Author: Martin Woodhead

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

Thursday 21st September 17-  Five super keen cyclist/navigators drove to East Bergholt for a nautical syle adventure ride around the Shotley Peninsula, led by Commodore Maurice, Sea Dawg Andrew, and able sea persons Sandra, Vernon and Lawrence.

After a dirty stopout in London,  Rev Moley Martin (who can now officiate weddings at sea) joined us halfway round the circuit near Alton Water Park.

One of the highlights of the day was Lawrence’s brand new Fluorescent Green crossover Cannondale bike with the biggests knobbly tyres you have ever seen. Despite the rolling resistance of these knobblies, Lawrence managed to keep pace throughout the ride -is that a battery I see lurking in his saddle bag?.

Our ride was almost the reverse of last years visit to this area taking in the impressive Royal Hospital School and Holbrook established in it’s current position in 1933 however,  dates back to 1694.

Onwards then to Shotley Marina passing on our way a very impressive country house.

We arrived at a sunny Shotley Marina and observed a number of yachts exiting the lock gates and preparing for lively sail along the Suffolk coastline.

The group made rapid haste to our coffee stop at the picturesque Pinn Mill and our watering hole The Butt & Oyster.

Deputy Dawg Andrew was duly advised to read a message clearly visible at the pub entrance (conveniently about two feet of the ground)

We then met appropriately outside a local church the Rev Moley Martin who joined us for the rest of the ride which involved a Bargie style off road session around Alton Water Park (thanks Maurice from me and Vernon for the slow punctures at the end of the ride )

Following the off road section we made our way thankfully on smooth tarmac back to East Bergholt via Bentley to enjoy a hearty two course retarded special lunch (except for Sandra who is far too young to qualify)

Thanks goes to Commodore Maurice for organising another memorable adventure.

yours Deputy Dawg.

‘Please die carefully’ was the unfriendly welcome we received twice in Chevington towards the end of this ride through Suffolk lanes. But on closer inspection some wag had carefully removed the r and v from both signs, which was a relief. Before that grim sign had been spotted a peloton of 9 Windmillers had enjoyed a glorious circuit of 38 miles from The Packhorse Inn at Moulton, devised once again by our leader Maurice, to take in some beautiful villages and quiet lanes. His faithful followers were Andrew, Ken, Keith, Brummie Brian, Brummie Chris (Brian’s guest for the day), Tom, Lawrence and Martin. Here is the route taken:

And here is a link to how it looked from the air:

https://www.relive.cc/view/1161290011  (thanks, Andrew).

It was one of those perfect days for a bike ride – a slight chill to start with,  but Maurice took care of that with a steep initial climb out of Moulton, followed by warm sunshine and no wind thereafter. What could be better? But en route we passed Calamity Corner from a previous ride when Andrew’s derailleur snapped off which required Tom’s skills to convert it rapidly to a fixie. Perhaps this route has a jinx on it as there were more calamities to come………………..

The feature stop was Ickworth House near Bury St Edmunds, an extraordinary National Trust property set in hundreds of acres of parkland. Described by some as an overgrown folly and others as something from outer space, it is certainly unusual. Full details of its history are here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ickworth_House .

Brian also went to extraordinary David Bailey-type lengths to obtain a suitable pic of the gang in front of the folly:

Ickworth House and its walled garden

A quick circuit of the grounds meant it was time for coffee and so on we went to Maglia Rosso, a bike shop / café in the middle of nowhere but, as it happened, a perfect stop for Calamity No. 1 as Lawrence developed a puncture just 100 yards before we got there. So instead of getting his hands dirty the shop obliged and his bike was ready by the time we had finished our coffee.

Whizzing down the hill to Maglia Rosso meant having to climb back up again but the cakes kicked into gear and we were soon heading back to Moulton until Calamity No. 2 occurred when Brian’s cassette gear cable snapped leaving him with just 2 gears.

Thereafter, it was more or less straight back to Moulton via Chevington along this imaginatively named road

until we reached the familiar bridge over the non-existent river in Moulton (at least in September):

and received a warm welcome at The Packhorse where an excellent lunch was had by those who had the time to stay, which did not include Andrew – he had an appointment with an attractive Venezuelan dentist in Saffron Walden, who subsequently turned out to only have the qualifications of a butcher.

