Author: Martin Woodhead

During this damp but dry ride (if that’s not a contradiction of terms) of 29 miles, Maurice was threatened with being reported to the RSPCC, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Cyclists, if he attempted to take us up another steep hill. The first, which he did warn us about beforehand, was, appropriately enough, not far after the village of Nasty but closer to Dane End. A granny cog hill it was indeed and we all struggled up it, with the exception of course of Tom who left rubber on the road before zooming up it first. A subsequent so called steep hill proved to be quite gentle and so we let Maurice off with a warning.

And so there were nine Windmillers in all riding around quiet Hertfordshire lanes; Maurice, Andrew, Vernon, Ken, Keith (back from a month in Portugal), Brian, Tom, Sandra and Martin (back from 3 weeks in South Africa). Starting at The Golden Fleece in Braughing, we took an anti-clockwise route through delightful lanes stopping for coffee at a steamy café in Ware which served good coffee and cakes. Here is the route taken:

After coffee we pedalled on through quiet but slippery lanes, taking care on the steep dips and avoiding potholes which resulted in a safe and uneventful journey for all.

On the way back we stopped on a bridge over a disused railway running from Ware to Buntingford which Maurice said he would like to restore one day………… His proposed labourers thought otherwise and sped back to Braughing where a splendid welcome was awaiting us and a table bedecked with crackers. The jokes were a bit corny though – What kind of motor bike does Santa ride? A Holly Davison of course!

Thanks, Maurice, for organising a great ride and leading us safely through the lanes.

Moley Martin

https://www.strava.com/activities/784250059/shareable_images/map_based?hl=en-GB&v=1480008661

A group of eight intrepid explorers Maurice, Andrew, John B, Ken, Rick, Vernon, Lawrence and Sandra assembled outside the Pheasant, Great Chishill awaiting instructions as to where we were heading on what was going to be a pleasant Autumn day, if a bit windy at times.

Wimpole Hall being the destination for the days excursion and a general consensus that this should be a very nice ride and it certainly was even with a few events on route.

We set off with Maurice guiding us on a path to Barkway which takes in some hills at Shaftenhoe End that would certainly warm us up for the rest of the route, this was also the same route that the BBC Children in Need Rickshaw challenge had travelled only the Friday before, those guys and girls are amazing to have pedalled the rickshaw up those hills. From Barkway we headed to Reed and Therfield before dropping down to then cross the A505 and head past Ashwell and Morden station on into the Cambridgeshire countryside where we first started to feel the force of the wind cutting across the field and the roads with sparse hedges, Maurice making good use of me as a wind break at times, which I was happy to oblige, with the occasional comment from Maurice that there was no need to rush, I think this must have been as he was dropped out of shelter from me. Passing through Steeple Morden and on to Wendy cum Shingay or is it Shingay cum Wendy, (I think that depends on which way you are travelling!), this was where I dropped in behind John B and Rick to shelter from the wind and also the same area where Andrew found another gear and came steaming through like an express train, must have been the porridge kicking in. On to Arrington and the entrance to Wimpole Hall estate, where Vernon came a cropper on the step through the gate, with words of guidance from behind “Don’t put your hand down”, he managed to stay upright even if his bike went through horizontally. Through the parkland dodging the various green currants left by the sheep and odd cow pat, we went in search of coffee at the park’s restaurant.

A little over 20 miles down and feeling refreshed we set off again, it wasn’t long before John B came steaming through and shouts of puncture are heard from behind, the team turned around and headed back to Wimpole Hall to aid/supervise the repair of Vernon’s tyre. Back on the road again to Orwell then Barrington, where Vernon was found propped up against a telegraph pole adding a bit more air to said tyre. Onwards to Shepreth and then Fowlmere when it was discovered that the group had halved in size, we’re four down, Maurice duly waited at the junction while John B, Vernon and I would head on to the next junction. At this point I was beginning to regret not having a piece of cake with coffee, as my legs had had enough (self inflicted calorie controlled diet that a Sparrow wouldn’t survive on, well that’s gone out the window now!) At the same time my bike started to feel unusual, yes I’d developed a slow puncture and it was while I was adding a bit of air, that the stray gang caught me up and the tale of Ken’s bike developing a major steering fault, basically there was no steering, thankfully this was sorted and we were on the move again. Not far now and hoping that my tyre would hold up to get back, well it did but not without a couple more puffs to keep me going, last 50 yards or so on foot, with Andrew and Maurice making sure I made it.

