The weather forecast was bleak – it was odds-on we were in for a soaking. Several Windmillers had already tendered apologies and Brian was in two minds about calling the whole thing off. But eventually he thought “Sod it, let’s ride!”
So it was that just six hardy, some might say foolhardy, Windmillers set off from Balsham heading for Newmarket, Brian leading Simon, Ric, Charles, Howard and Alan away from the Black Bull. We had hardly gone a mile when Simon pulled up with a puncture, but with help from Howard this was soon fixed and we were underway once more.
Pausing for refreshments in Newmarket
Wonder of wonders, apart from a few spits and spots, we somehow stayed dry and arrived back at the pub in high spirits, hungry for lunch and a good beer.
Graham’s plan to meet everyone over coffee in The Chestnut Tree took a knock when he sustained a puncture just outside West Wratting. So instead of warming himself with a hot drink in the pub, he was seen wrestling with tyre levers out in the garden.
How many Windmillers does it take to mend a puncture?
Pesky puncture repaired, we set off towards Dullingham and Newmarket, thirteen Windmillers looking forward to Graham’s new route and enjoying our first dry ride in a month.
Victor, feeling particularly welcome in Newmarket
It was in Newmarket that Graham introduced us to a new (to us) café in the town centre, albeit one hidden away up a side street, called Victor Victoria. The coffee, cake and, according to Jeremy, the porridge too, were all top notch. We must make a return visit soon.
Newmarket, by Bill Tutte’s memorial
Before resuming our ride, we paused to look at the Memorial to Bill Tutte, 1917 – 2002. A Newmarket man, Tutte is commemorated for cracking the code used to communicate with the German navy during WW2.
Back on the bikes, we headed for Moulton and thence Cheveley, Saxon Street and Kirtling – where we encountered the surprise of the day, a pair of emus peering at us through a wire fence.
Suffolk is full of surprises; a pair of emus photographed near Kirtling
Returning to the The Chestnut Tree having clocked up 32 miles and looking forward to a well deserved beer, we were warmly received by Landlords Peter and Rachel – and delighted to be joined by Maurice, Martin and Ken for lunch.
Victor leading the way, snapped by Charles
For the record our peloton comprised: Alan, Brian, Charles, Chris, Geoff, Graham, Hazel, Jeremy, Rod, Roger, Sandra, Simon and Victor
Thanks go to Graham for organising things, devising an excellent route and finding a really good venue for future coffee stops.
32 miles clockwise from West Wratting
Earlier in the week we were saddened to hear of the sudden death of Mick Thompson who, alongside his wife Pat, ran the Pig & Abbot, one of our favourite lunch spots. Our thoughts are with Pat at this difficult time.
On behalf of the Windmillers, Maurice will be making a donation to Cancer Research UK, Pat’s chosen charity.
The Windmill Cycle Club 