Setting off from The Tally Ho at 2.30pm on a not particularly cold afternoon soon showed how careful Windmillers have to be when traversing winter lanes. There were just the four of us – Maurice, Andrew, Sandra and Martin – on a hilly circuit of 20 miles which took in Great Chishill, Elmdon, Duddenhoe End, Roast Green and Anstey.

The first stop was Elmdon to discuss what the food and beer might be like in the Elmdon Dial once it has re-opened, rumours being that it had been bought by a landlord with an existing pub near Norwich. A lot of property for a mere £350k, or thereabouts, thanks to a restriction on use. We look forward to its re-opening hopefully later in the year.

Another stop was made outside Simon and Ollie’s house to see if they might be in but there was no one around, the intention being partly to persuade Simon to oil his bike and join us on a ride. So on we went, generally enjoying ourselves, until we turned down a shaded lane towards Anstey from Roast Green where the morning frost had left a mix of ice, black ice and running water which required some careful navigation to avoid doing what John T had done once before on the same stretch and had a fall.

There were signs of Spring everywhere, not just in the above photo of Andrew and Sandra – snowdrops in abundance and even a few daffodils in Anstey. It won’t be long before hedgerows are in leaf and the days are already getting longer – all good things to look forward to as we start to exit a cold winter.

And so it was back to the usual roaring fire and a warm welcome at The Tally Ho, after a very pleasant ride despite the short stretch of ice.

Here is the route taken:

Thanks go to Maurice and Andrew as usual for making life so easy for the rest of us.

Martin

 

 

February brings a return to the cold weather and a heavy snow shower just before setting off to The Tally Ho wasn’t going to put us off, short-lived and quick to pass through, shouldn’t cause us any issues. Meeting up with Andrew in the car park, watching daytime Tv in his Range Rover (Well that’s what he said it was!!).

It looked like it was just going to be just the two of us until Maurice pulled in with a few grumbles about us never saying no to going out for a ride, needless to say though he had prepared a ride of exactly 20 miles!! We’ll see!!! With Strava turned on and an element of torment with us. We set off to Anstey, Meesden and Lower Langley Green. Along the way discussing the front and rear cameras now attached to my bike. Having had a few close encounters with less than cycle friendly motorists, I felt it wise to invest in the ability to capture evidence should the need arise (Let’s hope not!!). Onwards and upwards to Upper Langley Green and while waiting for the guys to catch up, a few circles of the junction to keep the legs warm (and add a few extra metres), then on to Duddenhoe End, Arkesden and Clavering before heading to Stickling Green where a close encounter with a tractor coming in the opposite direction at speed to a blind corner, could have been the first incident captured, thankfully he was loud enough to hear for us to get out of his way. On to Roast Green and up to Meesden Bury, along the way Andrew sidled up alongside and asked if the cameras record sound too, ‘Oh yes’ I replied, “Oh, better be careful what I say from now on then!” he said and I noticed from then on they were both giving me a lot more distance than before. At Meesden Bury a few more circuits of the grass triangle were required, “this will really cock-up the mileage”. With this in mind Maurice decided to chastise us ‘youngsters’ and sent us off to Anstey via Brent Pelham to burn off a bit of energy, while he headed back via Meesden. A parting suggestion of seeing who would get back to the pub first and the challenge was on. Andrew took off, as he passed me saying ‘no chance’. ‘There’s always a chance!’ I said as I took to the front, only to be hindered by a car blocking me from turning in Brent Pelham and a school bus along the narrow stretch to Anstey. As I rounded the corner to the golf club, there was a glimpse of a yellow jacket in the distance, there could be a chance and even with my legs saying no, one last sprint should do it. Well it wasn’t to be but it was close and I even surprised Maurice as he eased off to coast in to the pub, one last look around and there I was, just a few metres behind. Maurice having done exactly 20 miles and Andrew and myself doing 22 miles. Back at the Tally Ho for a warm welcome, warming fire and great beer too.

