Winged Wheel 285 · 2020 Q1

Winged Wheel Nº 285 · Jan - Mar 2020 CTC Suffolk · Price £1.00

John Thompson - Shoots & Leaves · Scotland

Winged Wheel is ONLINE! issuu.com/wingedwheel Or via the website

www.cyclinguk.org/local-groups/suffolk

I was fascinated by Mick Hearn's article about the Da Vinci Bike and it reminded me of something I had seen a few years ago on a visit to Venice. There was an exhibition in a disused church of working models constructed from Da Vinci's drawings, one of which was the bicycle complete with chain! I have hunted out a picture which is below.

M��� S���

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CONTENTS Editorial– •4 President’s Page– •5 Secretary’s Notes– •6 Cycle of Good– •7 Updating The Archive– •8 Distant Memories– •9 Rope Ride– •10 Mike Havard’s First Tour - Part 2– •13 50 Years of CTC Membership– •16 Frank Patterson– •17 Gravity– •18 Car Insurance for Cyclists– •19 Gazelle Saddle Soars!– •20 Gazette– •21 Rides Lists– •22 My Life on a Bike– •27 1964 Cycling Magazine Article– •29 Cycle Camping with Children– •30 Favourite Bits of Norfolk– •32 Gap Year Ride– •37 Right to Ride + PR– •42 Wolsey Road Club– •43 EDITOR: Richard Atkins 17 Meadow Crescent, Ipswich, IP3 8GD T: (01473) 726454 E: editor.ctcsuffolk@gmail.com Contributions can be Word documents or hand written. Photos can be JPG or GIF. Send SAE if “real” photos are sent in & you want them back.

Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Group or CTC. The right to edit for reasons of space, clarity & libel, is reserved. Copyright CTC Suffolk and contributors.

Welcome to Issue 285 of Winged Wheel with another redesign, in part due to a software update & in part to a suggestion that the old “design” was not consistent.

So this new version picks out the Cycling UK blue & yellow to add a little consistent colour to pages even when they are just text & do not have accompanying photos.

A font family has been found that has variations for headings etc - aiming for consistency; having said that, the “signatures” at the end of some articles are a different font, but at least they are now all in the same font & colour!

Hope you like the changes!

Winged Wheel is published quarterly.

Single issue price is £1 or £4 per year plus £2.00 if posted.

Cheques to “CTC Suffolk”.

Contact: Philip Hancock, 82 Hatfield Road, Ipswich IP3 9AG T: 01473 402055 E: hancocks82@googlemail.com Cheques payable to “CTC Suffolk”.

Only £1.00

Deadline for the next issue is 28th Feb 2020

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Editorial

First of all, Happy Christmas & A Peaceful & Healthy 2020 to everybody with loads of safe and enjoyable cycling.

You may remember that the last issue carried “From the Archives” reprint of Ken Chittleborough’s 1946 ride to honour both him & his wife My next thought is to thank Barbara, who had recently died. everyone who has sent in It had been my intention to stories and photos for this include part 2 of that in this issue: I found it hard to believe issue but it will have to wait for that there was so much that the next issue for lack of we not only have a larger issue space. at 48 pages compared with the usual 44, but I have had to hold But the reprint did cause Paul a couple of items over to the Remblance to write in with a next issue. wonderful “Update to the Archive”, setting out some of Is this going to create a sense the changes to Ken’s 1946 of complacency - “Richard has demob tour route. Hopefully got SO much, I don’t need to Paul will be able to do the send in anything for the next same after the next issue when issue(s)” - and we are back to part 2 appears. my usual whingeing that I need your contributions to fill the Can I apologise to the several magazines! Though it could be people who sent in content, argued that last issue’s whinge but which is not in this issue; I was partly responsible for will be able to “pre-populate” having so much this time … the next one with these, which will also mean that I don’t have One of the great parts of being such a last minute rush to get the editor is that I get to read the magazine off to print. The the interesting tales of apology also goes to Paul members’ tours before you do! Fenton who sent in details of a I hope that you enjoy reading lovely ride in Norfolk & this quarter’s selection as suggested I could perhaps gets much as I did. Once again, I some images from the internet. feel inspired to get out on my I’m afraid that there just was bike and, in particular, to plan not enough space to add them. some more tours and not just my local rides around Suffolk.

Ri�h�r�

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President’s Page

My first thoughts are to say it is an honour to be chosen as President of CTC Suffolk and then to thank Maurie for all his hard work over the last three years as President. If my last three years as Vice President are anything to go by the next three will pass in a flash & we will soon be looking for a successor.

I first joined CTC as a school boy in 1958 “encouraged” (or dragged!) by my brother & sister who were members. I enjoyed club rides for the next twenty years or so. Then, as often happens, family commitments got in the way and I didn’t even own a bike, let alone ride one, until I came back into the fold in 2008 and haven’t regretted it.

Up to a week or so before the AGM, with virtually all the club’s office holders standing down, I wondered if I would have a committee to preside over! It all came good at the AGM and I thank all the volunteers who came forward to fill most of the vacant roles. We are always looking for volunteers to take an active part in running the club so if anyone is interested in serving on the main or the

Sunday Rides committees please get in touch with me or any committee member.

It appears that some members did not receive notification of the AGM. GDPR regulations mean all communications from member groups have to go through HQ. To be sure of hearing about CTC Suffolk activities members must register their email addresses with Cycling UK via the website. If you are not on heir database you will not receive details of our activities.

On a happier note the sun is shining so why am I indoors when I could be outside in the garden or on the bike? It is a welcome sight after a very wet Autumn. Let’s hope it is the start of something better. Now a message for any member who has not yet ventured onto one of our club rides: as I used to say to my children (usually about food but could apply to anything), if you don’t try it how do you know you won’t like it. I hope to see you on a ride sometime.

Mi�h���

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Secretary’s Notes

If you are wondering why Judith looks a little different in the photo, it is because she has stepped down as Secretary & been replaced by myself at the recent AGM. She has put in a lot of hard work over the last few years, and left me a very well organised filing system! I would particularly like to thank her for help with the handover.

There have been other changes to the Committee. As you will have realised by now, Maurie Parish has retired after 3 years as our President, and been replaced by Michael Scott, who needs no introduction to those who ride with us. Maurie has taken over my old role as Right to Ride Officer, and is combining it with the post of Publicity Officer – a position which has been vacant for some time.

Meanwhile we have a new post of Communications Officer, filled by Margaret Hancock, who is new to the Committee. She will be responsible for sending out emails to those of you who have not opted out of such communications, relieving Glen (as Registration Officer) of one of his many tasks. A full list of our 2019-20 Committee appears on Page 19.

For those who do not already know me, the salient dates are these …

According to my membership card I joined the Cyclists’ Touring Club on 1st January 1982, whilst living in North London. Actually, I did one or

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two lengthy cycle rides whilst still at school but gave up cycling until I picked up a bike again in 1981, managing 8 miles on my first ride, 30 miles on my second. When I started longer day rides I would head out of London in various directions before catching the train home. Some destinations I remember were Brighton, Bognor Regis, Bradwell (Essex) and Verney Junction (Bucks). Or I could catch a train from my local station out into Hertfordshire and enjoy the lanes there. In 1983 I ventured on my first tour, taking the train to Skipton, then wending my way through the Dales, North York Moors and Wolds, to Hull.

In 1984 I moved back to Ipswich, using the bike to commute to work.

I’ve calculated I did that journey around 10,000 times, and it’s interesting to note that I can still remember where the potholes are 10 years after I retired ! Somehow I managed to cycle around here for 26 years without making contact with the local CTC. When I retired in 2010 I started coming out on Thursday Rides. From 2012 to 2017 I acted as Coordinator for these rides, and for the last 2 years I have been acting as Right to Ride Officer.

J��� B�y�n�

Cycle of Good

I followed up an article in Feb/March Cycle magazine and looked it up. It is a project recycling inner tubes and the website is very informative. cycleofgood.com.

We have a lot of old tubes here and I will be taking them

to a cycle shop in Earls Colne where they are accepting them or they could be posted.

It seems like an excellent idea to publish some information on this project and if you want to put us down as a collecting point for the future we will be glad to do this.