Over lunch we started to compare distances travelled during the day on the various GPS tracking devices, Vernon 34.75 – the shortest distance for a change, Lawrence 35.76, Sandra 35.75 and Andrew 36.4 – having spent considerable time rounding up the troops and making sure I was ok on the final stretch, thank you.

Thanks to Maurice for another lovely, if eventful ride.

Sandra

https://www.strava.com/activities/784250059/shareable_images/map_based?hl=en-GB&v=1480008661

It was another of those knobbly knee, or not, autumn rides as eight hardy Windmillers gathered at the bridge over the River Lea in Waltham Abbey for a 37 mile ride to Tower Bridge and back. In the event only  Keith braved the slight chill but as the sun broke through he had clearly made the right decision as it warmed up considerably by the time we had wobbled along the towpath all the way to London town. The remaining participants were our leader Maurice, Vernon, Rod, Brian, Sandra, Chris and Moley Martin. This was the route taken: http://gb.mapometer.com/cycling/route_4431527.html

The first port of call was the white water centre at Waltham Abbey where thoughts of lifebelts were first had:

Then we set off into quite a strong head wind down 16 or so miles of towpaths alongside the Lea without touching a road until we reached Limehouse Basin via the Hertford Cut – a remarkable journey through some of London’s busiest north eastern suburbs. The path was narrow at times, particularly under bridges where a slight deviation could easily have resulted in the need for a lifebelt – a quick pump up of a spare tube was the only option we had to potentially save the life of a non-swimming Windmiller. The banks were lined with narrow boats and other craft almost the whole way, the occupants of which clearly had a very different lifestyle to landlubber Londoners. The river was not exactly busy but several boats were seen chugging away.

Thirsts could almost be photographed by the time we got to Limehouse Basin and so we dived into The Grapes for a quick pint before continuing our journey to Tower Bridge along cobbled streets.

Limehouse basin looking towards Canary Wharf

Maurice ducked and dived through the narrow streets and alongside the Thames, where the views got better and better as we approached Tower Bridge:

By this time it was gone 1.00pm and so thoughts again turned to gaining nourishment. After a brief stop at The Dickens Inn in St Katherine’s Dock, the consensus was to return to The Grapes where the beer was known to be good and the food proved to be both delicious, plentiful and very good value.

Fortunately, after such a large lunch, the tail wind whizzed us back to Waltham Abbey somewhat faster than the outward leg.

Thanks to Maurice for again organising this London ride. There was also talk of a future ride to the Cutty Sark in Greenwich.

Maurice planned a neat two county ride today of 36 miles – out from Thetford to Bressingham taking the Norfolk route and back via the Suffolk route, which made for a surprising contrast. It wasn’t just the wind, which was forcefully on the nose most of the way out, but the scenery too which included long forested Roman roads on the Norfolk side and lanes / heathlands on the Suffolk side.

So a large puff of nine Windmillers set off from Sainsbury’s in Thetford at 9.30am, comprising our Squadron Leader Maurice, Deputy Dawg Andrew, Shepherd boy John B, Wee Jimny Ken, Captain Keith Pugwash, Tank Engine Tom (previously Marmite Tom but now in short supply in Tesco), Brummie Brian, Sandra Shearer and the Revd Moley Martin. It was a chilly start, 9C, with only Moley showing off his knobbly knees, at least until coffee time in Bressingham when they too were given additional protection. We were hoping to see steam in action, if only to warm up, but there was not a lot going on other than a small locomotive seen and heard puffing away in the distance whilst we had coffee, over which the main topic of conversation was the manufacture of linoleum (a concoction invented by a Scotsman of solidified linseed oil and cork dust it seems). Which led on to cricket bats, putty and 101 other things that can be done with linseed oil without being arrested, so get some today……….

After coffee we inspected the waiting room and heard that Bevan Braithwaite, a long time steam buff and CEO of The Welding Institute for many years, was a trustee of Bressingham Steam Railway before he died and that an engine he built is still used there.

The return journey was faster with the wind behind us, through very picturesque lanes and and heathlands which were different to other, more rolling, parts of Suffolk.

Instead of a pub, we stopped at an American-style diner in Thetford and tucked into massive burgers and other large portions of food before struggling to pedal the final couple of miles back to Sainsbury’s.

Thanks to Maurice for planning the route and not getting us lost, and also to his faithful sheepdawg  Andrew for getting us to the starting pen on time.