Thanks Maurice for the ride/race and to Andrew for organising us.

Sandra

A very cold Thursday morning saw eight Windmillers – Maurice, Andrew, Sandra, Chris, two Johns and both Brians – setting off from the Fox & Duck, Therfield, for a 32 mile excursion around Sandon, Cromer, Puckeridge and Buntingford.

It being such a cold morning, we were looking forward to hill climbs as a means of warming up. Even so, it took us the best part of an hour to regain the feeling in our fingers.

There was ice to contend with in the shadier lanes. But it was reassuring to know that should the worst happen, Sandra – her bike now equipped with front- and back-facing cameras – would be there to capture our final moments on video. Thankfully, nobody came a cropper.

Once warmed up, we started to enjoy the Hertfordshire countryside and its wildlife; we saw deer, fieldfares, woodpeckers and red kites, not to mention a couple of alpacas and the odd abandoned boat.

After 18 miles we were grateful to park up, dismount and tumble into the Something Lovely Tearoom. It was at this point that John B’s strong aversion to caffeine meant he vanished into thin air and we didn’t see him again until we got back to Therfield. The rest of us enjoyed a warm welcome from the ladies who bake and tucked into their ever excellent coffee and cake.

Thawed out and refreshed, we mounted up and set off on the return leg. With the wind behind us and the roads now mostly ice-free we soon covered the last 14 miles back to the Fox & Duck, where we were delighted to find Ken and Vernon joining us for lunch. The beer was good and the steak and stilton sandwiches excellent.

All in all, another great outing. Thanks, Maurice and Andrew, for organising everything.

Brian

It was a cold, black ice morning in the Trumpington Park and Ride car park as seven Windmillers  – Maurice, Andrew, Sandra, John T, Ken, Lawrence and Martin – set off promptly at 8.45am to catch the 9.35am train from Cambridge to Downham Market. At the station we met up with Chris and Brian and after a warming coffee we boarded the train, spreading ourselves around the carriages to avoid the attention of station staff, particularly the dreaded fat controller at Ely station.

The sun shone brightly as we sped smoothly through the fens and we were soon disembarking at Downham Market to start the 40+ mile journey southwards downwind with lunch awaiting us at The Queen’s Head in Newton. What a lovely thought! But best laid plans, and all that, soon took hold!

The problem with the fens is that there’s a lot of water and we soon found out how easy it is to get on the wrong side of it by heading towards Wisbech in a headwind on a main road, intending to take a left towards Denver but finding there was no way across. So back we went and after navigating the busy Downham Market bypass we were soon heading down the right lane towards Denver Sluice, except that a Road Closed ahead sign came into view. However, adopting their new guise of fen tigers for the day, the Windmillers dismissed the sign, as is usual with such signs, and carried on regardless and were soon whizzing over the largest drainage system in the Fens, operating in one form or another for over 400 years thanks to some clever Dutch engineers. It looks a bit insignificant but without it we would probably be under water for some of the year in Cambridge and Ely would still be an island.

The weather was distinctly chilly and the wind remained in our face for some reason but the sun was brilliant and we were soon pedalling steadily down Ten Mile Bank towards Litleport, taking in the huge skies as we went and watching out for wildlife.  It was a magnificent sight.

Thoughts of rare beef and smoked salmon in The Queen’s Head soon disappeared as we neared Ely at 12.30pm, hungry and thirsty. But Brian then had a brilliant recall from his distant past of a wonderful café / tearoom on the river at Ely which transformed the tigers into peacocks as we paraded into the establishment of the same name, which even had an empty table for 9 awaiting us. And what a great lunch it was, with Elgood’s beer from Wisbech to wash it all down – definitely one for a repeat visit the next time.

