of drinks and food to thank him for all his work in starting the club in 2011 which has raised over £5,000 for charity to date and given so much pleasure to members. His route planning is legendary, somehow always managing to arrive at a pub for lunch between 1.00 – 1.30pm. Maurice was quite overcome and thanked all those who had contributed.

Finally, Andrew presented a golden pedal award (actually a standard pedal sprayed with gold paint) to Sandra who had hardly missed a ride all year, had organised rides, blogged rides and ridden the most miles, including several sportives. Martin was also presented with the Clubman of the Year award for helping out Vernon by riding a tandem with a blind man on the back 80 miles from London to Cambridge, to raise money for Camsight.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to one and all.

Setting off at 2.30pm from the Tally Ho! in Barkway meant there was not a lot of daylight left, but that didn’t worry new member Nigel, already dubbed Nightrider by Sandra, who frequently rides out in the dead of night with some chums. So it was great to have Nigel join us again, and not only because he can spot potholes in the dark. Accompanied by Deputy Dawg Andrew, Storm Sandra and Moley Martin, the four Windmillers tackled a shortish circuit of 17 miles via Little Chishill. Langley Lower Green, Starlings Green, Brent Pelham and Anstey. Here is the route taken:

This ride showed our countryside at its best and worst. Sadly, once again, a huge pile of builders rubble had just been dumped on the side of the road between Shaftenhoe End and Little Chishill. We stopped and helped clear some dangerous bits off the road before setting off again up the steep hill, feeling sorry for the landowner and local residents. But then our faith was restored when Sandra spotted the largest herd of deer we have ever seen on a ride – at least 100 in two groups – including some fine stags. On the other hand, local landowners were probably not very happy about these either because of their voracious appetites – very hard to cull, says Sandra,  because of the number of public footpaths around. We also spotted a buzzard.

By 4.00pm it was almost dark but by then we were back at the Tally Ho! where Maurice joined us and, later, Husky Andrew called in too with tales of Macedonia. A warm welcome was given by landlady Saleesha and we settled down in front of the fire with drinks and snacks to put the world to rights.

Thanks, Andrew, for organising the ride.

Martin

PS. We have since heard that Nigel suffered a serious fall from a ladder a day or two later and ended up in hospital. We wish him a speedy recovery and hope to see him again soon.

Yes, it was brass monkey weather as eight hardy Windmillers set off from the Pheasant in Great Chishill in -1 C and quite a strong wind, wrapped up like Eskimos to stop their extremities from falling off. Maurice led the way followed in cold pursuit by Andrew, just back from a big family wedding in the Emerald Isle, John B, John T, Sandra, Brian, Lawrence and, saying prayers that we didn’t skid on the ice, the Revd Holy Moley Martin. Downhill  we sped to Shaftenhoe End hoping that the first climb would create some warmth but, alas, fingers, toes and other extremities remained numb until way past Barkway and the icy lanes around Reed. Here is the route we intended to take (sorry, colour cartridge empty on printer):

Luckily, it was a bright, sunny day and the temperature gradually crept up to a degree or two above freezing. All went well until Steeple Morden when we realised that Lawrence had gone missing, again. A phone call and a specially saved text message for Lawrence stating ‘Do a U-turn’ failed to elicit a reply and so the remaining seven carried on in the general direction of Wimpole, hoping to bump into Lawrence en route. Then at a junction near Wendy some turned left to tackle Croydon Hill whilst Maurice and Martin took a right only to find that the shadow behind them was not Lawrence but John T.

Eventually, seven arrived in dribs and drabs via the back entrance to Wimpole in Arrington:

In the warmth of the Wimpole café Andrew dispensed a miniature of whisky to those on his table whilst Lawrence described how he had followed the wrong cyclist in Steeple Morden, thinking he was a Windmiller. The young chap concerned must have got worried being followed by a complete stranger, particularly when Lawrence followed him up his own driveway on a council estate near Litlington!