Although Maurice’s map offered three alternative rides, neither of the two easier rides got much of a look in as seven intrepid Windmiller’s set off at a pace at 4.30pm on yet another fine autumn, if not summer, evening. As well as Maurice, other members of the Puff were Deputy Dawg Andrew, Captain Keith Pugwash, John B the shepherd boy, Sandra Shearer, Moley Martin and Tim Goode. Progress was slowish to Manuden, which now has a pothole free High Street, and light was beginning to fade by the time Lower Langley was reached. Despite this, refreshments were called for by Keith, John and Moley, whilst the others returned to the Pheasant via Little Chishill with the exception of Tim who, having had a narrow brush with a car in Manuden, returned via Duddenhoe End. Here is the route taken by most:

Eventually, all assembled for copious helpings of goujons and chips in the Pheasant, washed down with some fine beer, and we were also joined by Sandra’s husband Steve.

Thanks, Maurice for organising the ride. We all wish his wife Lyn well with the treatment she has been having along with Kell and John (Titanium) Tarrington, all of whom we hope to see again very soon.

Due to rain in the morning (an unusual experience these past few weeks), a late start of 2.30pm from the Pheasant was arranged which successfully dodged any further precipitation. What appeared to be a shortish ride on paper turned out to be a surprising 36 miles, taking in Audley End, Saffron Walden, Sewards End, Debden, Henham, Rickling Green, Arkesden, Duddenhoe End and back to the Pheasant:

The Puff of Windmillers comprised our leader Maurice, his deputy (Dawg) Andrew, Captain Keith Pugwash, Marmite Tom, John B the shepherd boy, Botanist Rick and the cardinal sinner himself, the very right Revd Moley Martin. At Wimbish we called in at a very pleasant garden centre / nursery  café with the somewhat strange name of The Mutton and Kipper, neither of which was consumed, but the staff were friendly and the coffee / tea excellent.

The shepherd’s Bishop’s Finger ale was, however, the cause of much merriment:

There was a very strong tail wind from the west resulting in a possible record average speed of nearly 17mph from Great Chishill, not bad for a group of oldies (with the exception of Cap’n Pugwash). And thanks to Maurice’s devious planning, the route back seemed devoid of headwinds resulting in an overall average of 15 mph for the 36 miles. Almost every village pond was seen to be dried up with the exception of this one in Henham, which the local ducks were clearly relieved about:

And, for those interested in churches, here is one in Rickling Green that we frequently ride past at speed but rarely stop to admire its beauty:

The 2.30pm start meant we timed our arrival back at the Pheasant at a perfect time!

Thanks to Maurice for his superlative planning and to Deputy Dawg, his pet poodle.

The evenings may be drawing in, necessitating a 5.00pm start from The Pheasant, but, thanks to global warming, temperatures remain in the high teens which made for a very pleasant ride around the lanes for six Windmillers on this late September evening. Led by Maurice, his faithful followers included Deputy Dawg Andrew, Captain Keith Pugwash Jr, Lyn the lovely shepherdess, Bridget the shoe discarder and the Revd Moley Martin. The 18 mile run took in Heydon, Elmdon, Duddenhoe End, Langley Upper Green, Clavering, Meesden, Nuthamsted, Shaftenhoe End and back to the Pheasant for well earned drinks and succulent goujons, where we were joined by the shepherd himself, John B, and the other lady in his life Darcey, their slim-as-a-ballerina black labrador.

En route conversation varied as always around many assorted topics including a new luxury shepherd’s hut for John B that his shepherdess Lyn had arranged to be delivered, and which we are all looking forward to seeing, and Bridget’s dislike of John’s cleated bike shoes that she has consigned to the bin following his recent accident, from which he is making a remarkably quick recovery. We hope to see Titanium John back with us very soon.

Thanks once again to Maurice and Deputy Dawg Andrew for organising a very enjoyable ride. We have raised over £700 for charity so far this year and so let’s have some big turnouts between now and Christmas and exceed £1000 once again!