Don’t bin yourold inner tubes, bringthem here!

We are collectingold inner tubesto sendto Malawi.

Quality goods handcrafted in Malawi using recycled materials like your old bicycle inner tubes.

We train tailors in the world’s poorest places so they can earn a decent living and support their families.

All the money we make pays for childcare and non-profit social enterprise in Malawi.

That’s why it’s called the Cycle of Good!

You may already know about this site but it does seem a good way of recycling tubes that get thrown away in the bin Regards

M������

www.cycleofgood.com| RegisteredCharity1115608

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Updating The Archive Paul Remblance: interesting observations on reading Ken Chittleborough’s archive story (last issue).

1940’s Cambridgeshire roads are almost unrecognisable.

It has occurred to me that there have been some major changes along Ken Chittleborough’s route through Cambridgeshire described in the autumn Winged Wheel, & there is a lot more to come over the coming months.

Brabraham Park’s grounds should still be recognisable to Ken although the roads nearby are much busier with traffic for the Addenbrookes Biomedical Campus. Ken refers to Devana.

That I think, is a reference to the Roman via Devana through route from Colchester to Chester. The section described as “…dead straight road…” became the A14 dual carriageway in the 1970’s, still with the strange wiggle at Fen Stanton. I am sure Ken would have not known about Bar Hill and the Northstowe/Longstanton new towns that are rapidly coming in to being along this section.

On through Godmanchester and Huntingdon the old Great Ouse bridge is still there but dwarfed by the A14 viaduct. Beyond Huntingdon Ken mentions Spaldwick. I am sure he would have passed by the green with it cottages and old public house.

Thankfully this probably does look the same as the village was bypassed by the final part of the A14 opened in 1994.

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From Cambridge the road network is about to change again.The main through route of the new A14, that was to have been the infamous Toll Road that was finally dismissed by the coalition government, will be open by the time you read this.

There is about another year to go on the project as the route described by Ken is to become a ‘local road’ giving access to the new towns.

A 3m wide cycle path will run from Cambridge as far north as Swavesey. As with all these facilities it remains to be seen how well this will be looked after in the medium to long term. Lots will change in Godmanchester and Huntingdon too with the A14 viaduct going out of use. There will be big new interchange complexes for the ‘local roads’ either side of the river.

For those that are interested some of the detail can be seen on a Highways England digital animation that is available on Youtube. “A14 Cambridge to Huntingdon Improvement Scheme. Fly Through.”

Distant Memories

Distant Memories of my first cycle tours with the Suffolk DA 1967 - 1968

x Members at this event and Suffolk DA won this that year.

Christmas Parties at Naughton Long weekend in the Peak District Mill Youth Hotel in 1967 and 1968 – stayed at Matlock Bath and Ilam Hall Youth Hostels.

In 1967 the Christmas Party was Remember walking over the being held on 16 December, which stepping stones in Dovedale with coincided with my 21st birthday.

Wink (who was in his 60’s by On the ride during the day I was then) carrying my bike across for given the traditional “birthday me. Also, Dave Inkcol was in bumps”, all 21 of them. This was charge of the food and cooking my first Christmas Party and it meals at that time. One morning was very enjoyable. We stayed we were going to have “Welsh the night at the hostel and cycled Rabbit” for breakfast. I home the next day. remember saying to Wink that I didn’t like that but was told that In December 1968 I again went to it was “eat it or go hungry” – I Naughton Mill Youth Hostel for soon learnt what to do. the Christmas Party. I had just met John the month before, on Another tour took in North November 5 on a Pub Run, so as Norfolk with a ride on the this year’s theme was “fancy preserved steam railway at dress” John dressed up as a Sheringham. convict, along with a ball and chain and I dressed up as one of In June 1968 Jeff Main took a the “flower power people” with group of schoolboys from bells on my clothes.

Thurlston School to the Isle of Man Cycle Races and as he had These Christmas parties were some seats to fill on the bus organised by members of the some of the Suffolk DA went as West Kent DA and everyone who well. The cycle races followed on attended had a really good time. from the motorbike TT races so when we were waiting to board the ferry we had to wait for all C�n�� Bla��m��� the motor bikes to come off before all the cycles could be (I was Cindy Angell in those days) loaded. That was the time when [John & Cindy Blackmore visited in Beryl Burton was in her heyday.

June from Grampian CTC - see the CTC held a competition for Miles last issue of Winged Wheel. Editor]

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Rope Ride Margaret Hancock tells us of a local cycle ride to view the works of the Rope family.

Photos by Shelagh Murnion.

One of our recent Sunday rides looked at the work of some of the remarkably talented artists of the Rope family. Descendants of George Thomas Rope and his wife Ann of Grove Farm, Blaxhall, included eldest son, George, a landscape artist and naturalist, daughter Ellen Mary Rope, a sculptor and two granddaughters both named Margaret, who were first cousins. Neither married, both were baptised Anglicans but died Roman Catholic. Born within 9 years of each other at the end of the 19th century, and active from the 1920’s to the 1980’s, they were among the score or more women stained glass artists of the Arts and Crafts Movement. They produced work that can be seen in many churches and other buildings in England, Scotland and Wales as well as in Australia, Canada, Italy, South Africa, Sri Lanka and Trinidad.

However we did not have to cycle far from Ipswich to find beautiful examples of their work. En route we paused outside the private Catholic chapel dedicated to the Holy Family and St Michael, on the corner of Ropes Drive, Kesgrave. The chapel was built as a memorial to another of George’s grandsons Michael Rope, an engineer with the Air Ministry

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killed on the ill-fated flight of the R101 airship which crashed near Beauvais in 1931. In fact, most of the newer houses in this area stand on former farmland owned by another branch of the Rope family, who lived at nearby Grange Farm – now the Farmhouse pub.

After coffee at Campsea Ashe station we pressed on to St Margaret’s Church, Leiston (just off the B1119 to Saxmundham) where a helpful vicar agreed to open the church especially for us.

In the north transept we found a beautiful stained glass window by

insisted that women should receive a good education, though the window pre-dates his 2 famous daughters - Elizabeth Garrett Anderson, first female doctor and mayor of Aldeburgh, and Millicent Fawcett, a leading campaigner for women's rights in Britain recently commemorated by a statue in Parliament Square.

After a picnic lunch in the the younger cousin Margaret Edith churchyard we headed back to (Aldrich) Rope. In the family, her Blaxhall Church, diverting slightly nickname was "Tor", for tortoise. to ensure we rode past Grove She was later to use a tortoise to Farm where George Rope’s sign some of her windows farmhouse still stands. The east including this one. Installed in window at Blaxhall is the work of 1959, the windows remember her the elder cousin Margaret Agnes parents and a local doctor. The Rope. Marga, as she was known, is left hand window shows scenes reputed to have been a strong from the Gospel of St Luke. The character, smoking and motorbike right hand window, with the riding being among her pastimes theme of St Matthew, is a before she took her vows and memorial to her parents, who became a Carmelite nun, first at lived in the parish and died in the Woodbridge, later at Rushmere, 1940s. Included in the windows and, after the Second World War, are charming scenes portraying at Quidenham, Norfolk. At pre war farming life of a shepherd Woodbridge, she was able to boy tending his flock and horse continue her work, sending glass drawn ploughs and carts with to and fro by train to the Glass Leiston Abbey in the background. House in Fulham for cutting, firing and leading up. This continued Another female member of the until 1939. After the war and the family (Dorry) designed the bronze move to Quidenham, Marga was art nouveau memorial plaque to not well enough to do more than her brother Arthur, who died as a help with the designs for the schoolboy, as well as the figure of windows for the monastery Christ on the 1914 war memorial in church, which were made by her the churchyard. cousin, "Tor". She died on 6th December 1953.