Outside the temperature had risen a bit more and layers were seen to be removed before setting off back for a shorter leg through Orwell, Meldreth and Melbourn with the wind behind most of the way.  Maurice had thoughtfully planned the final 3 mile uphill stretch to Great Chishill to be directly downwind – well done Maurice!

Back at the Pheasant, Lawrence very generously bought a round of drinks in celebration of his birthday – cheers Lawrence! – and Ken joined us too, after which we tucked into good fare and talked of the Christmas lunch which was coming up in just 2 week’s time.

Thanks, Maurice, for organising a great ride.

Martin

With the weather looking ominous, the call came in from Maurice – ‘Having spoken to Martin and the weather set for possible showers, What did I think, shall we go out or not?’  No pressure there then, the decision on my shoulders!! Having completed a Gran Fondo the day before, I probably needed to go to keep my legs in good condition but would be happy to stand down if no-one else wanted to go. The decision was made to meet at the Tally Ho 2.30pm and see if anyone turned out. Well the three musketeers formed, Maurice, Martin and Sandra. Would this be a good decision?!!

Well, I will say it was a bit windy and a tad cold but what do you expect for late November, why not throw in a bit of rain too!! Revisiting The Pheasant would be the route for this afternoon, so we headed North, passing Cockenhach estate before veering off to take in the many hills through Shaftenhoe End and up to Great Chishill, thankfully with the wind behind us going up, the dreaded 3 hills seemed a breeze at the start of the ride. Briefly stopping outside the Pheasant as the last few lunchtime diners were leaving with doggy bags in hand. On we pushed to Heydon, where Martin’s bike started to make strange noises, he pulled over to make a few adjustments just as the rain started, should only be minor repairs so we carried on and waited near the Elmdon turn, he caught us up but wasn’t happy with the repair but we carried on into Elmdon, where we pulled into a driveway to take a better look, the rain had stopped by now, thankfully. A mudguard stay had come adrift, so attention required, with both Maurice and Martin rummaging in their bags to find a nut that would suit the job (Maurice’s bag sounding more like a well stocked workshop drawer of nuts!!), I had a look and decided a cable tie would do and duly fixed the problem. Setting off again thankful that I hadn’t got carried away and put the cable tie through the spokes too (could have been interesting)!!

On to Duddenhoe End, Langley Lower Green, Meesden and Anstey before heading back to Barkway via the golf course, where the wind was particularly fierce!!

A warm welcome awaited us at the Tally Ho, pickled eggs and chips for some!!

17.5 miles clockwise.

Thanks to Maurice for a great ride. It was well worth turning out for.

Sandra

The weather more befitting that of a classic Storm Sandra ride, what better way to welcome a newbie! Well to ‘Nightrider’ Nigel this would be a breeze, as it turns out he is a bit of an adrenaline junky, more used to going out on a Monday evening and cycling into the night and early hours of Tuesday morning. Isn’t it hard enough negotiating the rutted, pot holed roads and marauding wildlife in the daylight!!!! A warm welcome to Nigel and hope to see you on many a ride in future.

With Martin to be a late starter, he was contacted to be given advice as to where the main group would be heading and advised to reverse the route and meet us along the way at some point, probably Buntingford if all went to plan.

The main group consisting Maurice, Andrew, Sandra and ‘Nightrider’ Nigel set off North along Barkway High Street before turning to head towards Reed and into the wind, from there we headed to Therfield, by now rain was in the air and the views from Stump’s Cross wouldn’t be great, so we turned to go through Kelshall to get to Sandon. The roads being a bit muddy at this time of year, even with good mud guards we seemed to be getting splatted. On through the various Ends of Sandon (Green, Mill and Lye End, so many Ends but with no real end!!) to Buntingford where we should find Martin, this wasn’t to be, perhaps he is still working his way from Wyddial, so we carried on looking out for him on the way back to Barkway, the guys headed back to stoke the fire at the Tally Ho, taking the slightly shorter route via Barkway golf club, while I added a couple of miles on by going via Anstey and Nuthampstead back to Barkway. Still no sign of Martin, should we send out a search party? Well it was rather cosy by the fire and with a beer in hand, he’ll be fine! It wasn’t long before Martin did arrive, having turned South in Buntingford and headed to Aspenden before turning back to join us. All’s well that ends well.