It was a fine, warm day when seven Windmillers met at the Carriers Inn in East Bergholt, Suffolk,  for a memorable ride around Constable Country, some taking the A14 to reach the start, some taking the A120 and Vernon taking the scenic route via a Colchester industrial estate. The other participants were Squadron Leader Maurice, Deputy Dawg Andrew, Captain Keith Pugwash, our resident botanist Rick, Marmite Tom and the Revd Moley Martin. Once assembled, we set off on this very scenic tour of 34 miles:

The precise route can be found here: http://gb.mapometer.com/cycling/route_4411318

The first stop was for coffee / beer at the idyllic Butt and Oyster Inn on the banks of the River Orwell at Pin Mill, a place well known to Maurice, Moley and other sailors / smugglers, and hardly surprising given its remote location. It has not changed over the years and is now home to around 25 house boats and an anchorage for visiting boats:

Then it was down to the marina at Shotley, a convenient point for sailors for quick access to the North Sea or the Stour Estuary, which brought back happy memories of good sailing days:

 Looking towards Harwich from Shotley

Then it was along the picturesque Stour, crossing the bottom end of Alton water (which has a cycle track around it, perhaps for next time) and past this strange multi-phallic gatehouse to a desres in the large grounds

before heading to Flatford Mill to see Constable Country in all its glory.

It was a surprisingly hilly ride at times and the final one back to the Carriers Inn produced thirsts that were soon quenched with some fine Adnams Southwold bitter followed by an excellent 2 course lunch for £7.95 except for the young Captain Pugwash who had to pay £8.95. The pub had some fine advice for its customers on display:

Thanks to Maurice for planning a superb ride. We look forward to doing it again in the future.

PS. For all those motivated by the special scenes at Flatford to take up a brush, paint, canvas and easel, go no further than Hinxton Mill where cows still linger in the cool water of the millpond:

This was a day we had all been looking forward to, a ride around God’s own County – Norfolk – but it had a sad end when John Tarrington unfortunately fell off his bike and broke his wrist, which required a speedy transfer by a paramedic to a hospital in Kings Lynn. We all wish John a speedy recovery and hope it won’t be too long before he can join us again. Accidents are few and far between, luckily, but this just shows that our rides are not devoid of risk, even on a warm sunny afternoon on a quiet country lane, and so we should all take greater care particularly as the days get shorter and the nights draw in.

Until John’s accident the other seven Puffs (the communal name for Windmill Club members) had completed about 90% of Maurice’s planned circuit from Fakenham, taking in sleepy Great Snoring, Wells next-the-Sea, Holkham, Burnham Market, Burnham Thorpe and Great / Little Walsingham en route, the Puffs comprising Maurice, Andrew, John B, Keith, Ken, Brian and Martin. We kept more or less to Maurice’s route but at times split up into a daredevil off-road group of two, John B and Ken, and a narrow gauge railway appreciation group (the others) but we all met up on the quayside at Wells for large helpings of shrimps, whelks and seafood as a mid-morning snack.

The planned route:

…………and the actual:

…..the main difference being a wonderful off-road stretch behind the beach at Wells as far as Holkham and a different route back after lunch.

After Holkham there was a busy stretch of the main coast road for a couple of miles (impatient drivers in God’s own County!) before turning off to peaceful and picturesque Burnham Market (also known as Chelsea-on-Sea), where John B showed us a cottage he was once tempted to acquire.

Next was actually Station Street, Burnham Market where Martin stopped off to say hello to a former colleague who he knew would be opening a can of Speckled Hen on the dot of noon………….. The others rode on to the lunchtime stop at the historic Lord Nelson pub in nearby Burnham Thorpe where Martin caught them up for a delicious lunch in the garden.

John T told us how Nelson had his last meal on English soil with his midshipman upstairs in the pub before setting off to fight at Trafalgar. Sadly, the table where they sat which had his initials carved in it appears to have gone missing since the room was converted to accommodation for kitchen staff just a few years ago……………. Nelson learnt to sail at nearby Burnham Overy Staite – it’s said that if you can sail there you can sail anywhere.

So, after a good lunch it was then back via Little and Great Walsingham but there was no sign of Our Lady of Walsingham – she probably knew we were coming and had gone shopping for the day in Norwich. And soon after that, John’s accident happened which took the edge off what had been a wonderful day up to that point. But the team worked well in organising an ambulance and looking after John until the paramedic arrived.Meanwhile Maurice and Andrew collected John’s car and loaded his bike for Andrew to drive home whilst John was swept off to hospital in Kings Lynn by the paramedic.

Thanks once again to Maurice and his Deputy Dawg Andrew for planning the ride and organising the lunch stop.