With 27 miles under our belt, there was still a long way to go and so Maurice wisely took us through the lanes to Witchford and Cottenham instead of crossing the fens via Cycle Route 11 to Wicken which adds a few miles, but which is very nice on a good day. The wind was more kind to us on this final stretch but legs began to tire, or was it punishment because of the quiche for lunch which real men are not meant to eat?  Here are the tired tigers in Cottenham, the home of Martin’s exploding tyre last year (courtesy of Brian).

A downwind stretch to Landbeach was sheer luxury and then it was through Milton and onto the towpath back to Cambridge past Baits Bite Lock. All was going swimmingly until Martin decided to copy Vernon’s involuntary dismounting of last year and nearly ended up swimming when he hit the same raised path edge which threw him off his bike towards the river bank, but escaped unscathed except for a few scratches and bruises, his pride taking the main dent.

Thoughts of beer in Cambridge came and went unusually quickly as it was approaching 4.00pm by this time and most Windmillers felt like falling asleep in their own armchairs rather than risk collapsing in a pub.

And so it was after quite an eventful day of 51 miles that we said farewell to Chris and Brian on the busway path to Trumpington as they peeled off towards Shelford whilst the remaining tigers, and tigress, carried on back to their cars.

Here is the sperm-like route taken, thanks to Andrew’s Strava, indicating slightly fewer miles than those recorded by others.

Thanks to Maurice for planning a great ride, Andrew for all the organisation and Brian for some of the pics.  Crossing the fens is never to be taken lightly!

Martin

It was meant to be, the now regular Monday lunchtime heavy shower passed over just before three Windmillers (Andrew, Nigel and Sandra) assembled outside the Tally Ho, Barkway and the skies cleared for what would be a very pleasant afternoon ride, with a little wind.

Without any real planned route in mind, we would make it up as we went along but one thing was for sure, Andrew was determined to check out if the Daffodils he saw on a previous ride (15.01.18) were real and not artificial, still not believing that they would be in flower so early and especially after the cold spell we’ve had. So we set off to Nuthampstead and then across to Anstey, Brent Pelham and Stocking Pelham, discussions along the way of various rather potent Cocktails/drinks that Nigel and Andrew had sampled, which, to be honest sounded more like something you’d use to strip paint or cut through hardened steel with!!! Needless to say they only tried them once I understand!!!

Along the route were many signs that spring is on its way, Snowdrops in full bloom and Crocus showing their presence, closed for the evening but waiting for the morning sun so they could reopen to warm the petals. On through Berden and then into the wind to Clavering, suggestion from Nigel of calling into the Cricketers for a quick half, fell by the wayside sadly (signs of the Moonriders pub crawls) and we carried on, through Roast Green to Meesden and back towards Anstey, where we were to find the blooming Daffodils, past their best but still splendid. Those cocktails haven’t done any lasting damage after all Andrew!!!!

Early blooming Daffodil, first seen by Andrew 15.01.18

From Anstey we headed back to Barkway via the Golf course road. A warm fire and welcome awaiting us at the Tally Ho, once we persuaded Saleesha to let us in. Could have had that half after all!!

20 miles figure of eight

Thanks Andrew for organising us and another great ride.

Sandra

It wasn’t only Burns Night, it was also Brian’s birthday. And how better to celebrate than with a morning’s cycling, followed by a pint and a stonking great steak and kidney pie? It was Thursday lunchtime and the Windmillers were back in the Pig and Abbott, tucking in with gusto to Landlady Pat’s homemade pies.

We’d had a excellent ride under blue skies taking in Bassingbourn, Haslingfield and Bourn – where we stopped for a coffee at the golf club – continuing on through the Hatleys, Wendy and Shingay before returning for lunch to Abington Pigotts.

Maurice, Andrew, Ken, Lawrence, Chris, Sandra, Ric and Brian had clocked up 32 miles – though Ric and Sandra did umpteen more cycling to and from home – and Vernon also cycled over to join us for lunch.

What with pie for lunch and haggis for dinner, thank god for lycra; it’s so very accommodating.