Nightrider Nigel and Maurice

Andrew puckering up, feeling the love prior to his daughters impending wedding.

A ride of various distances, 15, 17 and 19 miles. (Anticlockwise)

Nigel very generously getting the beers in, thank you.

Thanks Maurice for a great ride and Andrew for getting us there on time.

Sandra

The car park of The Black Bull at Balsham was almost full to capacity by 9.15am as Windmillers converged in numbers to place their lunch time orders before exploring lanes to the north. But Rick won the green prize, once again, for cycling all the way from Harston (and back) whilst Brummy Brian got brownie points for transporting Yorkie Brian with his bike (whilst also holding the world record for how many bikes and riders can fit in or on a Volkswagen Golf).

Having admired Vernon’s smart new bike with 27 gears and wide tyres, specially designed for winter riding on muddy roads and tracks, the assembled gathering which also included our leader Maurice, deputy dawg Andrew, John B, John T, Sandra, Ken, Lawrence and Martin (collectively, the dirty dozen) set off towards West Wratting at a brisk pace on a clockwise circuit via Six Mile Bottom, Little Wilbraham, Bottisham, the Swaffhams, Reach, Burwell, Exning, Newmarket, Dullingham and back to Balsham. Here is the route taken:

The weather was fine and not too cold as we progressed through some pretty villages. Swaffham Prior is particularly famous for its two churches:

Not content with two churches, Swaffham Prior also has two windmills, one of which is still working. Is that why there was a generally good feel to the place?

Talk of coffee / beer began but nothing was available locally, having bypassed Anglesey Abbey and its café, and so we moved on to Reach where a pub with the infamous name of The Dyke’s End was thought by Martin to be possibly open. But alas it was not, but well worth a visit during normal opening hours as the beers and food are both excellent. It is so named because it lies at the end of the Anglo Saxon defensive earthwork known as the Devil’s Dyke, blocking a land route through the fens. Reach is also a good base for cycling through the fens to Wicken, Upware and Ely.

The road from Burwell through Exning to Newmarket was quite built up and busy but there was bound to be a good coffee stop in Newmarket! Perhaps there is one hiding somewhere but we didn’t find it, the Horse Racing Museum and its café being open only from March to the end of October. A dozen Windmillers proved too much for The Bull and so the party split up with some going to Starbucks across the road (avoid!) and some staying in The Bull.

The return to Balsham was along peaceful lanes in glorious open countryside and we received a warm welcome in The Bull followed by an excellent lunch.

Thanks to Maurice for planning an interesting circuit, which would be good to explore further in the future, and to Andrew for getting us all to the start line on time.

Martin

With the shooting season in full swing, The Tallo Ho in Barkway was the perfect pub for Maurice, Andrew, Sandra and Martin to start and finish their ride.

There were of course no horses or hounds in evidence as we cruised around the lanes on a fine afternoon, taking in Anstey, Meesden, the Langleys (too early for The Bull, unfortunately), Duddenhoe End, Arkesden, Stickling Green, Roast Green and back through Meesden. The long shadows created opportunities for creative photography, at Andrew’s suggestion, such as this:

and this:

The rutting season has been  strongly in evidence on recent rides and today was no exception. A herd of a dozen or so fallow deer charged through a field parallel to us at  18 mph for a few hundred yards before taking a sharp right and crossing the road ahead of us in rapid succession. Care is needed in these situations as the deer have clearly not read the Highway Code.

Sandra’s eagle eye can always spot interesting wild life half a mile away. Today she spotted a large buzzard on top of a telegraph pole which ignored her as she cycled past but took off lazily when the chaps came abreast.

After a lovely ride it was good to return to a warm welcome at The Tally Ho and enjoy a beer in front of the fire. A large group which had been been on a day’s shoot were doing likewise.

Thanks to Maurice and Andrew for planning another very pleasant Monday ride.

Martin

Still in search of suitable hostelries to take on the challenge of providing refreshments for a group of thirsty cyclists, we started from The Tally Ho, Barkway, always a good standby and open all day too.