Thanks, Maurice for organising another great ride and to Andrew for getting us to the starting line on time.

Martin

This could be the name of the Windmill Club’s very own pub were it to ever venture into the licensed trade. Once again, a Monday evening ride took in both hostelries and, once again, the peloton met up with John B at The Bull prior to the ride back to The Pheasant. And a lovely summer’s evening it was too when Andrew, Sandra, Ken and Martin set off at 5.00pm for a circuit via Chrishall Grange, Duxford, Ickleton, Strethall, Littlebury, Duddenhoe End and the Langleys.

Ken, who generally does not ride on a Monday, was surprised at the speed of the peloton which we explained was all in the interest of generating a real thirst. It swept past Martin’s and Ken’s houses in Ickleton, and The Ickleton Lion, before storming up Coploe Hill before a brief breather in Strethall and a 34 mph descent from Littlebury Green.

Then it was up the steep hill to Duddenhoe End before another, longer, breather in The Bull.

Thereafter the peloton climbed the three hills as usual whilst John chose his preferred off-road route from Little Chishill, which gained some metres but lost some time.

It was getting dim as we returned to The Pheasant – signs of the evenings drawing in – but we sat down to plentiful helpings of goujons and chips, washed down with some fine beers.

Thanks, Andrew, for organising a great ride of 22.5 miles. Here is the route taken:

With many away on holiday and the chance of a shower putting off the fair weather cyclists, only two started at The Pheasant, Maurice and Sandra. We set off in the direction of Elmdon, Strethall, Littlebury Green, Duddenhoe End on to Arkesden. Discusssing our recent holidays and also the previous rides, be they a bit wet or spattered with manure or with interesting characters not necessarily riding but meeting in the pubs too, always interesting to catch up.

From Arkesden we headed to Clavering via Rickling passing the beautiful Black Swan on the pond, dropping back down towards Lower Langley Green. Almost as if on cue, a few drops of rain appeared, so the umbrella of The Bull seemed the obvious choice to shelter and hydrate with the speciality waters!!! We were soon joined by John B, seeking shelter and rehydration too. Advising us of a special route we could take back to The Pheasant avoiding the 3 hills, Sandra might not like it though!

We set off back to The Pheasant leaving John B sampling another speciality water. Heading to Little Chishill and then 3 hills back up to Gt Chishill and Goujons and fries. Joined by John B who saw a fantastic Fallow Deer Stag and his Does following along behind, crossing the road ahead.

24 miles clockwise.

Thanks for another great ride Maurice.

With Maurice away, Andrew stepped up and sent out an email regarding the impending Monday evening ride, with a hint that he was hoping we would take pity on him, as he had an early start the following morning to catch a flight from Stansted. Well test number 1 – FAIL – three of us turned out, knowing that Andrew was a hardened traveller and would be fine.

Tom, Lawrence and Sandra met up with Andrew at The Pheasant, discussions about the weather ensued, various comments about what each of the weather Apps were suggesting we were in for, one even saying it was raining as we stood there dry under the mottled blue and white sky with a hint of grey clouds in the distance. We set off with the thought that we may experience a shower or two, well how wrong could we be!!

Heading to Shaftenhoe End, Little Chishill and Langley Lower Green, within 15 mins of setting off, jackets on for the first shower, well for two of us anyway, Tom braving it a little longer and Lawrence advising us he didn’t have any water proofs!!  This shower didn’t last long and we were soon too hot again, jackets off. On passing by The Bull, no sign of a certain Specialised bike, perhaps John B knew something we didn’t!!! Test number 2 – was Lawrence correct in his interpretation of the weather – FAIL As we headed up hill to Messden and on to Brent Pelham, it wasn’t long before we were reaching for the wet weather gear again, sheltering under Holly trees outside Brent Pelham church, the rain was relentless. We continued on to Starlings Green and sheltered again under the trees and listening for a change in the tone of the rain drumming on the trees and surroundings, this was where Lawrence asked our opinions on the wet weather gear we were sporting. Test number 3 – Wet weather jackets – Tom and Andrew – PASS, Sandra – partial failure – wet arms, never let me down before, may be a sign of how extreme the rain was though!!

