Being a fairly senior bunch, many’s the Windmiller toting a longish medical record. Some indeed have more than a passing acquaintance with hospital wards, having had worn out parts replaced or unwanted parts removed. It is to this elite group of scarred and stitched Windmillers that we now admit Simon.
Just weeks on from having surgeons rifling through his innards, Simon was back in the peloton looking chipper and regaling us with the gory details. Guts, lots of ’em, plus a stout constitution had seen him through a challenging time – and here he was back in the peloton as it set off from West Wratting bound for Lidgate.
So it was that Alan, Brian, Charles, Gareth, Geoff, Ken, Martin B, Martin W, Maurice, Ric, Rod, Roger, Simon, Tom and Victor – some 15 Windmillers in all – rolled up 12 miles later in the bar of The Star in Lidgate. Mid-morning being a little early for ale, we tucked into coffee and some excellent cake the chef had made specially for us.
Back on the bikes, Maurice’s scenic route returned us – via Moulton, Cheveley and Dullingham – to West Wratting where we slaked our, by then considerable, thirst at The Chestnut Tree. Considering it was September, it had been a hot and humid ride, touching 30°C towards the end, but there were no complaints as we supped our beer and tucked into a hearty lunch in the garden. As ever, the conversation was wide ranging; everything from re-inforced, autoclaved, aerated concrete to Martin mooting a French trip next year.
Thanks go to Maurice for planning a superb route and getting everyone organised. And Simon, welcome back!
Brian
The Windmill Cycle Club 