A perfect afternoon awaited us for this ride, clear blue skies and light winds. A small group of Maurice, Keith and Sandra set off along Barkway High Street towards Reed and then Therfield, where we cast an eye to see if The Fox and Duck was open, sadly not!! From Therfield we headed across towards Kelshall and Stump’s Cross (a favoured place to take in the views of the surrounding area), on route several Fallow Deer were spotted merrily grazing in the fields alongside us. From Stump’s Cross we headed to Sandon, knowing there are no pubs left in this village, we headed for The Bagrie Shepherd’s Hut, glancing through the trees in search of activity, sadly not, so we carried on to skirt the edge of Buntingford to Wyddial where there was a notable drop in temperature as the sun dropped low in the sky, then on towards Anstey before veering off back towards Barkway via the golf course, taking in the lovely sunset on the way.

Back to The Tally Ho, for a warm welcome, quality beers and as important a warming fire, the evening had turned rather chilly by this time.  The new chef was taking a break at the bar before the evening diners arrived, thus crisps/peanuts were on offer for those so inclined. Future visits should reap greater rewards. By the time we left, it was understandable his need for this break, with many locals turning out to take on sustenance, good signs of what could be!!

This would be Keith’s last ride out with us before jetting off to join the ‘Barmy Army’ down under and meeting up with friends and family, we wish him Bon Voyage and hoping for some quality cricket too.

Thanks Maurice for organising another great ride.

Sandra

Advance notice that it was Vernon’s birthday and that the drinks would be on him brought Windmillers out in force, or was it the thought of the pies for lunch at the highly regarded Pig and Abbott in Abington Pigotts, where the ride commenced over coffee in the bar?Probably both and what a feast it turned out to be for the birthday boy accompanied by Maurice, Andrew, John B, John T, Keith, Sandra, Ken, Rick, Brummy Brian, Yorky Brian and Martin.

But to create a thirst and appetite Maurice had planned a flattish route clockwise of 34 miles through quiet lanes taking in Steeple Morden, skirting Ashwell, Eyeworth, Waresley, Great Gransden and back through pretty Hatley St George to Abington Pigotts. Here is the route taken:

But, hang on, where was John B? Somehow he got left behind but it wasn’t long before he zoomed up from behind and took the lead.

The coffee stop was at The Duncombe Arms in Waresley, which turned out to be quite a long one as the coffee machine had not been turned on before our arrival, despite Maurice’s tip off by phone. The coffee wasn’t great either but that’s a rarity these days.

The Duncombe Arms coffee stop

There was therefore time to take in the local area before setting off back:

The return leg continued through mainly quiet lanes when the group split up, some wanting to get to the pies first and others wishing to soak up the beautiful countryside, including this huge herd of deer grazing on some poor farmer’s winter wheat. Dear dear!

Soon we were all back at the Pig and Abbott celebrating Vernon’s forthcoming birthday in fine style – thanks Vernon! We’re looking forward already to next year. And then the pies arrived – steak and ale, steak and kidney, chicken (an entire panful for Keith) and other choices too, all accompanied by excellent veg and washed down with fine ales. A truly great pub with roaring fires to boot.

And so endeth another fine ride. Thanks go once again to our hard working leader Maurice for planning the ride and printing out the maps and to Andrew for getting us to the starting line, in dribs and drabs this time due to an accident in Royston which held some up. Thanks also to fellow blogger Brian for the map and some of the pics.

Martin

The first ride out since the clocks went back. Earlier start times bring the issue of which hostelry would be open to welcome a band of thirsty cyclists.

Four intrepid explorers, Maurice, Andrew, Keith and Sandra, accepted the challenge to check out a new hostelry and met in the car park of The Fox & Hounds, Clavering, a potential starting point for many a route in the area.