Eventually the rain eased (if that’s the correct term) and we continued back to Lower Langley Green via Clavering, to take shelter in the umbrella that is also known as The Bull. Partaking of some refreshment and making use of hand drying facilities, in a bid to dry Lawrence out a little bit. On leaving The Bull, it was clear Lawrence was on a mission, he took off up the hill to Duddenhoe End, aiming to generate some heat to aid with the drying, on to Chrishall, Heydon and back to the Pheasant, hopeful that there would be a roaring fire – early August really!!! Candle flame was all we had but made the most of. Lovely Scampi and fries too.

Lawrence with his own personal fire

Lawrence – amazing how much heat you can get off a single candle

All in all a good ride, if a bit wet!!! 19.4 miles. A true test of committment – PASS

Thanks Andrew for organising.

It’s a long story.  It started with a stranger on a bike wandering down Maurice’s driveway at 7.00am looking for a classic motorbike shop specialising in Vincents. He had been sent in Maurice’s direction by Sandra’s husband just down the road who thought correctly that Maurice would be able to help the stranger. Maurice being Maurice gave him a warm welcome and offered him a cup of coffee whilst Lynn was a bit hesitant, not surprisingly at that time in the morning. However the stranger was genuinely interested in buying a Vincent and Maurice was able to guide him to a chap in Buntingford who specialised in these rare beasts. In the course of conversation the stranger said that he lived in Brisbane and was on a cycling holiday around our area staying on camp sites. His name was Doug Whitehead and it turned out that he had worked for the infamous Robert Maxwell for several years. Maurice being Maurice then suggested he met us later that evening in The Pheasant so that we could all hear some of his many Maxwell stories.

So that is just a preamble to this evening’s ride for Maurice, Andrew, Keith, Tom and Martin which took us around 24 miles of familiar lanes, which can be seen at high speed here:

We met up with John B at what has become one of our favourite refreshment stops on a summer’s evening, The Bull at Lower Langley, and then ambled back to The Pheasant watching the GPS antics of a large combine harvester on the way. John decided to take a more vertical off road route back from Little Chishill but appeared later to regret having done so. Here are some pics of the circuit, Martin narrowly escaping cruxifiction at one stage in Rickling:

On returning to The Pheasant, Doug Whitehead was indeed there having dinner with the Vincent chap from Buntingford after which they joined us whilst we tucked into succulent goujons. Doug indeed had many stories to tell about the chaotic Maxwell business in the years just before he disappeared overboard his yacht in the middle of the night, some say whilst having a pee whilst others say he committed suicide and others that he was bumped off by the Israeli secret service. We may never know.

With promises of meeting again either on his next trip, and Keith discussing meeting him in Brisbane when he is there for the cricket in December, we bid Doug farewell. It was not the usual Monday evening ride.

Thanks go to Maurice for introducing us to Doug Whitehead and to Andrew for taking the pics and recording the ride.

Martin

Starting from The Fox Inn at Newbourne, six Windmillers led by Maurice and accompanied by Andrew, Sandra, Tom, Chris and Martin donned wet weather gear to start with but soon stripped off after a mile as the threatened rain failed to materialise. The route took us firstly to Felixstowe old  town and its grand Edwardian seafront, and then along the esplanade to a cycle path alongside the beach which was great until it ended abruptly at a flight of steps……..

Felixstowe Ferry was next where the ferryman was more jolly than the last time we met him two years ago, possibly due to swiftly removing a substantial amount of cash from each of us for the crossing.

Once on the Bawdsey side of the Deben, the first stop was to see if the pre-war BMWs that we had seen 2 years ago were still looking sad and alone in an old garage, but they had gone leaving nothing but an Austin 7 chassis, if anyone wants one. Wonder how the garage will look in another 2 year’s time?

The weather continued fine all the way to Orford with a strong tail wind pushing us along sandy lanes through peaceful hamlets and villages, paying homage of course to Andrew Dawg in Capel St. Andrew:

We planned to meet friends of Maurice, and neighbours of John B, over a coffee in Orford and then head back to Newbourne for a late lunch but black clouds soon put paid to that idea. So a trip to the quayside lasted 20 minutes for some whilst waiting for the rain to stop but eventually we all gathered at The Kings Head with Maurice’s friends and had an excellent lunch. Thanks go to Sandra for birthday drinks, a few days ahead of time!