The many women in our group were delighted to find that the The east window installed at East window (not designed by a Blaxhall in 1913, shows the Nativity Rope) was especially rare if not with Saints, and is a memorial to unique in portraying only female her paternal grandparents, and saints. This is particularly other family members. As usual, interesting as Newson Garrett there is much of interest in the

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background detail as well as the main figures. As is typical of Marga, these have characterful faces, drawn from models. St Michael for example, is modelled by her brother (killed in the R101). In the middle is Mary and infant Christ attended by shepherds and Saints. A sou’westered fisherman stands to her right, while behind St Philip is a shepherd with his sheep. This is a common Rope motif, interleaving fishermen and farm-workers along with scenes of Suffolk rural life among the Gospel Stories.

in the 1880’s. She became a sculptor and exhibited widely across England & Scotland. The bronze war memorial and angel and child memorial to 7 year old Alfred Bates at Blaxhall are examples of her work.

Leiston church is normally open from Monday to Saturday, and Blaxhall is open every day during daylight hours so if you’re passing do take a moment to call in and enjoy the work of these talented local artists.

The stained glass in the porch window depicting Sunday school children is thought to include work by both Marga & Tor but was designed by their aunt Ellen who was born at Blaxhall in 1855, retired there in the 1920’s, died in 1934 and is buried in the churchyard. Ellen was one of the first female students at the Slade

OBITUARY Tim Hunter Died October 15th 2019 aged 63.

As far as Maureen and I can recall Tim joined CTC Suffolk over 40 years ago, riding on club rides early on and venturing abroad cycling in Holland and Belgium.

His particular cycling interests were mainly road safety aspects and cycling infrastructure, where he attended and reported on

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many planning meetings on behalf of the Club.

He always made a point of attending AGM’s, Club Dinners and slide shows.

He was a bachelor but travelled abroad as much as possible on his annual holidays.

Over recent years he had various health problems and unfortunately had to give up his cycling.

K�� Ni�h�l�

Mike Havard’s First Tour - Part 2

When I left you in part one, I had to admit to struggling to remember my first tour and said I needed to go for a ride to help release the memories.

Fortunately the summer has been good as it has taken quite a few rides, but as far as I remember; Bob, a school friend, and I had only been cycling with the club for a short time when we heard they were planning their annual (and as it turned out I believe, their last) night ride to the CTC York Rally. This sounded great but we didn’t think, at 15, we were up to that, so could we do it another way? Why not have our own tour to York?

Planning began, complicated by the fact that, as school kids, we didn’t have a lot of money.

My old (2nd hand) Elswick Tour D’Anglais bike wasn’t the greatest - even the name should have put me off buying it, but it did get me into cycling. A few days before we left a club member who had recently bought a new Merlin frame and built up a nice bike said he wanted to sell it. With our tour in a few days Dad, obviously sensing this wasn’t a quick fad, said he would help me buy it. The only problem was that it didn’t have a carrier or any way to hold a saddlebag.

Now, Dad didn’t like spending

money so he said he could make something for me.

Fortunately Dad was a good engineer when he put his mind to it. Unfortunately this wasn’t one of those times.

So Bob and set off for our first stop at Houghton Mill youth hostel, a comfortable 70 miles thereabouts. Things were looking good and going well until the first serious bump when Dads homemade carrier bent, the saddlebag pressed on the mudguard which pressed on the tyre. A good heave on the structure returned things to their correct positions until the next bump. It wasn’t long before we had toe straps and bungees holding things in place but that seemed to cure it and for the rest of the tour it wasn’t a problem.

Our cunning plan to overcome our lack of money was to stay with relatives as much as possible, so day 2 was a ride across the fens via Boston (strangely weird countryside and towns to a couple of youths who had ventured little from Suffolk) to Skegness where an Aunt was managing a hotel. Arriving early we managed to get onto the beach where we piled our clothes on top of our shoes and went for a swim. Unbeknown to us the tide was coming in behind us

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and on returning to our shoes and clothes we found them floating in sea water, but no harm done, they would dry. But a night in a hotel for two penniless school boys – what a first and a treat.

stuck in his toe clips or he just lost his balance, but, for whatever reason, there was a slow speed crash and he laid on the ground moaning. The crash was spotted by a bystander who rushed over to ask if he was ok.

“Yes, fine”, I said, “it’s when he’s The next relatives lived in not making a noise that we Doncaster followed by Bradford. should worry”. And with that the Here the plan fell apart rather as bystander wandered off and Bob does my memory. Our plan was remounted. to ride to the York Rally from Bradford, but somehow my * My new bike had been Uncle persuaded us to let him equipped with some old Lyotard drive us and our bikes to York platform pedals. These were where we met the club. With great (ish) but had a design flaw our aid the club had won the such that the rivets holding the ‘Miles * Members’ trophy, but we platform to the frame were knew nothing of such things and formed from the alloy frame were missing for the lap of itself. Movement of the shoe on honour and our moment of glory. the platform wore the rivets Presumably we were goggle eyed heads away and if you put your at the trade stands. foot on the underside of the pedal it broke the platform away Again, sadly my memory lets me from the frame. And this down again and no amount of happened to my pedal. I had no rides has brought the memories pedal spanner but fortunately back. How did we get home did have a removal tool for the from York? I have no idea. I cranks – which were those new believe we stopped at Doncaster fangled things without a cotter again though I don’t believe we pin. I had been shown how to made return visits to Bradford or remove the cranks, so at the Skegness. I think our last stop next garage we stopped, was Houghton Mill again. removed the crank and asked if (Perhaps some club member we could borrow a hammer and remembers how we returned – I a vice so that I could re-rivett would be interested to hear.) the platform to the frame. Job done and the pedal completed Strangely 3 odd incidents stick in the trip. my mind, though I have no real idea exactly where they * At some stage, returning happened: through the fens, we saw some tomatoes for sale at a garden * At some point we were going gate. We decided that as we still through a village and I guess had some money we could buy were coming up to a junction. some. Not a big deal you would Perhaps Bob had got his foot think, but to a couple of

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schoolboys who had just been let out to explore the big wide world this seemed a reckless expenditure - living on the edge! But, tomatoes have never tasted so good since!

I have no idea how much our trip had cost us, but I do remember that the following year, emboldened by our successful tour, Bob and I set off for Wales. For this trip there were no relatives on route, so

we booked youth hostels and meals and, therefore, paid for these before we went. I remember that we set off with £14 in our pockets - £1 for each day of the trip, to be splashed out on tea, cakes, chocolate bars and whatever took our fancy. We returned with a few pounds in our pockets. They were ‘the days’. Just a shame I can’t remember them.

M��� H�v�r�

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50 Years of CTC Membership Judy Scott responds to the editor’s request for stories & tells us of reaching 50 years with the CTC. I arrived home, yesterday, from a lovely Thursday cycle ride to find th e latest copy of Winged Wheel together with a boring letter from the bank and a hand addressed envelope, from Cycling UK, with a little bulge in it. What ever could it be? I opened it, not knowing what to expect and was surprised to find a card thanking me for 50 years of supporting CTC & the little bulge turned out to be a badge! Actually, I don’t support the club financially any more as I became a life member several years ago.

and don’t patch old tubes as many times as we did.

I always enjoy club rides, even if I don’t look as if I am when struggling up hill. Having the club to go out with makes an incentive to go out when I might not have felt like it on my own and I’m always pleased that I have been out. The places that we visit have improved too as I remember most of the pubs of yesteryear being rather dull and uninviting.

Going out with the club has always been a big part of my life and I’ve never really been Goodness me, where has that off the scene except for a 50 years gone? Of course, I was couple of breaks to have my very young when I joined! I children. Speaking of children, have certainly seen some my eldest son Julian cycles and changes in that time, mostly for has completed the Dunwich the better I think. For me, one Dynamo ride several times, of the best changes is the something his dad and I did comfortable clothing, easy to once! I’m very proud to say look after and not thought so that my granddaughters, Sarah odd. With more emphasis on and Grace, also enjoy cycling so keeping fit these days, cycling we are keeping the tradition has a more socially acceptable going. image than it did at one time.

Bikes are lighter and the In retirement, I started going indexed gearing has to be a out quite regularly on great improvement. Tyres and Thursdays as well as Sundays tubes must be better too as we so I really can’t imagine life (fingers crossed) don’t seem to without CTC Suffolk and, most get as many punctures as we of all, the friendship of fellow used to. That might also have members, many of whom have something to do with the fact become great personal friends. that most of us are better off

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Frank Patterson

I wonder how many of our younger members have never heard of Frank Patterson, the cycling artist, 1871 - 1952. His pen and ink (in this case not cockney rhyming slang for stink!) drawings captured an era of cycling that we shall never see the like of again. I have several books of his drawings and a well-illustrated biography by the late Gerry Moore who lived on the Suffolk/Norfolk border.

pasting” in the old-fashioned way!