…………or in skiing jargon, should it have been green, blue, red or black? Those were the choices provided by our leader Maurice on a delightful sunny evening to five other Windmillers who accompanied him on the ride – Deputy Dawg Andrew, John B, Half scone Keith, Tiny Tim and the old blogger Moley Martin who was back in the saddle after being off games for a few weeks. Here were the choices:

All chose to do a combination of the red, blue and black of 19 miles which took in almost every hill possible and created quite a thirst and appetite for cod goujons by the time we returned to The Pheasant, and excellent goujons they were too.

Thanks, Maurice, for planning the route. The evenings are drawing in and so it was good to make the most of this one.

More hills this week, but good to keep the calorie output input in balance. This week’s 30+ mile ride started from The Pheasant and took the puff of Windmillers comprising Maurice, Dawg, Brummie Brian, Marmite Tom, Two scones Keith, Vernon, John T, John B, Ken, Moley and Guest Andrew from Edinburgh anti-clockwise via Barley before stopping firstly outside Maurice’s house to get revved up for the 2 mile hill climb up to Reed. Maurice got particularly revved up having to firstly see off a dodgy looking jogger on his property.

The next stop was outside John B’s house in Sandon and a comfort break in his stable yard:

Then it was through to Wyddial for a splendid coffee / cake stop at Something Lovely (highly recommended) before returning via Brent Pelham, Meesden, Lower Langley and and Chrishall.

Without stopping at The Bull for refreshment, it was then full speed back to The Pheasant for a well earned pint and a good lunch.

Thanks once again to Maurice and his deputy Dawg for organising the ride.

What goes down must come up is the nature of cycling from The Pheasant, one of the highest points in South Cambridgeshire at 139 metres / 458 feet above sea level. Who said Cambridgeshire was flat? Today’s ride highlighted this feature when Maurice, Dawg, Vernon, Rick, Ken, John B, John T and Moley started with a long descent to the A505 followed by lane meandering through Melbourn, Whaddon, Wendy and Guilden Morden before a coffee stop in Ashwell where we squashed into a tiny back garden together with local mums and their tiny tots. We were joined there by Pete Tatlow of The Golden Fleece in Braughing who had also started from The Pheasant about 10 minutes behind us.

Fortified by caffeine and cakes the long 2 mile climb back up to Kelshall was completed at varying speeds, depending on cake consumption.

Then it was the usual ups and downs back to Great Chishill via Reed and Barkway followed by an excellent lunch in The Pheasant, after which Ken, Keith and Moley departed for unlimited beer and balti at a 20/20 match in Chelmsford.

Thanks to Maurice and Deputy Dawg Andrew for organising the ride.

10 hot-to-trot riders left Trumpington Park and Ride at 18.00 on the hottest day of the summer so far with temperatures of around 30 degrees.

The posse consisted of Squadron Leader Maurice, Lyn, Dayglow Laura, Deputy Hot Dawg Andrew, Lindsey, Low Cost Ryan, Rev Moley Martin, Two Scones Keith, Wee Jimny Ken and Wee Jimnys wife Anne.

Our route took us through Grantchester along Grantchester Meadows into Fen Causeway down the Cam and into punting capital of the world Cambridge. At one point we had to dodge a beached punt which was being used as a photo prop.

Onward then past Kings College into the centre of town and around Market Square to rejoin the Cam near Magdalene College.

One of Deputy Dawgs responsibilities is to check the posse is still intact which involves looking backwards, which is not recommended on a busy hot summer night in Cambridge however, I survived with only a few near misses. Of course no need to turn and check if Lyn and Dayglow Laura are keeping up cause they’re always talking. Additionally, I knew when Low Cost Ryan was behind by the sound of his squeaky brakes.(those cheap electric bikes)

The route took us under a couple of railway bridges to the delight of the trainspotters in our company who will remain nameless – through some pleasant meadows with many contented cows (of the four legged variety) and to our outbound destination the riverside pub called The Plough at Fen Ditton.

Due to the lack of choice of beers and horrendous que’s at the bar our livers survived another day (just as well Herr Bargie wasn’t in our company )

After only one refreshing drink at 20.00 we started our return journey from Fen Ditton along the Cam and through the centre of Cambridge, this time taking a more scenic route than the guided bus which has become somewhat of a hazard which buses recently jumping the rails (concrete)

One final photo at Garret Hostel Lane Bridge where we were photo bombed by a foreign tourist who appears to be also taking a selfie which included Two Scones in the background.