Mixed weather in Orford

After lunch it was back via Woodbridge and a visit to the Marina and Tide Mill Museum, which was very impressive to see working:

Woodbridge views at low tide

Finally, it was back through the lanes to The Fox Inn at Newbourne where apologies were given for not making lunch but we made partial amends by having a drink outside before heading home.

Here is the route taken:

And here is Andrew’s aerial view with additional pics:

Thanks to Maurice for a repeat of a delightful ride and to Andrew Sheepdawg for getting us all there on time.

Martin

On a fine summer’s evening Maurice, Keith and Martin set off from The Pheasant on a pleasant 25 mile run westwards to Therfield, down to the A505, a quick spurt to the Sandon road and then up the long long hill to Sandon itself, a climb that likes to bite cyclists every now and then.

Passing John B’s house, and large numbers of ‘Sandon says NO’ posters, we then headed to Buntingford through quiet Herts lanes, returning via Barkway and a refreshment stop at The Tally Ho where it was good to meet up with John B and, behind the bar, Sallie, who has been out with Windmillers in the past and who might be able to join us again sometime, work permitting. Suitably refreshed we ascended to The Pheasant and enjoyed massive portions of succulent goujons and French fries as a reward.

Here is the route taken:

Thanks, Maurice, for planning a picturesque route with great views, and a sunset to die for.

Martin

A large gang of 11 Windmillers gathered at The Black Bull in Balsham at the early hour of 9.00am in order to accommodate the needs of cricket fans and others who needed to finish earlier than usual.

The incidents began before the start when Yorkshire Brian’s bike toppled over on the top of Brummie Brian’s car on the way to Balsham. Luckily the wheel straps held it on and there was no damage to the bike, but Brian’s red golf is now sporting a small bruise on its roof. Incident over, the Brians were joined by Maurice, Andrew, John B, Keith, Sandra, Rick, Chris, Lawrence and Martin and everything was going smoothly through delightful empty lanes on a beautiful day when a call of nature was required by Maurice, signalling politely as he pulled into a gate entrance. However, his signal was not seen by all those behind resulting in a rear end shunt and a second incident for Yorkshire Brian who fell off and suffered some minor grazing. Nurse Sandra rushed to administer first aid with a wet wipe and we were soon on our way again.

Other than Lawrence steaming on ahead and missing a junction in Withersfield, almost requiring a repeat of the ‘Do a U turn’ message texted to him whilst en route from Wells to Kings Lynn, we were incident free for the rest of the ride.

Arriving back earlier than expected at The Black Bull, due to not being able to find a coffee stop, we were sampling some fine beers by 11.45am and were joined for lunch by Ken who had cycled up from Ickleton after a hard morning’s work in Cambridge. Here is a map of the route taken:

Thanks, Maurice and Andrew for your organisation of a great ride.

Martin

This was indeed a sad day. Many of us had got used to seeing Charlie at The Pheasant whilst we were out for a ride and we shall miss him. Here is Andrew’s message to members:

Sad to report the passing of what could have been described as the Windmill Club’s four legged mascot Charlie the Chocolate Labrador who died on Friday.

Yesterday Charlie would have celebrated his 16^th birthday however sadly he missed this by only 3days.

Many will have memories of Charlie being tethered to the bench near the kitchen at The Pheasant while we rode out and being pampered with crisps by John Bagrie while he (John) enjoyed beer in the garden.

I dedicated last night’s ride to my lovely boy Charlie and if you click on the link below you can relive the ride.     

https://www.relive.cc/view/1077729722

Our speed was not as fast as on the link above but the route took in Elmdon, where Maurice, Andrew, Chris and Martin stopped to see if Simon and Ollie were at home. They were not so we proceeded to Duddenhoe End, Arkesden, Wicken Bonhunt, Rickling, Clavering and Lower Langley where we met up once again with John B at The Bull, after which we all cycled back to The Pheasant for a plentiful helping of scampi and chips.

Thanks to Maurice and Andrew for organising the ride and condolences to Andrew and Lindsey on the loss of Charlie. He had a good innings.