My successor, Derek Howard, then produced the first A5 mag. for the next 11 years or so on a desk top publisher. Before my time it had been typed on “skins” then printed on a messy, handoperated Gestetner printer. How far we have come!

Patterson's drawings can be found online using your favourite search engine. Although “Pat”, as he was known, was a cycling artist he Several years ago when I was produced drawings for furniture editor of this Magazine I often catalogues and for motoring used Pat's drawings as “fillers” or magazines to pay the bills. He to illustrate articles. There was no was best known for his drawings problem with copyright as the in Cycling and the CTC Gazette for CTC owned it. I produced the last over 50 years. It has been of the foolscap magazines and estimated that in his lifetime he prepared the pages by “cutting & produced some 26,000 drawings.

Editors of this magazine have come and gone but it has steadily improved from the amateurish to the near professional of today, and I for one hope it continues as a tactile one for many years to come.

T�r�� P���

Coincidentally, Mick Gambling (see next page) sent in a Frank Patterson drawing, shown here. Editor

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Gravity

Whilst riding, do you sometimes nothing to do with gravity. wonder about gravity? I do, often at 30 mph. OK – tandem, Will gravity lure us into a twowith tail wind and downhill. wheeled sense of security, then certain disaster?

I look ahead: a narrow blur of whirling spokes in the front The principle of balancing on wheel and doubts about gravity. two wheels, revolving at speed, seems an impossible faith. Add Well, you cannot see, feel, smell in the modern, sub-standard or taste it. Anything that does roads upon which we teeter, not satisfy at least one of these with narrow wheels, tyres and criteria deserves suspicion. handlebars.

Presumably gravity arrived suddenly with no warning or Imaging a short break in gradual appearance. One day it gravity, as in an electricity cut. just came!

Even a brief stoppage would result in a massive disaster of Well, beware, it could leave with steel, alloy, carbon fibre and the same alacrity. I have done bone of surprised cyclists some training. Guiding my clutching road rash, broken tandem with partners on the clavicles and torn lycra. back, as if in a rodeo. They blame the turbulence, or Is gravity safe? Try not to steering, braking and gear panic! choice. Also, they question my power input or output – if they are not the same. Anyway, Mi�� G�����n�

Wolsey Road Club + CTC Suffolk Annual Luncheon & Prize Giving Ufford Park Hotel, Melton · 2nd February 2020 Bookings to : Trevor Roberts 01473 712568 or trev1974@gmail.com Maureen Nichols 01473 810132 or kenmaur9@gmail.com Take a break from cold and wet cycle rides and enjoy the warmth and social atmosphere of this annual celebration

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Car Insurance for Cyclists

We probably all like to think that we are good drivers, but here is an interesting thing: it has been noticed by an insurance company that cyclists DO make better car drivers, perhaps because we know what it is like to have to avoid potholes etc and hate having vehicles pass us too closely.

35 year old specialist broker Chris Knott Insurance has set up carinsurance4cyclists.com (Ci4C) and is the first in the UK to observe the relationship between road cycling and a clean driving record, rewarding cyclists with significant savings as a result.

The broker analysed the claims data of drivers from the cycling community - mainly cycle club members and triathletes - over a 12-month period and found that road cycling enthusiasts have less than half the number of accidents non-cyclists do.

premiums, the good news for us cyclists is that this specialist broker says that they are “confident� that their special rates will save us on our premiums typically an average of 22% against their existing renewal quotes.

There is another positive aspect about this insurance.

They contribute their profits to help the poor, vulnerable & orphaned children in Malawi through provision of education, healthcare & vocational training. More information is online at www.starfishmalawi.com

Quotes are free with no obligation. You can phone 0800 819 9319 or visit www.carinsurance4cyclists.com

According to Ci4C data, the average driver claims at a rate of about 13% (i.e. 13 drivers out of 100) but only 6% of its cyclist clients were involved in claims.

As lower claims means lower

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Gazelle Saddle Soars!

My Dutch ‘Gazelle’ bicycle has a very wide comfortable gel saddle, made especially for ‘Gazelle’ by Selle Royal of Italy.

Imagine my horror when both rails decided to snap one day.

Okay, I could purchase a replacement saddle easily enough, however, there is nothing wrong with the saddle and there are many good years left in it. Replacement rails do not exist, so I thought I would contact Selle Royal via their website. To my surprise, they replied very promptly and requested a photo of the broken rails, which I duly sent (see photo attached). They replied asking me to return the saddle

and the rails would be replaced free of charge.

True to their word, the saddle was returned with new rails and suspension points. Now that is what I call customer service!

S������ Rea�

Get a life Get a bicycle from

FOR ALL YOUR CYCLING NEEDS

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DISCOVER YOUR HONEST BRITISH RIDE

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418 Norwich Road, Ipswich, IP1 5DX 01473 464611

20

Club Officials President*

Michael Scott

01473 613311

Vice President

Maureen Nichols 01473 810132

Secretary*

John Bryant

01473 231530 suffolkctc@gmail.com

Treasurer*

Jon Gorringe

07763 411091

Events Sec*

Vacant

Sunday Rides Coordinator* Thursday Rides Coordinator* Publicity & Promotion* Social Sec.*

Derek Worrall sundayrides.ctcsuffolk@gmail.com (from April ‘20) Richard Watson 07807 891064 thursdayrides.ctcsuffolk@gmail.com

Rights Representative* Website Administrator* Registration Secretary* Wolsey RC

Maurie Parish

Welfare Officer

Vacant

president.ctcsuffolk@gmail.com kenmaur9@gmail.com

ctcsuffolktreasurer@gmail.com

socsec.ctcsuffolk@gmail.com 01394 382420 rights.ctcsuffolk@gmail.com

Bob Whitehouse 01473 253268 webmaster.ctcsuffolk@gmail.com Glen Smith

07868 706323 regsec.ctcsuffolk@gmail.com

Ken Nichols

01473 810132

Jan Brown

01473 327325 jrgbrown@aol.com

kenmaur9@gmail.com

Magazine Editor* Richard Atkins

01473 726454 editor.ctcsuffolk@gmail.com

Magazine Distribution CTC Suffolk

01473 402055 hancocks82@googlemail.com

Philip Hancock

www.ctcsuffolk.org.uk

21

Rides from Colchester Thursday evenings

Start at 7:00 pm

Superbowl, Colchester

Meet at Superbowl at 7:00 pm or around 8:30 pm at destination (usually a pub) For details contact: Peter Finch 07860 263921

Rides from Melton with Wolsey RC Saturday mornings

Start at 08:30 am

Melton Traffic Lights

Meet at Melton Traffic Lights for an 8:30 am start. www.wolseyroadclub.co.uk/ For details contact:

Karen Eaton

01473 420328

secretary@wolseyroadclub.co.uk

Rides from Diss with Diss CTC Sunday & Tuesday

Meet at 9:30 am

Angel CafĂŠ, Fair Green

For details contact:

Richard Pither, 9 Croft Close, Diss, IP22 4NB

07947 831730 rpither9@gmail.com

Santa Special 200km Audax. Great Bentley

Andy Terry www.aukweb.net

Other Cycling Events 22nd December 2019

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Sunday Rides

Coordinator · Michael Scott · 07784 766838 START: The Sunday rides leave Crown Pools, Ipswich, at 09:30 sharp unless otherwise shown.

You are advised to carry FOOD & DRINK as this is not assured at lunch stops.

Please ensure that you read the latest version of instructions to riders for the latest safety notes.

The Rides Leader will need to know an emergency contact number for everybody taking part on a ride. Please ensure that you provide this: it is for YOUR protection and is necessary for our insurance.