Those that had taken advantage of the extra hour in bed the day before were looking refreshed and ready to go. Myself feeling a little bit tender but still on a high, having completed a 73 mile ride in Norfolk the day before, brought a choice of bikes, with the intention of testing which would be most comfortable in the car park before we set off, well the ‘lovely’ pebble stone surface meant wheeling the bike to the entrance for testing. With more substantial padding in my trousers the relief bike was not required and we set off on what was to be a fantastic Autumn evening, clear and still. A perfect evening to take in the Essex and Hertfordshire countryside on a bicycle, carefully avoiding the afternoon school traffic, as we passed through the villages of Rickling, Rickling Green, Manuden, The Pelhams and Meesden, sadly cutting the corner and by-passing The Bull at  Langley Lower Green (too early for a pit stop here!) and back via Roast Green to Clavering.

Long shadows forming behind us. Time to light.

17.5 miles clockwise the sun setting as we completed the last few miles back to Clavering for the all important beer/protein shake (certainly had some substance to it, not exactly crystal clear shall we say!!) and welcome at The Fox & Hounds. I think the Jury is out on this one! Always scope for more research.

Thanks to Maurice and Andrew for organising the ride.

Sandra.

What started as a beautiful autumn evening’s ride, with a red kite cruising along beside us from Great Chishill to Shaftenhoe End, was soon marred by not one but two large dumps of fly-tipped material on the road to Nuthampstead. The first was a dump of concrete / hard core but the second was a huge load of household refuse including a bed, bath, tyres and bags which looked as if it had just happened:

Keith had warned us in advance of what to expect but it was on a scale unsurpassed. But after ferreting around amongst the rubbish Maurice found some packaging and an address of a person in Hitchin, and as John T and Bridget lived very nearby we knocked on their door and handed over to Bridget the evidence and suggested she called 101 to report it.  It is such a shame to see our lovely countryside spoiled in this way.

So, sleuthing over, our leader Maurice guided Andrew, Keith, Sandra and Martin onwards through our usual lanes to the Bull at Lower Langley where a warm welcome, as always, was received.

There were more red kites to be seen on the return leg as it was getting darker, this being the last summer-time Monday ride, and let’s hope we see them throughout the coming winter months too. All agreed to avoid the John B off road route back to The Pheasant and so a relatively clean puff of Windmillers entered the pub to enjoy succulent cod goujons and chips.

Thanks, Maurice, for organising the ride and to Andrew for getting us to the start line on time. Let’s all hope the fly-tipper is caught and fined enough to deter him from doing it again.

Martin

Why do bike incidents come along like no. 11 buses? We can go for weeks at a time without even a puncture but then everything goes wrong all at once. This was just one of those days but we all survived even if we did go our separate ways at times. At least it didn’t rain, which is what happened the last time we ventured out into the Fens.

There was a large gathering in the Trumpington Park & Ride at 9.30am prior to Maurice’s planned trip to Downham Market and back to Cambridge by train. Andrew, John B, John T, Sandra, Keith, Brian, Lawrence and Martin were all there too but where was Vernon? A call came through saying he had discovered a puncture before setting off but would be with us shortly. At 10.00 am another call from Vernon brought the unwelcome news that the 2m high barrier into the car park had sliced into his bike atop his car which sent the peloton rushing to his aid. Astonishingly, the bike was almost unscathed but the roof rack had slid gracefully and scratchfully down the back of his car. It didn’t take long to pick up the pieces, bend the brake levers back in place and we were soon whizzing along beside the busway en route to Downham Market, or so we thought. The red line shows the planned route and the green the green route.

Thanks to Brian’s expert knowledge of the lanes and pubs around Mill Road, we sailed through Cambridge and on to the tow path alongside the Cam heading upriver. The path was muddy and slippery in places, as Vernon discovered at one stage, but got better as we got closer to Baits Bite lock where the first breather was taken.

A left turn to Milton and across the busy A10 to Landbeach went smoothly until the Reverend Moley Martin announced ‘puncture’ in a shrill voice, appropriately enough opposite the church in Cottenham. He chose the driveway of The Rectory to carry out the repair assisted by nurses Rusack and Naylor, only to discover after 10 minutes of fitting that his spare tube would not inflate due to leaks around poorly placed patches over previous punctures, or ppppp for short. Brian came to the rescue with a new tube and after another 10 minutes whilst the remainder of the peloton talked patiently amongst themselves, planning how to hang Martin with his own tube from a high tree in the churchyard, all was done.