Martin

Vernon was due to take part again in the annual London – Cambridge ride on behalf of Camsight, a local charity which provides support for blind and visually impaired people. Steering a tandem with his blind friend Alan Chamley on the back was the plan but Vernon was called into hospital just a few days beforehand for an operation requiring an overnight stay and so he asked me if I might be willing to take over. Never having driven a tandem before, the first journey out with Vernon on the back as ‘stoker’ was scary in the extreme but we managed to get as far as Balsham for a pint in the Black Bull before heading back to Sawston where the tandem is kept in Alan’s garage. A subsequent trip with Alan, also to Balsham, and a tweaking of the handlebars was sufficient for me to accept the request provided Alan wasn’t too scared by my driving. He pronounced he was ready to take the risk, silly man, and so at 5.00am on Sunday 2 July we set off from Sawston to cycle 8 miles into Cambridge to catch a bus to the start, with the tandem going by lorry.

Tom also offered to come along and so together with Andrew’s support, who rode south to meet us in Berden, we had three Windmillers supporting Camsight. Andrew also took the pics.

Setting off from Pickett’s Lock at 8.17am we pedalled on the flat and downhill at a fair old speed. It was the hills that got us, not helped by the tandem finding it difficult to engage with its granny gear which meant getting off and pushing at times. But we had a moving average of over 11mph the whole way thanks to the flat and downhill bits.

After a couple of stops for refreshments, Tom, who set off at a brisk pace about an hour and a half behind us, caught us up, unsurprisingly, in Arkesden where the village community laid on a fantastic welcome. He then whizzed off toward the next stop at the Bees in the Wall at Whittlesford where it was wonderful to see Vernon looking extremely well, having been let out of hospital the day before. Tom’s wife Jo was there too together with Vernon’s Moira and my wife Penny and elder daughter Vanessa. We all enjoyed a good lunch in the garden before pedalling the final 10 miles to Cambridge via Newton, Harston and Haslingfield, arriving at 3.15.

There were 7 other tandems taking part from Camsight and it was good to see the others at stages during the ride. Our top speed of 29.8mph was topped by at least one other pair of riders, two ladies who claimed 30.5mph.

An ice cream and yet more water was followed by 8 miles back to Sawston, making a total of 80 miles for the day.

Camsight are keen to develop a closer relationship with the Windmill Club and have some spare tandems available. Tom has expressed interest in riding next year and others would be welcome too. Some commitment is of course required during the year to ensure each team is fit – Vernon will be able to give details of how much is required as he has been riding with Alan for some time. I feel sure Alan will be relieved to have Vernon back in the driving seat as soon as possible.

As of 4 July, Camsight had raised over £2,700 from the event.

Thanks, Tom and Andrew, for your support and to Vernon and Alan for trusting me to ride the beast.

Martin

The plan was to rely on Great Northern and Abellio Greater Anglia ( suitably abbreviated to AGA) to transport six Windmillers to Cambridge initially and then all take the 09.10 to Thetford for a 10.00 start. Great Northern delivered Sandra, Rod and Lawrence on time but AGA failed miserably and so Ken, Keith and Martin had to pedal furiously to Whittlesford after first lugging their bikes and panniers over the bridge to Platform 1 at Great Chesterford only to be told that their train had been cancelled, and then lug them back again. The position at Whittlesford was not much better but eventually a train arrived which just connected in Cambridge with a later train to Ely, involving a change there for Thetford. That was the theory, but an angry baton waving Fat Controller told us we could not get the next train to Thetford because there was not enough room for our bikes. As it happened, two of us could have boarded because when our train eventually arrived, exactly an hour after our scheduled train, the guard said that six bikes were not allowed…………. But he was a genial guard, and a cyclist, and so he relented. And so, at last, we said goodbye to Ely Station, waving two fingers at the Fat Controller as we did so, and we were finally on the start of our two day bike ride.

Setting off from Thetford finally at 11.00 meant that lunch arrangements might be compromised but we sped up National Cycle Route 13 to the edge of Thetford Forest with the wind behind us. But at Galley Hill the route deteriorated into an off road stretch of 2 miles through the forest and due to torrential rain the day before it was full of deep puddles. We got through without incident and were soon on very quiet lanes heading due North, clocking up the miles with no effort.