Date

05 Jan

12 Jan

19 Jan

Type

02 Feb

09 Feb

Lunch

Te a

Leader

9.30 Start from Crown Pools 9.45 at Whitton Hill, Old Norwich Road for Freewheel Contest E Waldringfield Michael The Scott’s Scott Kesgrave MP Trimley Goslings Fm Shop MT Hadleigh Naughton Margaret Huffers Hancock MP Semer Bramford Anna Hollow Trees Water Park Brennan E Stonham Barns Kettleburgh MP MT

26 Jan

Elevenses

Debenham River Green

Marlesford

John Warren Philip Hancock

Polstead East Bergholt Oranges & MP Shotley Lemons CTC Suf folk and Wolsey RC Annual Luncheon and Awards Presentation Contact : Maureen Nichols 01473 810132or kenmaur9@gmail.com MT/MP Felixstowe Leader’s Joy Cliff Top Café Choice Kent MT Brent Eleigh Judy Hadleigh Scott “Wheelers” MP Bildeston Paul Fenton

23

CTC Sunday Rides from Ipswich

Ride Type Ride Explanation (NB: Hills & Headwinds excepted in average speeds.

EASY: Leisurely rides suited to newcomers and those preferring E a gentle non-exerting pace. Up to 50 miles for the day. Typical speed 10-12 mph average.

MEDIUM TOURING: Suited to club members with some MT experience preferring a longer ride but at a leisurely pace: 50-70 miles for the day, depending on time of year. Typical speed 12-15 mph.

MEDIUM PLUS: Suited to experienced club riders preferring a MP longer ride at a slightly brisker pace in order to cover longer rides than 50-70 miles for the day. Typical speed 12-15 mph.

LONG: Suited to experienced club members wishing to tour L further from Ipswich and at a consistent pace. 70-100 miles for the day. Typical speed 15-18 mph average.

Date

Type

Elevenses

E 16 Feb

MP MT

23 Feb

01 Mar

MP

Bromeswell Wild Blackberry Orford

Dedham Craft Centre Tendring

E 15 Mar

MP MT

22 Mar

Ashfield Village Hall

Maurie Parish

Shottisham

John Warren

Bramford Water Park Trimley Goslings Fm Shop Weeley

Harry Foulkes Stephen Searby

Stutton Gardeners Arms Framlingham

MP

Friday Street

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MP

Brian G r i ff i t h s

Stoke Ash White Horse Lavenham

MT

E

Stephen Read

Gt Glemham

29 Mar

05 Apr

Earl Soham

Paula Roberts

Wickham Mkt Valley Farm Hasketon

Gt Bentley Lawford Hearts Delight

Leader

Framlingham

Semer Hollow Trees Assington Boxted Barn Cafe Friday Street Brunch 11.30

MP

Te a

Felsham Stowupland Nutshells

MP 9.15 Round Ipswich Rides E Martlesham Tesco MP Bramford Water Park MT

08 Mar

Lunch

Wivenhoe

Dedham Craft Centre

Ian Harland Stephen Read

Thursday Rides

Coordinator · Richard Watson · 07807 891064 START: The Thursday rides leave at 09:30 sharp unless otherwise shown. If you can’t get to the start by then, phone the rides leader of the day to find a point where you could meet, or join the elevenses stop.

Will all leaders please notify their venues of our visit and expected numbers.

Leader A should notify the 11’s stop and leader B the 11’s stop AND the lunch stop.

The two leaders should coordinate their rides so that the arrival times of their groups at common venues are staggered.

Ride leaders are requested to pass a list of those participating in a ride to the rides coordinator.

Date 02.01

Start Humber Doucy Lane

09.01

Car Park, Melton

16.01

Scout Hall Car Park, Bramford

23.01

Russell Close, Woodbridge

30.01

Bourne Bridge

Elevenses A Landguard, Felixstowe B Ferry Café Felixstowe A Bentwaters B Snape Maltings Osier Café, MEAL, A Stowmarket Miller’s Kitchen, Kersey B (née Copper Kettle) A First Coffee, Clopton BRiver Café, Debenham A Hart’s Delight, Lawford Oranges &Lemons, East Bergholt Marmalade(née Coffee A Box) Boxford B Hollow Trees, Semer B

06.02

CopdockVillage Hall

Lunch Maybush, Waldringfield Shepherd and Dog, Hollesley

Leader Judith Hedges Malcolm Savage Pete Whelan Maurie Parish

Limeburners, Offton – Fish & chip lunch

BobWhitehouse

Old Mill House, Saxtead

tba

Baker’s Arms, Harkstead

Queen, Wenham

Jack Thompson

David Coupe Allan Bancroft tba tba tba

25

Thursday Rides

Coordinator · Richard Watson · 07807 891064

Date

Start

13.02

Humber Doucy Lane

20.02 (half term)

Car Park, Melton

27.02

Scout Hall Car Park, Bramford

05.03

Russell Close, Woodbridge

12.03

19.03

26.03

Elevenses A B

Ashfield Village Hall

A Farm Café, Marlesford

CopdockVillage Hall

Car Park, Melton Scout Hall Car Park, Bramford

Valley Farm, Wickham B Market A Nutshells, Stowupland B Leader’s Choice, Hadleigh A

Brandeston Village Hall

Lunch Lion, Little Glemham Golden Key, Snape , Chestnut Horse, Gt Finborough 01449 674688 Cretingham Bell

B A Corncraft, MonksEleigh Hall Farm, Stratford St Mary Station Café Campsea A Ashe B Jars of Clay, Rendlesham B

A Lakeside, Onehouse Alder Carr Farm, Needham B Market

Leader Michael Scott tba Roger Harrison Dave Pauley John Bryant Jack Thompson Maurie Parish Nick Farrow

Fox and Hounds, Groton King’s Head, Orford

Jon Gorringe tba Judith Hedges Dave Wake tba

Bull, Bacton

Maurice Wands

Will all ride leaders please notify their venues of our visit and expected numbers.

Leader A should notify the 11’s stop and leader B the 11’s stop and the lunch stop .

The two leaders should try to collaborate to arrange to stagger the arrival times of their group at common venues.

Ride leaders are requested to pass a list of those participating to the rides coordinator.

26

My Life on a Bike Terry Pope provided his cycling autobiography.

My cycling journey started when I had my first bike, a Viking Ian Steel, at the age of 14 years. A local club cyclist, Paul Kersey, who many of you will know, soon had me riding out to local time trials and even marshalling at some. On Sunday mornings I used to leave home in Ipswich at 5.30 am to ride to The Sorrel Horse at Barham on the old A140. There was a hut there where the riders changed into racing gear.

The hut always smelled strongly of embrocation. (Ellimans?)

The Sunday morning time trials were run by The Suffolk Roads C.C. organised by Geoff Mercer and family, owners of The Lightweight Shop in Tacket Street, Ipswich. The SRCC club room was above the shop. Riders came to time keeper, Pop Jackson, to be sent off up the A140 towards Norwich for 12 ½ or 25 miles depending on the length of the trial. Then turn at the marshall in the middle of the road to return to Pop as fast as conditions allowed. There were hardly any cars on the road at 6.30 am in the late fifties, except when there was motor race meeting at Snetterton in Norfolk.

Every Saturday morning found all the local racers and followers at

The Lightweight Shop, bikes being fettled for Sunday. Top riders at that time that I remember were Bill Seggar and Ged Coles who rode internationally for England.

Three of the Mercers, Geoff, Joan and Clive(?) emigrated to Australia, their daughter, Karen, a policewoman, in the old Ipswich Borough Police at the time I believe joined them at a later time. The Lightweight Shop was lost and the SRCC eventually folded.

My cycling interests continued but aged 19 I got into motorcycling. These two interests have run parallel all my life. Marriage, children etc came along and cycling continued mainly for commuting and fitness but no club life. In 1966 I joined the East Suffolk Police (soon to be the Suffolk Constabulary).

1980 saw me riding some charity rides and Sgt. Dick Newman, Wolsey Road Club, asked me if I was interested in doing a charity ride for The Police Dependants’ Trust. I asked what he had in mind. His

27

reply, LEJOG. I replied I would give it some thought. So in May 1982, a van, an estate car, 4 riders and 2 support drivers set off for Lands End. Dick Newman (now deceased) had worked out a route and all the logistics. The ride over 6 days was ridden as a relay. A 1000 miles or so later and £5000 raised we arrived in John O’Groats having had a great time.

were more or less back to normal, thankfully, and cycling has settled down to riding out to meet the CTC (Cycling UK!!) for 11’s and riding the tracks and lanes of east Suffolk.