Brian

After a snowy and wet Sunday, it was nice to see the sun, which had been out for quite a bit of the morning and was looking set for the afternoon. 4 intrepid cyclists, Maurice, Andrew, Nigel and Sandra assembled outside the Tally Ho, Barkway. Nigel braving to venture out in shorts, while the rest of us kept covered up, with all the standing water on the roads, it’s a difficult choice, cold wet legs or wet lycra, not quite warm enough for me yet!! By the time we set off the sun had gone and it was overcast for the whole ride.

We headed through Barkway to Reed, then on to Therfield and Kelshall, with views over the fields and a herd of Fallow Deer that must have been reaching 100+. On to Sandon and its various Ends (Green, Mill and Lye End) before passing over the A10 to reach Buntingford, where we headed up to Wyddial.

On to Anstey and Nuthampstead before heading back into the wind to Barkway and a warm welcome at the Tally Ho.

Over some quality beers Nigel was telling of his charitable exploits with a group of friends (some from the Moonriders group of cyclists), involving an old banger or 3 wheeler etc., and an excursion over several days and many miles, oh and the possibility of having to wear a costume, 2017 Bristol to Brest in very fetching pink wigs, some choosing to dye the beards pink also and one, different person each day wearing a very substantial brasier, all in aid of Breast Cancer Now and raising a substantial amount of money too. Good sports, all of you. Check out ‘Tour de Lard’ on Facebook.

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

Sandra.

After a fierce storm during the night we  were left wondering come 8.00am whether there would be a ride or not on this cold January day. But thanks to careful planning and organisation by Maurice and Deputy Dawg Andrew, the signal was given to assemble at the Fleur de Lys in Widdington at 10.00am instead of 9.30 by which time it was expected the storm would have abated and indeed it had. Furthermore, Maurice had planned a cunning circuit which would keep us sheltered from headwinds on the way out but taking full advantage of the wind on our backs for the return leg.

And so it was that six hardy Windmillers – Maurice, Andrew, John B, Sandra, Brian and Martin – set off on a ride of just 23 miles to ensure we were back in time for the all important lunch. The route took us via Elsenham, Ugley Green (avoiding one of John B’s favourite off road muddy stretches), Hazel End, Farnham, Stocking Pelham, Rickling Green and then back up the busy main road (due to the northbound M11 being blocked) before turning back to Widdington.

Here is the route taken:

Although there was enough wind to make Martin, who was distinctly unfit after Christmas and New Year excesses,  feel that the 23 miles was more like 33 miles, the day turned out to be sunny and glorious, albeit a bit on the chilly side at 5C. But as we all had ample layers of clothing, no mutterings about the cold were to be heard. John B was the most stoic, still suffering from a bruised / cracked rib following a fall before his recent ski trip to Les Gets.

There had been talk of a coffee stop at The Cricketers in Rickling Green but as we were almost back by then we left John B there and pedalled on, Martin achieving his first puncture of the year just yards before the Fleur de Lys, where we were joined by Chris and Ken for lunch at our usual round table. Sandra had us roaring with laughter with her tale of woe about helping a lady to change a wheel on her car, or not helping as it turned out and losing both a wheel nut and a heavy drain hole cover down the drain in the process……

Over lunch, Maurice produced a copy of his magnificent Windmill Club Ode, modelled on Rudyard Kipling’s famous and moving poem, ‘If’. This sums up so well the spirit of our club:

And here are two letters received from charities we supported following our record breaking fund raising of £1,500 in 2017:

Thanks, Maurice, for planning such a good route, Andrew for assembling us and Brian for the pics.

Martin

 

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

A rain soaked morning saw Windmillers gathering in the Black Bull at Balsham for the first Thursday outing of the year. It looked so bleak outside, we decided to prolong our stay on the pub’s comfy sofas and drink coffee until the rain stopped.

We were a gang of six – Andrew, Lawrence, Sandra, Chris and the two Brians. Maurice, laid up following a painful visit to the dentist, had thoughtfully provided a route.