By this time thoughts of reaching Downham Market began to create doubt but 9 Windmillers shot off at high speed allowing Martin to pick up his bits and pieces and follow behind, only to result in a loud bang from his back tyre after just 200 yards…… Having no more tubes he called nurse Rusack who nobly returned to help whilst the others carried on towards Ely. Brian’s tube had exploded without reason underneath the valve but luckily Andrew had a spare and so after removing the wheel for the third time and inserting yet another tube, this time successfully, the tail enders also set off for Ely to find the others, who were suitably holed up in The Cutter Inn on the river thinking of having lunch and giving up on ever getting to Downham Market. But the pub service was not good and so half the gang decided to head to the station, catch the train and have lunch in Cambridge whilst the other half decided to cycle back via the Sustrans Route 11 across the Fens via Wicken which had been done once before.

Those who cycled back, Andrew, John B, Vernon, Lawrence and Martin, enjoyed a lovely picturesque ride across the Fens with its big skies. At Wicken there was a lunch stop at the Docky Café (an ex-tractor shed so called because agricultural workers had their pay docked there for taking time off for lunch) which John B declined as he thought it was not licensed but it produced not only a fine lunch but had a good range of bottled beers too. Meanwhile, the others were enjoying a nice lunch in The Kingston Arms in Cambridge which stocks a fine range of real ales. No wonder they headed there.

So it was four Windmillers that continued on via Burwell Fen and on towards Lode and Bottisham, passing on the way a large herd of Polish wild horses that were introduced in 2003, called Koniks. These are generally no larger than 13 hands but perhaps due to the rich Fen pasture some looked a bit larger.

From Bottisham we continued via Great Wilbraham and Fulbourn expecting to catch up with John B again but he had clearly got ahead of us. In Fulbourn Vernon decided to stop off at a friend’s house leaving just 3 Windmillers to return to Trumpington via the Gogs and Addenbrookes, clocking up 53.5 miles in total (55 in the case of nurse Rusack). Those who let the train take the strain and lunched in Cambridge clocked up a few less.

Thanks go to Maurice for planning the route to Downham Market but apologies from those responsible for not making it possible, and thanks to nurses Rusack and Naylor for their assistance in the operating theatre.

Martin

Such was the enthusiasm for Constable Country just two weeks ago (or was it the lunch in the Henny Swan?) that Maurice very kindly organised a return trip, which was appreciated particularly by those who could not make the ride on 28 September. And so it was that Maurice and six other Windmillers, Andrew, Keith, Vernon, Sandra, Ken and Martin gathered at The Swan at 9.30am to ride clockwise on a slightly different circuit than before, starting off with a bumpy cycle track on a disused railway line towards Long Melford, which Martin’s back muttered about from time to time. Here is the route we took:

The luxury of tarmac again was greeted by all near Long Melford, through which we rode by mistake before taking an easterly direction – must have been the shock of seeing two Volvos involved in a minor smash at a road junction and wondering which came off the worst. Anyhow, we were soon back on track cycling through peaceful Suffolk lanes and remarking on all the ploughing going on, amongst other things including cricket, wildlife and cars of course.

Andrew’s bike was sporting new gear bits but this didn’t stop it making a few grinding and slipping noises at times which meant an examination was called for as we entered the pretty village of Kersey:

Kersey cottages

Fortified by a coffee (plus scones and jam for some) in the local pub, this enabled us to pedal with gusto up the steep hill out of Kersey towards another coffee stop just a few miles farther on in Boxford, the wonderful Coffee Box café which had been visited also on 28 September (and liked on Facebook).

The return journey took us through more delightful villages and past a magnificent church, St. Mary’s, in Stoke-by-Nayland, which has this claim to fame: One of the largest and finest churches in Suffolk, with a history stretching back to the 10^th century, but refashioned in the Perpendicular style by the Howards, Dukes of Norfolk, in the late 1400s.   Its tower dominates the landscape of Dedham Vale, and can be seen for miles around.