Our route finally took us along Granchester Road returning to Trumpington Park and Ride via The Blue Ball pub which Rev Moley and Two Scones couldn’t resist stopping for a cool refreshment .

I think the rest of us would like to have done similarly however, as Deputy’s Deputy Lindsey would say it was a School Night.

Many thanks to Squadron Leader Maurice for arranging another memorable ride and thanks to the beautiful Girlies for joining us.

Deputy Dawg Andrew

Starting and finishing at the Fleur de Lys in Widdington, eight Windmillers set off at 9.30am on a 38 mile clockwise circuit through very peaceful Essex and Hertfordshire Lanes:

Those pedalling were Squadron Leader Maurice, Deputy Dawg Andrew, John B, Wee Jimny Ken, Hot Rod, Half scone Keith, Vernon and the Right Reverend Holy Moley Martin. The first stop was at The Three Horseshoes in Farnham but only to admire the landlord’s handsome 1928 Ford Model A truck on the forecourt in the livery of a Stockton-on-Tees haulier, F & F Robinson, with whom Vernon was very familiar. Such is the knowledge of your average Windmiller!

Then it was through the Hadhams and westwards to Barwick Ford where Maurice’s grandfather used to fill up the tender of his traction engine from the River Rib, near to which there also used to be several gunpowder factories, one of which was owned by a German family before the first world war. (Faulty explosives and shells were commonplace during the war which makes us wonder why?) By this time caffeine was needed and a warm welcome was received in Puckeridge by the owner of the Something Lovely Tea Room:

The homeward stretch was a speedy downwind route through Braughing, Furneaux Pelham, Berden and Rickling Green before the final ascent to the Fleur de Lys where the knights enjoyed an excellent lunch at their round table:

Brexit having been thoroughly discussed at Something Lovely, the conversation turned to the more agreeable topic of beer.

Thanks once again to Maurice for planning the ride and to his Deputy Dawg Andrew.

On this fine summer’s evening, Lyn B had five male escorts on a delightful ride through the lanes, although two of them, hubby B and Low Cost Kell diverted on a shorter route home………. That left Lyn in the company of Squadron Leader Maurice, Deputy Dawg Andrew and Moley Martin clocking up 19 miles from The Pheasant and circuiting via Duddenhoe End, Upper Langley (where John and Kell took their leave to return via Lower Langley and Little Chishill), Clavering, Arkesden and Chrishall.

Kell was using his powerful new electric Giant but had it set on eco mode in order to get more exercise. A few tow ropes and sport mode could have been more fun. Next time Kell!

So we re-grouped at The Pheasant and enjoyed succulent goujons and chips washed down with Simon’s fine ales. More ladies would be very welcome on Monday evenings and on Thursdays too, so please spread the word. Rides of various distances are always available and the pace is quite leisurely.

Thanks to Maurice and Andrew for planning the ride.

* Editor’s note. The term male escort may have various meanings but it is better used above than chaperon, a person defined by the Oxford English Dictionary as ‘a married or elderly woman in charge of girl on social occasions’ which hopefully does not apply to Maurice, Andrew, John, Kell or Martin (unless they are hiding something).

Windmiller Vernon was asked to ride a tandem with Alan a partially sighted chap who has his own tandem bike but who has lost his previously regular cycling partner.  Through Vernon’s volunteering to help Camsight, the local charity helping blind and partially sighted people round Cambridge, he was approached to do the London to Cambridge Charity Ride on Sunday 03rd July 16

They were part of a Camsight team of nine tandems, having left Cambridge by coach at 6 a.m. to start the ride from Pickett’s Lock near Edmonton, North London.

To view this wonderful spectacle of thousands of riders passing through the Essex countryside, Deputy Dawg Andrew left Wendens Ambo to meet up with Low Cost Ryan who had a delayed departure from Newport Terminal 1 travelling by super fast electric bike – So fast was Low Cost Ryan that Deputy Dawg Andrew passed him totally unawares in the opposite direction.

Having finally met up, we travelled against the posset of riders on the lookout for Vernon who we found in a matter of minutes near Wickham Bonhunt. I bellowed to Vernon to stop for a photograph who ignored me and kept riding – only to discover it’s not easy to stop and start a tandem in mid flight !!!

The halfway refreshment stop was at the village of Arkesden and to my amazement we bumped into Lyn (Squadron Leader Maurice’s wife) and her friend and companion Laura who were also taking part in the 60 mile ride. Shortly after Squadron Leader Maurice turned up on two wheels as part of the support team.