And so at 76 years of age cycling continues, at a slower pace certainly, on lower gears, but still getting out in The details of the ride make a the fresh air and countryside complete story by itself - which it and thoroughly enjoying it. did, published in Constables County magazine and elsewhere. Time may have dulled the facts a little but the basic About that time I joined the CTC details are correct as I and became a fairly active remember them! member of the then Suffolk DA, being Editor of Winged Wheel for 3 years and at another time T�r�� P��� organiser of the midweek Section for about 3 years.

Trimley St. Martin.

In the 80’s I started time trialling with the Wolsey Road Club, racing off shoot of the CTC. I rode 10’s and 25’s but found shift work non conducive to full involvement. I’d ridden Audax 100’s and 200’s and Reliability Trials since the early 80’s and continued to do so until 2012 when normal life came to a stop for a year due to my wife contracting cancer. By 2013 we

28

Great story, Terry!

Who is next?

1964 Cycling Magazine Article Maureen Nichols had these thoughts on a February 1964 article in Cycling Magazine.

We really are a crazy lot! But seem daft to the uninitiated. that’s how we cyclists like it says Reg C Shaw (CTC National Winter Fun Secretary) When you turn out in winter, to More than Transport ride down rutty lanes with your club mates, it isn’t because you All of us, when we were young, think the food where you are realized that a bicycle is much going is any better than what more than a means of you would get if you stayed at transport, and the lucky ones home by the fireside. You are among us are those who have not cycling there just to save never forgotten it. That is why the train fare, either. The only we are still in the game and explanation is that it’s grand enjoying life in a way that most fund and the club runs that folk our age cannot understand. stick in your memory as you grow older are those that If cycling had been nothing produced the most fun (though more than a cheap way of sometimes you did not fully getting about, it wouldn’t have appreciate the fun at the time) got into our blood as it has. You cannot imagine anyone who The above quote reflects my bought a bike just to go to work thoughts, when Ken and I were on ever becoming an standing in the rain in Yorkshire enthusiastic week-end rider, amongst hundreds of other capable of enjoying a spot of cyclists watching the World mudlarking or a ride in rough Cycling Championships pass by. weather. Yet you must know lots What are we doing here when of club folk who prefer to cycle we could be back at our cosy to work even when there are accommodation watching it all plenty of other forms of on the television? What is it transport available. about this madness that has afflicted us over the past sixty And club runs – would they be odd years, the feeling that you so popular if they were just are part of something that group journeys from one place “normal” people cannot quite to another? You cannot imagine understand? club runs without club life, the close knit companionship and, now and again, the absurd M������ Ni�h�l� delight of doing things that

29

Cycle Camping with Children Elaine Wright takes the grandchcildren cycle camping.

Having been keen cycle camping tourers for many years my friend and I decided it was time to introduce the grandchildren to the pleasure and challenges of bikes and tents. As their ages are 12, 10 and 8 we were looking for a safe off-road cycle path with campsites on route.

of the London to Paris route so starts almost on the quay at Dieppe and uses roads for the first few kilometres. Given the grandparent’s need for this trip to be as stress free as possible we decided to skip the interaction with the traffic and drove to our first night’s camp on a site adjacent to the Voie Vert. Camping 2 Rivières is a France may seem a long way to quiet lake side site with room go but the route we chose for children to practice their accommodated our needs cycling and the Voie Vert runs perfectly almost through the site.

We loaded the car with bikes and kit and crossed from Dover to Calais. We then drove two hours to Dieppe. We could have gone from Newhaven directly to Dieppe but it was significantly more expensive.

As the name suggests there are 2 rivers running through the site with all the associated wildlife. Be prepared for early alarm calls from the ducks!

No motorised vehicles are permitted on these lanes but you may encounter an occasional horse! This particular Voie Vert forms part

Also not wanting to make the children’s first trip too arduous we didn’t want them to carry panniers, maybe next year!

The 18 miles to our destination campsite at Neufchâtel-enBetween Dieppe and Bray was accomplished with Neufchâtel-en-Bray there is a ease. The adults took it in turns Voie Vert. These ‘Greenways’ to ferry the car ahead of the usually follow old railway lines. cyclists. This might seem like This one is no exception. It is cheating but having used this relatively flat with a tarmac site many times we were very surface. Although there are aware of the lack of tables and occasional roads to cross there seating. Cooking for 5 with 2 are staggered barriers which small gas stoves was not force over exuberant children something we wanted to do to slow to a stop. whist laying on the grass.

30

We could have followed the route further towards Forges les Eaux but thought that may be too much for the children, so returned to Camping 2 Rivières on our second day.

Although obviously well supported they got the experience of being independent, travelling under their own steam and sleeping in tents.

There were a few complaints about being sore and tired.

However, after refuelling with baguettes they raced around the campsite with renewed vigour while their grandparents struggled to stay awake! We headed to the lovely local beaches on our last day.

As all regular cycle campers will know it is these things that make the activity so satisfying and it gave us great pleasure to introduce it to our grandchildren.

It was hard work as none of the children had even pitched a tent before and clothes did get mislaid.

However, it was rewarding in that without exception they all had their first experience of cycling beyond the normal confines of living in towns.

Only a few days and not huge mileage but they all want to do it again, as do we.

El���� W�i�h�

31

Favourite Bits of Norfolk Paul Fenton’s 2019 tour around some of his favourite bits of Norfolk.

This is one for those who enjoy short breaks away cycling from a camper van or under canvas.

At 69 I think my days of hauling my camping kit around on the bike are coming to an end. For this foray into my favourite parts of north Norfolk I was car assisted.

The week after the summer school holidays is a good time in North Norfolk. Roads are quieter and the weather is still reliably warm. I do enjoy my little adventures into the little lanes of North Norfolk, and this time I planned 3 routes of between 40 and 60 miles picking up my favourite places and scenic lanes to fill Friday to Sunday working from two bases; my favourite camp site at South Creake, and a Garden Centre at Bawdeswell, both close to Fakenham.

‘Viewlands’ is a small caravan/camping site on the B1155 Fakenham to Burnham Market road at the southern end of South Creake. The site has simple but scrupulously clean facilities with freezer and microwave available for campers. Adults only means it is quiet. It is an ideal and fairly central base for short breaks in West Norfolk.

An early drive up on Friday

32

morning saw me booked in to my camp base at South Creake and ready to ride at 10.30. A short gentle ride eastwards into the river Stffkey valley had me onto one of my favourite sections of quiet lanes, between West Barsham and Wighton, passing the Walsingham Slipper Chapels where I was once bidden “God’s Speed” by a two bare footed clergy on pilgrimage walking into Little Walsingham.

Only 7 miles done and it was time for coffee at the café ‘Nortons’ behind the Anglican Chapel in the village. As one might expect the place has an air of Anglican piety about it abounding with polite and excited conversations amongst visiting groups of elderly ladies and frock coated elderly clergy enjoying their customary tea and chat. The coffee and cakes are nevertheless rather good!

After recharge I sped onwards northwards passing the edge of Wighton to pick up the Norfolk Cycle route 30 eastwards through Westgate and Binham, where at the Priory there is a tale of a piper who took a musical venture into the crypt passages and was never seen or heard of again. I have a particular fondness for the small inland

villages of the high Cromer ridge of this area, so enjoyed a freewheel through Field Dalling and Saxlingham enjoying the cobbled vernacular and milky morning sunshine and the woody descent into the glory that is the Glaven Valley.

Glaven is an estate village to the Byford Estate around Holt., The cluster of gabled cobbled and ochre coloured pantiled houses, the shell museum, and the church atop its mound with the sweetest carillion of bells this side of Belgium, is never missed if I am in the area.

Pausing as I crossed the bridged ford to enjoy the surrounding lush meadows and chat with some walkers, we both agreed that it was unusual not to see children playing in the river.

delivery lorry. I passed up the opportunity to visit Desmond M’cartney’s café at Wiveton Hall, ‘as seen on TV’, in favour of lunch at Blakeney.