It soon became apparent that the planned choice of  lunch stops were both achievable and so we decided to make for the farthest one, The White Horse in Longham, having placed our orders in advance by phone. We were greeted warmly and given a nice table where we could be noisy and not upset other diners.

The White Horse, Longham

With 30 miles behind us already, and fortified by an excellent lunch, the remaining 22 miles to Wells through delightful villages and very quiet lanes was a breeze. The route was primarily No. 13 but with adjustments to reach Longham and cut out East Dereham, eventually teaming up with No. 1 in the Walsinghams, having avoided Fakenham by going through Great and Little Snoring on roads familiar to Windmillers from last year’s ride in the same area. Just before Little Walsingham we paid homage to the site where John T had his unfortunate accident last year, from which he has made an excellent recovery.

Great Ryburgh

Great Ryburgh

Thoughts of Wherry began to happen soon afterwards and by 4.15 we whizzed into Wells and were on the deck of The Albatros by 4.30 admiring the view and downing some excellent pints from a new barrel.

Captain Ton was a charming chap but asked us to move our bikes from where we had placed them on deck as they were obscuring the all important sky lights to the space below.

Once on board, new names had to be allocated of course in true Good Ship Venus style to reflect our nautical hierarchy for the night ahead, except for Sandra the Wren who had wisely chosen luxury b&B accommodation close by. As Maurice was sadly unable to be with us, Martin was promoted to Captain Ugger, Ken was First Mate Preen, Rod was Second Mate Carter, Keith was Midshipman Paul and Lawrence was Roger the Cabin Boy. Andrew’s verses from the Good Ship Venus were much in our minds…………..

Once settled, if that’s the right word, in our cabins Keith led us on a tour of Wells and we had a pint in a nice pub before enjoying a superlative meal at the Wells Crab House Restaurant. Sauntering back to the Albatros, we bid goodnight to Sandra on the way, who never ceased to remind us of the triple aspect room she had and the quality of the plumbing compared to our solitary shower. But then you can’t beat a quiet nightcap on the deck of the Albatros listening to the gentle rippling of the tide and a good night’s sleep.

Breakfast for the shipmates was a Dutch pancake or full English, both of which contained sufficient calories for several days ahead, whilst Sandra ate at a luxury breakfast cafe nearby. It took a while to get going but by 10.00 we set off on what was thought to be an easy ride to Kings Lynn, following National Cycle Route 1 the whole way.

The first part of the ride took us on the off road stretch behind the pine trees between Wells and Holkham beach before heading up through the Holkham Hall Estate to the road behind leading to Burnham Market. Acknowledgements are due to Lawrence for the pics hereafter (and the one of the Albatros above) due to Martin’s phone running out of oomph.

Riding through the Holkham Hall estate was one of the highlights of the ride

Unlike the previous day, the wind was on our nose for most of the day and the hills were surprisingly non-stop from Burnham Market onwards as the route went westwards along a quiet straight lane of nearly 10 miles to Ringstead, resulting in quite slow progress. But an amazing pub, The Gin Trap, hove into view in Ringstead where we enjoyed coffee before heading south to Kings Lynn, passing through pretty villages full of flint faced cottages.

The Sandringham Estate then made an appearance but despite rattling the gate we were not allowed in:

The ride through the Estate was very attractive and there was a useful stretch of cycle path alongside the busy A149 before turning off down an avenue of trees for lunch in a cafe in Castle Rising, the local pub being out of action which would have been our preferred choice for celebrating the fun we had over the 2 days.

After lunch it was a straightforward ride through to Kings Lynn following the well marked Route 1 the whole way including an excellent cycle path to the station, only having to cross a couple of busy roads at marked crossings. With no plans to catch a particular train, we arrived after 35 miles to find a train about to depart in 4 minutes and so there was no time for a final pic outside the station. The journey back was a dream compared to the outward one.

Here are the routes taken:

Thanks to everyone for taking part.

Martin

On a perfect summer’s evening just two Windmillers, Andrew and Martin, set forth from the Pheasant at 17.30 following a similar route as the week before and, hey presto, the same Specialized bike and its owner John B were spotted once again outside The Bull at Lower Langley. So two became three and we ambled back through the lanes after suitable refreshment, taking in the air, marvelling at the lovely scenery, and stealing peas from a large field.