Well done to Vernon, Alan, Lyn and Laura for supporting and completing the annual Breast Cancer Now ride.

Eight Windmillers set off early today to commence a ride at 10.30am from The Royal Oak, Laxfield, in deepest Suffolk, owned by Simon and Ollie of The Pheasant. Maurice set off even earlier to stock up on fresh Aldeburgh croissants which were awaiting the peloton when they descended on his lovely Shrimp Cottage at the half way point, after 20 miles. The other Windmillers were Deputy Dawg Andrew, John B, Wee Jimny Ken, Half scone Keith, Marmite Tom, Brummie Brian and Moley Martin (bubbling with news of having just caught one).

Here is the route taken:

En route to Aldeburgh, the gang cycled through the peaceful villages of Darsham, Westleton and Middleton before stopping briefly in Leiston to visit The Long Shop Museum where Richard Garrett and Sons was once a manufacturer of agricultural machinery, steam engines, fire engines, trolleybuses and military equipment – well worth a stop of an hour or more to soak up the heritage of Victorian and early 20th century engineering.

More big guns in Middleton, where the famous Tin Man sculpture in stainless steel is beside the road welcoming visitors:

Then it was Thorpeness and a heads down ride along the seafront to Aldeburgh in a strong headwind before a welcome stop for coffee, beer and croissants in Shrimp Cottage, courtesy of Maurice.

Suitably refreshed, the 21 mile return trip started with an off-road Aldeburgh to Snape section, known as Kell Lane following Kell’s mishap last year, comprising sandy stretches, raised paths through water meadows and delightful forest paths. All went smoothly, however, with no one falling off but shortly afterwards Brian announced that he had a puncture which could well have been caused by the off road section. Moley’s pliers came in useful extracting a sharp piece of metal from Brian’s outer tyre but the 4 min target for a change of tube was not exactly achieved…………….

But before long we were whizzing through the lanes again and The Royal Oak hoved into view at 3.30pm where some fine Wherry, sandwiches and baguettes were waiting for us.

Laxfield is a lovely village and before leaving there was time to visit the adjacent All Saints Church:

…with its unique scissor beam roof, one of the widest in Suffolk:

Finally, what should pull up in front of The Royal Oak to collect a member of staff but this splendid Cadillac in showroom condition (purchased quite recently in Holland):

Thanks, Maurice, for a great ride and for your hospitality at Shrimp Cottage.

There were no stars or stripes to be seen on this pleasant evening’s ride through the lanes, nor any discussion of Nigel Farages’s idea of 23 June being our own Independence Day in the future. Instead, Squadron Leader Maurice led Deputy Dawg Andrew, John T, Bridget T, Lyn B and Moley Martin on an enjoyable 21 mile ride from The Pheasant, taking in Nuthamstead, Anstey, Meesden, Clavering, Arkesden, Duddenhoe End, Chrishall and Heydon.

Then it was back to The Pheasant where John B and their black lab joined us after a walk / run all the way from Sandon. Thirsts were quenched with some fine ales and hungers relieved with plentiful helpings of succulent goujons and chips.

Thanks to Maurice and his Deputy Dawg for organising the ride.

…..or so it seemed when a large turnout of 9 Windmillers arrived at the farm shop in Ardeley for coffee to inspect once again the jungle of electricity cables strung overhead Delhi-style. Opinions were divided as to whether more wires had been connected since the last visit a few months back – see below.

En route from the Pheasant, which was left at 9.00am, the Windmillers comprised Squadron Leader Maurice and his flock of Deputy Dawg Andrew, John B, Hot Rod, Half Scone Keith, Vernon, Brummie Brian, Marmite Tom and Moley Martin. It was great to have Vernon with us again, getting in some training for a massive London – Cambridge ride on a tandem on 3 July which he was doing with a partially sighted co-rider. What a tremendous recovery he has made – well done Vernon!

Here is the 26 mile route, with a diversion via Anstey at the end:

It was a perfect cycling day – warm and dry, little wind and empty lanes – just a few gravelly bits in the dips due the recent downpours, which Maurice was able to advise his flock about before ploughing into them at speed.

And then it was back via Nasty, Buntingford, Wyddial (with its Moles Lane), Anstey and Nuthampsted until the final climb back to the Pheasant where an excellent lunch was enjoyed by all.

Thanks, Maurice and Dawg for organising today’s ride.