Sandwiches obtained from the local Spar shop and eaten atop the mound overlooking the small harbour and expanse of Saltings is one of the great joys of North Norfolk.

The A149 remained fairly quiet for the miles west to Wells enjoying the extensive views of Blakeney Point, through the bottleneck of Stiffkey and after a short stop at the quay at Wells I headed inland and ‘homeward’ to pass around the Holkham Estate.

The long descent on NCR 1 into A good steady pull out of the Burnham Thorpe recharged the valley brought me up to Kelling legs a bit. After a short stop Heath where I once saw a for refreshment in Burnham nightjar on an evening stroll and Market I returned on the B1355 a few more miles of very quiet to base, a tent pitch, a road across the heath brought microwaved evening meal, cool me abruptly onto the A149 main beer, and a pleasant read in coast road, my furthest point the evening sunshine, this time east today. with the luxury of a table and chair availed by taking the car!

Heading west one cannot help Total for the day on the bike, but be inspired by the open 47 miles. views across the meadows and saltings along the section My Saturday route was to through Salthouse, where travel south then west to pick Cookies fish shop and cafe up my favourites in the north continues to be a major tourist west corner. Firstly via draw in the area.

Sculthorpe Mill, a road closed to cars but not cycles, to pass What light traffic there was in front of the Mill Pub over came to a short halt in Cley as the bridge – a scenic spot. we all negotiated carefully the The lane onwards towards narrows and bends, hampered Shereford passes adjacent to today by a large stationary meadows and reed beds

33

forming part of a bird reserve and is unquestionably a very diverse and beautiful area for wildlife. More quiet lanes took me through Tatteford, Helhoughton, South Raynham, and Tittleshall to Litcham where I picked up another favourite road, passing through parkland of the Lexham Estate and East and West Lexham to emerge onto the A1065 just north of Castle Acre.

It was 27 miles of stiff headwind to Castle Acre and I was rather disappointed not to find a café open. However my back up was the tea room at the West Acre Gardens about 4 miles further on. These are delightful little known gardens set in the parkland of the West Acre Estate. It is a Nursery Garden with extensive displaying borders within a lawn garden free to view for visitors.

The tea and cakes are good too!

After coffee and a very pleasant stroll around the gardens which refreshed the flagging legs it was onwards north to cross the Peddars Way Long Distance footpath and through Great Massingham with its scenic village pond and cobbled cottages. Crossing the A148 at Harpley brought a change of scene. Here the landscape is distinctly larger as I skirted the Houghton Hall Estate Park – more grand gardens worth a visit - and on to Anmer on the fringe of the Sandringham Estate. Continuing through the village one enters Sandringham Estate via the grand avenue of Oaks that is Kings Avenue along

34

almost 2 miles of gently descending road – a welcome relief after some rolling hills around Great Massingham. A stop to admire again the Norfolk Gate – a very fine example of decorative welding at a grand scale. Now a new road for me in these parts, using the NCR 1 to pass generally along a rise affording good views across west to the Wash. Through Sedgeford I was onto more familiar roads up to Ringstead and then to the cliff top café at Old Hunstanton at the very north west corner of East Anglia, with splendid views across to Lincolnshire.

A somewhat noisy lunchtime was shared with yapping dogs and grizzly toddlers reminding me that the holiday economy had moved on to the silver surfers, dog owners, and young families.

I now enjoyed a tail wind return. It was easy speed along the not so busy coast road enjoying the quintessential Norfolk Coast views around the Mills at Burnham Overy and a little diversion down to the shore line at Brancaster Staithe. The little loop of roads back through Burnham Overy Town are amongst my favourite Norfolk roads so not to be left out this time. Home along the Creake valley road B1155 completed a very pleasant and sunny revisit to North Norfolk, and 75 miles for the day – a bit of a surprise!

The evening rounded off the day wonderfully with a quiet

evening read in front of my tent, relishing the increasing intensity of pallet of the late summer sunset, and later, the haunting calls of a young brood of Tawney Owls in a tree at the end of the camp site.

have ‘been there’ too!

On reaching Aylesham I was disappointed not to find any café open in the town centre on a Sunday. I had planned on stopping a few miles further on anyway at my favourite I awoke Sunday morning to Norfolk café at Heydon, so sunshine and a freshening chilly nothing more to do than to breeze which was slow to dry press on into a stiff breeze the tent which was pitched in and passing the spectacular early morning shade. This meant front of Blickling Hall.

I was slower than I had wished breaking camp. The plan was to Heydon did not disappoint, fit in a ride in the Wensum although by then I was on my Valley and more eastern Norfolk last legs at 1.30 and 25 miles on the way home starting from without a break! Heydon is a Bawdeswell centrally located on very pretty Estate Village the A1067 between Fakenham around the church and village and Norwich. There is a large green at the end of a dead end garden centre car park, if one road terminating at the gates plans to eat at the restaurant, to Heydon Hall, a 16th century or free roadside parking in the manor house. There is a very village. good view of the house set in parkland a short stroll from Starting out on the bike at 10.45 the gates on a permissive meant my plans for breaks were path, well worth the effort. I a little out of kilter with usual was lucky to find a table free timings. I firstly headed south in the little tea room in the into the Wensum valley at Elsing village street and enjoyed where a very pretty section of ample refreshment, and an lanes lead along the river admirer of my Dawes Galaxy through Ling and Easthaugh, to tourer- still looking smart after pass over the river and many, many, tours! subsequently the A1067 again at Lenwade. There followed some There were still more boxes to tricky navigation heading north tick on this tour. Duly east turning through a series of refreshed after the stroll in the lefts and rights towards park to see the house, I was Aylsham. Through here I off into the twisting lanes of crossed with several groups of the upper Thurne valley, cyclists obviously on some heading northwards to sportive event, some at racing Edgefield and then a long speed into a stiff breeze. From descent into pretty little the look on the faces of some Hunworth, passing the quaintly at the rear I think I was enjoying named ‘Hunny Bell’ pub to take the ride more; but to be fair I the lane to Stody. A sharp left

35

just through Hunworth passes a walled garden within which are some spectacular topiary yews.

These are featured in some gardening books. It is well worth a peek through the gates as one passes.

At Thornage I was within a few miles of my Friday route, so completing a fairly comprehensive foray around north Norfolk.

enough to get the bike into and repack the car before a heavy shower arrived.

It was indeed time for a very pleasant afternoon tea and cake in the garden centre before the drive home and the warm glow and satisfaction of another completed tour of my favourite bits of Norfolk.

GPX files of these routes are available on request.

From here though it was time to head south back to the car, Telephone request with email through the former railway town address to 01473 311222. of Melton Constable, once a Midland Line station. I enjoyed the last tail wind miles south P��� F�nt�� through Foulsham and a final ‘blast’ of a couple of miles back to Bawdswell. 46 miles completed today. I just had time

36

Gap Year Ride John Thompson Tours Another Piece of Scotland.

The objective of this trip was to sitting on trains but what is see the Galloway Forest Park. better than being offered that choice at the end of a testing On Thursday 11 July I had a long ride – well, perhaps being able train journey from Lowestoft to to have both! I wasn’t that Ayr starting at 06:38, finishing cheeky, I opted for beer. Of at 16:20. I stepped off the train course the crunch for cyclists into lovely sunshine. It felt too judging accommodation is what good to be true I was hitting it the food is like. The breakfast lucky twice with weather in menu was good, the ‘full Scotland of all places – fingers Scottish' very much cyclist size crossed! and the porridge was the best I’ve ever tasted! Also, if you With the help of a station staff have tea you get a refill pot of member and another local I hot water straight away. It’s found the Inverlea guest house also perfectly located for reasonably easily. evening meals. The Fox and Willow bar and restaurant is just a few steps away and it’s good. On paying I was told to keep my receipt for a discount next time.

Friday morning was incredibly warm. I could not believe my luck as I loaded the panniers!