On the way through Arkesden we stopped and chatted to the organiser of one of the official stops on the London to Cambridge bike ride held the previous day, which Martin took part in on behalf of Vernon who was unable to make it at the last moment – more anon. The Arkesden welcome was amazing – a village hall full of home made cakes and free drinks for thirsty cyclists. They made over £1,500 for village charities. The organiser, Rod Higgins, was also Chairman of Arkesden Parish Council and a keen cyclist – he cycles mainly with another chap who rides one of those low lie-on-yer-back tricycles with flags galore to prevent being mown down by large Volvos and the like. He would be a good addition to the Windmill Club if he can be persuaded to come along.

Talking of members, it would be good to increase attendance on our short Monday evening rides. These are always great fun and usually end up in The Pheasant where succulent goujons and chips are once again on offer.

Thanks, Andrew, for a gentle ride – much needed after 80 miles on a tandem the day before.

Knowing that goujons and chips would be on offer at the end of the ride was sufficient reason for four Windmillers to set off from the Pheasant at a brisk pace at 6.00pm. Led by Maurice and followed by Keith, Chris and Martin, we sped through Heydon and on to Elmdon before testing out the smooth new tarmac towards Ickleton but turning right up to the Strethall crossroads where the tarmac finally ended. Then it was through Littlebury Green and a fast descent (32.4 mph to be precise) before the steep climb to Duddenhoe End. There was no time for a photo in Arkesden (but then the thatched cottage by the signpost has already been captured many times already) and so we whizzed through to Langley Lower Green by which time a considerable thirst had developed which just had to be quenched for safety reasons…………….. And guess who we found in The Bull? The Specialized bike outside gave us a clue and John B was indeed inside, having taken a slightly different route to the rest of us. So four became five but the best bit was that John remembered it was his birthday recently and so it was drinks all round – thanks John!

The three hills remained the main obstacle as usual on the way back but whether it was the thought of the goujons or the beer or just Summer madness, there was an almighty race back to The Pheasant where a warm welcome was awaiting us from Mark and Debs after a ride of 20.5 miles.

Outside The Pheasant was a classic 60’s Chevvy and a future classic alongside it………

Thanks, Maurice for organising a great summer evening’s ride.

Martin

Another team of 11 Windmillers  gathered at The Golden Fleece in Braughing at 9.15am, earlier than usual in order to place their orders for lunch with landlord Pete (who sometimes rides with us).  Having got our priorities right we then proceeded in an anti-clockwise direction towards Hertford to shed a few calories before piling them back on again a few hours later when celebrating birthday boy Andrew’s big day.

The formidable team comprised centre forward / captain Maurice, wingers Tom and Brian, forwards Keith and Rick, mid-fielders Ken, John B and Lawrence, backs Sandra and Martin, and goalie Andrew. Donning their kit they were soon clocking up the miles on a picturesque ride that Maurice had created through quiet lanes, yet close to large areas of population at times. But, as a Hertfordshire lad, this was familiar territory for Maurice who knew all the back doubles including bridleways, river paths and car parks. Here is the route taken:

After traversing quiet lanes to Hertford the team then cycled down the towpath alongside the River Lea as far as Ware to fill up with excellent coffee and cakes.

Suitably fortified, we then continued down the Lea to Stanstead Abbotts stopping to admire Amwell Nature Reserve, a former gravel quarry and now one of the RSPB’s foremost sites for watching a mix of inland and marine birds – well worth a longer visit. Amongst the sightings that day was a cuckoo, cormorants and bar-tailed godwits.

Then it was time to turn northwards back to Braughing via Widford and its attractive church

and then crossing the River Rib at Maurice’s old stamping ground, Barwick Ford, where his grandfather once filled up his traction engine trailer with water.

After 32 miles we were back at The Golden Fleece where we received a warm welcome and tucked into an excellent lunch, washed down with a large round of birthday drinks supplied courtesy of the birthday boy himself. Thanks Andrew!!

Thanks also to Maurice for organising the ride and to Deputy Dawg Andrew for getting us to the starting line on time.

Revd Holy Moley Martin