Tag: Windmill cycling club

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22 August 2019: Therfield

A sunny Thursday morning saw twelve Windmillers setting out from the Fox & Duck, Sandra leading the way followed by Ken, Howard, Charles, Rod, Ric, John, Geoff, Lawrence, Simon, Neil and Brian.

This being her home patch, Sandra knew well the quietest, most picturesque lanes as we followed her through Sandon, Cumberlow Green, Warren’s Green and Weston, stopping only for Brian to mend a puncture.

Descending into Baldock, we pulled in for coffee at Delizia where the proprietor, shrewdly spotting an up-selling opportunity, plonked a large tray of croissants and pastries in the middle of our table. Within minutes they were gone, leaving only crumbs and sticky fingers.

Blood sugar levels restored, we mounted up and headed for Ashwell, from where – taking our lives in our hands – we crossed the busy A505 and headed back to Therfield via Sandon and Kelshall.

Arriving at the pub, we met up with John Bagrie, enjoyed a beer on the green and inspected Neil’s impressive tool collection before sitting down to a restorative lunch.

Thanks, Sandra, for a lovely morning’s ride.

Brian

30 miles clockwise from Therfield

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15 August 2019: Hartest

Thirteen Windmillers set off from The Crown for a 31 mile jaunt around the lanes of south east Suffolk.

Andrew, Sandra, Ken, Howard, Roger, Victor, Graham, Geoff, Lawrence, Simon, Tom and Brian followed Maurice out of Hartest and on through Shimpling, Lavenham and Brent Eleigh to Acton, where we pulled in at Wally’s Shed for refreshment. Tucked away on an industrial estate, Wally’s offers good nosh at keen prices. Where else would a cost conscious Windmiller enjoy a round of toast and a mug of tea – and all for £1.10?

In Wally’s Shed

Back on the bikes we made short work of the return leg via Long Melford, Glemsford and Hawkedon, arriving back at The Crown bang on time for a 1 o’clock lunch. No bargain basement prices here, just some really good cooking.

Lunching at The Crown

Nobody got lost, wet, stung or fell off.

Once again, our thanks go to Maurice for researching a lovely route on quiet roads – and Andrew for finding out where’s Wally.

31 miles clockwise from Hartest

Brian

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1 August 2019: Stevenage Orbital

Andrew, Graham, Ken and Maurice at Emily’s Tea Room

Thirteen Windmillers set off from The Rising Sun, Halls Green, for a 28 mile loop around Stevenage. Leading the peloton was Maurice closely followed by Andrew, Ken, Keith, Howard, Rod, Roger, Victor, Graham, Geoff, Lawrence, Nigel and Brian.

Among the hazards of summer cycling are close encounters with wasps. Sure enough – and within a few miles of the start – Graham was stung on the lip. The poor chap has had more than his fair share of facial injuries recently and – although there was no blood this time – the swelling was impressive and Graham soon looked like he’d done a few rounds with Mike Tyson. Passing through Codicote, we stopped at a chemist for sting relief.

Our next stop was for refreshment at Emily’s Tea Shop in Whitwell. A favourite with local cyclists, the North Herts Club were there in force. Decked out in matching blue livery they made us Windmillers look rather dowdy in comparison.

Back on the bikes, we made short work of the return leg to Weston and Halls Green where John and Vernon joined us at the pub for a welcome beer and a good lunch.

Thanks, Maurice and Andrew, for organising everything.

Lunch at the Rising Sun
28 miles clockwise

Brian

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20 June 2019: Hertfordshire Hills

Raring to go? Or shall we just stay here in the garden?

Thursday morning saw eleven Windmillers gathering in the garden of the Golden Fleece at Braughing – Ric, Roger and Sandra arriving on two wheels while the rest of us – Maurice, Keith, Howard, Charles, Rod, Chris, Victor and Brian – arrived on four.

Being such a beautiful morning some were tempted to stay in the garden and natter away for an hour in the sunshine. Alas our leader had other plans and – Landlord Peter having taken our lunch orders – Maurice led the way out of Braughing for a tour of the Herts hills.

Crossing the Rib at Barwick

Some five miles in – and for reasons unknown – some in the lead pulled up unexpectedly and poor old Charles, ploughing into the back of the peloton, took a tumble and gashed his knee. Old soldier that he is, he shrugged it off, got back on his bike and carried on.

The rest of the outing was thankfully uneventful, taking in the villages of Cold Christmas, Thundridge and Bassus Green, the blood trail from Charles’ knee proving helpful for the tailenders to follow.

After 24 miles and several stiff ascents, Church Farm, Ardeley, was a welcome sight and we pulled in for coffee and cake.

Paying our respects to Thomas Clarkson

Back on the bikes we made short work of the remaining 8 miles, stopping just once at Wadesmill to admire the monument to Thomas Clarkson (1760 – 1846), leader of the anti-slavery movement.

Arriving back at the pub we enjoyed a beer and a good lunch, well satisfied with our 32 miles. For Sandra, however, that was only the warm up. She texted later that day to say she had clocked up 126 miles. Respect!

32 miles clockwise from Braughing

Thanks, Maurice, for organising another excellent outing.

Brian