We eventually got going at 10:15, heading out northwards towards Newmarket and then on to Exning and Burwell before turning south for the return leg via Reach, the Swaffhams and the Wilbrahams.

It was at this point, behind schedule and with a strengthening headwind, that we opted for the shortest route back and foolishly followed Brummie Brian on an off road shortcut. This turned out to be a mule track of the sort favoured by John Bagrie and, no doubt, would have been delightful on a summer’s day. Alas in January it was heavy going.

It was a relief to be back on the road where Chris used the contents of his drink bottle to clear the mud jamming his brakes.

Reaching Balsham at last, we were delighted to be joined by Maurice for lunch. We munched sandwiches and sipped beer while swapping tales of Christmas past. The prize for most eventful festive season was shared by Chris – who had experienced drama on the M11 – and Sandra; if she ever offers to change your wheel, just say no.

Thanks, Andrew for getting us organised. And thanks, Maurice, for the route, even if we didn’t follow it very well.

It was a sunny winter’s day but – with ice and snow on the lanes – we decided it would be wise to cancel Thursday’s ride in favour of a walk over the hill at the back of Maurice’s place.

So it was that Ken, Anne, Sandra, Lawrence, Brian, Andrew and Maurice himself were to be found traipsing across the snowy landscape, oblivious to the cold, thanks to the warming mulled wine at Maurice’s table.

We came across a small herd of roe deer. They didn’t seem particularly spooked by our presence and, keeping the dogs in check, we were able to follow them for a while across the field. Returning to the house, we looked into Maurice’s various workshops and gave him some helpful tips on classic car restoration.

Making our way to The Pheasant, we found John Bagrie giving baleful looks to a very noisy – and semi inebriated – bunch dressed in 1940s army uniforms, accompanied by some bearded johnnies in ball gowns. Good Lord!

Ignoring the hubbub at the bar, we enjoyed an excellent lunch by the fire before heading home in suitably festive spirit.

Thanks for the hospitality, Maurice, and Happy New Year to all!

Brian

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!!!

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.

 

 

 

 

It was one of those mornings when you hope Andrew will phone to say, “Let’s call the whole thing off”. Alas, the call never came, which meant Sandra, John, Martin and Brian felt obliged to turn up and join the foolhardy Scot in the Fleur De Lys car park. The forecast was heavy rain.

Andrew himself was somewhat under the weather, croaky voiced, but convinced the Essex air would be a tonic. You’ll catch pneumonia, we thought.

We headed out through the steady drizzle to Henham and thence on to Thaxted and Great Bardfield, where we pulled up at Cole’s tea room on the High Street. The place had only been open a few weeks and they made us very welcome, turning a blind eye to our mud spattered attire. The coffee was very good.

Revived, we set off on the return leg. By the time we reached Lindsell the drizzle had turned to steady rain and before long it was coming down like stair rods. We still had 10 miles to go; visibility was poor, some roads were under water, and our waterproofs were proving to be anything but water proof.

“I know a pub here”, said Martin as we approached Great Easton in a downpour. Sure enough, there was The Swan straight ahead. Dismounting, Martin tried all the doors, maniacally. Let us in! Ten past twelve and it was shut. We exchanged glum looks and soldiered on.

Arriving eventually at The Fleur, we abandoned the bikes, peeled off our useless waterproofs and gathered around the fire, shivering and gently steaming.

Chris and Ken, having sensibly decided to give today’s outing a miss, were enjoying a beer at our usual fireside table. We were all tucking into a hearty lunch when, mid mouthful, Martin suddenly became agitated, experiencing a burning sensation in his withers. The spare batteries he was carrying in his pockets, now damp, were short circuiting and he found himself wearing electrically heated trousers!

The All Weather Windmillers had clocked up 31 miles and, heading home for a hot bath, we had to agree we had rather enjoyed the challenge. 

Thanks, Andrew, for organising things; John too, whose local knowledge kept us clear of the busier roads.

Brian

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