Thoughts of beer began soon afterwards but there was still some way to go, through Nayland and Bures before heading northwards back to The Swan at Henny Street. The weather was warm and sunny throughout and so what better than to sample a good pint of Doom Bar, courtesy of Keith whose birthday he had been persuaded to celebrate early rather than later. Thanks Keith!

And so another Suffolk ride came to a close. Thanks to Maurice for planning the ride, (and for getting there on time this time) and to Sinner Man Andrew for all his organisation .

Martin

With the evenings drawing in at the rate of half and hour per week, it was good to enjoy one of the last summer-time Monday rides before the clocks go back on 29 October. So it was that Maurice, Andrew, Sandra, Tom and Martin gathered at The Pheasant at 4.00pm for a very pleasant cruise around the lanes as the sun sank slowly towards the horizon. Tom rode all the way from Stapleford to join the others, and back again in the dark looking like a lighthouse on wheels and clocking up a very respectable 35 miles or so compared to a leisurely 17 miles for the others.

Andrew thought up the route on the spur of the moment, knowing that The Bull would be visited but not quite sure how we would navigate our way there. But he could have done it blindfolded as he led us firstly to Elmdon and on to Arkesden, Clavering and Meesden before arriving at The Bull where the usual warm welcome was received. Another welcome sight was John Bagrie who arrived by car, having been too busy with chores to get on his bike.

Conversation in The Bull somehow got around to discussing John’s favourite off road route from Little to Great Chishill and the benefit it has in avoiding one of the three hills encountered by road. Some had done it before and were willing to tackle it again whilst others were wary but did not wish to be labelled wimps, your writer included, and so took part too. The track was steep initially, necessitating a dismount by some who shall remain nameless, and then became rutted and slippery which made the potential views across delightful countryside hard to take in. Thank you John! You’re on your own next time, but Lawrence might be willing to accompany you on his new cross bike with knobbly tyres.

Back at The Pheasant, the bikes spattered with mud, we enjoyed the usual large helpings of cod goujons and french fries before heading back to whence we came in the pitch black.

Thanks to Andrew for guiding us around the sunset boulevards.

Revd Moley Martin

It was already quite murky at 16.30 as Maurice, Andrew, Sandra and Martin set off with lights blazing from the Pheasant on what was planned to be the usual Monday evening circuit, until Martin suggested a slight detour to take in a hill that Maurice confessed he had never climbed. So it was down to Chrishall Grange and then a right towards Ickleton but continuing straight up the said hill bastardo on a terrible potholed surface to the luxury of the Essex border at the top and the new tarmac down the other side. Having completed the first hill, albeit with much puffing and panting, it was tempting to continue straight towards Littlebury up another hill but instead we eased up and pedalled via Catmere End and Littlebury Green towards our watering hole, The Bull at Lower Langley, where a familiar figure in hi viz yellow was waiting for us, namely John B.

Visibility remained poor on this warm, damp evening and the lanes were surprisingly busy with vehicles of all shapes and sizes – we must just have caught the height of the rush hour – and so hi viz clothing and lights are important in such conditions. But this didn’t stop a scary moment for Andrew on the return leg from The Bull (no connection!) when his wheels got stuck in a narrow strip of poor road surface and his combination of steering out of the rut and pedalling at the same time resulted in a spectacular slide of his back wheel which he corrected, scramble bike style, with great skill and didn’t fall off. The only problem was that the skid took him across the road in front of a car which had very conveniently stopped to allow the Windmillers room to squeeze past…………

Here is the offending bit of road, which Andrew re-inspected the following day:

Maurice decided to join John B’s off road route back to The Pheasant from Little Chishill, which he later regretted, whilst the others descended further and took the usual, faster route back, by which time it was almost dark.

Cod goujons and chips were then devoured and washed down with some fine ales.

Thanks Maurice for planning the ride and to Lucky Dawg Andrew for his organisation and skilful riding.

The Right Revd Moley Martin