My first call was the town centre for an ATM. Job done, finding my way through Ayr was Despite being in a town the somewhat a guessing game but ‘Inverlea’ is a cyclists paradise! not too difficult. The first Apart from being a lovely approx 37 miles of my ride were property (a big old house still following the A713 toward New with some old-world charm) Galloway. The first few miles the proprietor, Liz, is very getting clear of Ayr weren’t welcoming. Apart from a note great. It was busy and included in your room welcoming you, on a big roundabout junctioning arrival you’re offered a bottle of with the A77. However, after beer or glass of red on the about 10 miles, once clear of house. Today I had just been commuter villages, it 'went

37

quiet.' Albeit not Scotland at its best, the rolling scenery was eye-pleasing enough. A quite strong wind had got up and I was pleased it was behind me.

At the same time, I couldn’t help thinking if it was still there on Sunday it would be a testing return ride . Just before Bellshill I had a navigational dilemma. I came to a roundabout with no signposts, one road going straight ahead, the other going right. I was clueless about which one I needed and the map was no use. As the general direction to New Galloway was south-east instinct told me to turn right, somewhat confirmed by the fact all traffic at that time turned right. I found myself in Bellshill. It seemed to confirm the other road was a bypass.

Clearly I was on the ‘old’ A713.

I therefore figured if I carried straight on I would come back onto the A713 – wrong! I found myself having to guess my way through a housing estate to end up back where I started.

The ‘old road’ is now a dead end. As I approached a Tjunction a local called out, “Going round in circles are you?” or words to that effect.

It was rather obvious I had to retrace back to the roundabout but to be sure I got it right I made use of him.

viewing centre. As it would only add 8 miles it seemed silly not to do it. Those were the factors that persuaded me, not the fact it also indicated there was a cafe! It was a lovely lane, wooded at first then opening out to great views especially overlooking the loch on approach. The views are a result of climbing but they are not especially demanding. Then you get a nice descent and some respite along a stretch of flat past the cafe. Yes, initially I went past the cafe! The map indicated the road came to a dead end at the castle. It didn't seem far so I thought I might as well. However, it soon became very rough, almost rough stuff I still had a fair distance to do plus climbing so I judged it would be rather time consuming. I retraced to the cafe for a light bite lunch.

Replenished I retraced to the A713, to follow most of the way Back on track, just south of to New Galloway. It was just Bellshill I made a snap decision north of New Galloway that I to do a detour: I came to the suffered my second bit of bad junction of an inviting lane to navigation . My intention was to Loch Doon. There was a board turn right off the A713 just saying how scenic it was and north of New Galloway along that there was an osprey what looked like a nice wooded

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lanes route to join the A712 just south-west of New Galloway.

Suffice to say once on the lane, due to a bit of not thorough enough map reading I found myself in New Galloway anyhow.

Being positive about it, New Galloway is picturesque and I would have missed it using the alternative route and the A712 out of the village was picturesque enough, as it's here the forest is entered, and not particularly busy. The approx 18 miles to Newton Stewart was headwind and it was quite tough.

I had a little respite with a short stop for photos at Loch Trool at the spot called Bruce's Stone.

was against a brute of a headwind, just shy of gale force.

It had been against me all day from Stranraer. That time I followed the A714 all the way to Wigtown but this time opted for a marginally longer lanes route along part of NCN 73. I had done part of it previously so knew it was scenic, running alongside Wigtown Sands, mostly flat but with an ironic 'sting in the tail' of a short but very steep hill into Wigtown.

I felt I tackled the hill well and checked into the Glaisnock guest house around 5, which is where I stayed previously (see my recommendation online).

For dinner I also went to the same place as previously, The Craft Hotel and the food was every bit as good as before; proper cyclists’ fodder. The bar also has a nice 'old-fashioned' pub feel about it.

The stone is apparently a massive granite boulder commemorating Robert the Bruce's first victory over an English army in 1307 during the Scottish Wars of Independence.

As I did not have prior knowledge I didn't look for it but probably did look at it without realising its significance. Back to the ride: from Newton Stewart it was nicely back to tailwind. As I rode along the A714 I chuckled at the contrast to when I rode along that stretch in 2018, which

Digressing, Wigtown was once the chief town of Galloway and in 1998 was designated Scotland's National Book Town.

Not sure now if I counted three or four bookshops. That may not sound many for a National Book Town but it is considering Wigtown's size. However, I discovered a blog on which the writer names eight. Presumably there are some smaller ones not immediately obvious and/or away from the High Street. There is an annual book festival so for 'bookworm' cyclists a cycling mini-break around the festival might be a nice idea.

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Saturday morning started somewhat overcast but it was still warm. Firstly, I made for the neighbouring picturesque village of Bladnoch and took a photo of the bridge over the river of the same name. From there I followed the B1005 into a side-headwind for a few miles through pleasant rolling scenery and woodland to Culshabbin (there were a few short sharp hills but nothing excessive: perhaps just that little tougher than some of the hillier parts of Suffolk). I then turned right into a lovely lane running alongside Loch Macran and it gave a few miles of flat.

thinking it would be a slow ride to Ayr the next day.

As the name suggests, “The Three Lochs” is where three lochs (Heron, Roald and Black) are close together. It's a somewhat touristy spot with a holiday park but is worth seeing. After the photos I retraced a little way to carry straight on to Newton Stewart, with a tail wind and mostly descending, then retraced Friday's route to Wigtown. I got back mid-afternoon and made use of the guest house cafe for a light bite, which was quite a big light bite! I then relaxed making the most of the sunshine sitting in the recreation ground with my paperback. In the evening it was back to the Craft hotel for more good food and beer.

Sunday morning it was back to sunshine straight away and I'm not too proud not to admit I was pleased the wind had dropped. The first few miles were a retrace of Saturday's ride, back to Newton Stewart It also helped that by now the and then along the A714. A clouds had given way to the short stop was necessary to sun. It took me to the B723 apply midge repellent, the sun which I followed for a little way having brought some out. to Kirkcowan. From there it Eventually I turned right onto was along another idyllic lane the B784 through Monkland to to a crossroads with the A75, Barr. This was through where it was straight across beautiful hill scenery but my onto the lane signposted for goodness what a long climb!

“The Three Lochs.” Although a There was however a long lane it was wide and open descent afterwards. Just after causing me to realise just how Barr however, I turned right into strong the headwind was, a lane and was pleased it was particularly as it started with a my route because the B784 at long drag of a hill. It had me that point goes up but a driver

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(well meaning I'm sure!) called out, “You've got one more climb to do” or words to that effect and he was right! My goodness did it go on but then so did the fast descent to Crosshill! It was comparable to descending in a mountainous area abroad, which leads to one of the things I like about Scotland.

The nature of the climbs and descents combined with the scenery makes Scotland for me

I didn't want the direct route to Ayr as it involves a fair stretch on the A77 so I detoured to Dairymole, intending to make for the quieter A713. I made a silly mistake in Dairymole by turning left at the signpost for Ayr, which took me to the A77 .

As I took the A713 out of Ayr on the Friday it should have registered I needed to turn right. The good thing was the road off the A77 to the town centre took me to the 'Inverlea' so I didn't have to re-think my way through town. Also, the detour did at least make it a very short stretch on the A77.

I had another warm welcome from Liz and this time the beer went down really well! I found a tea room for a light bite and then wandered to the sea front to sit in the sun with a 99. The perfect relaxing end to a great day's riding. The 'icing on the the closest we've got in the UK cake' was another good meal in (at least for the moment, if you the Fox and Willow, using my get my gist) to the best riding receipt from Friday for 10% off abroad.

– no sarcasm thank you!

From Crosshill it's only about 7 miles to Ayr (although a bit more by the route I intended) but it was lunchtime, there was no rush, and I felt ready for a light bite and short respite.

That said, I thought it likely the village store would be closed but I got a pleasant surprise. I had banter with the shopkeeper about how pleased I was she was open. I sat outside with a sandwich pack, sausage roll and a drink. For a while I was joined by a local rider.

Monday it was the trains home, yet again reflecting on another great cycling trip with more boxes ticked.

Approx mileages: Friday 70, Saturday 45, Sunday 65.

J��� Th��ps��

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Right to Ride + PR

Hi all I checked my emails the morning after the AGM and must confess to feeling a bit surplus to requirements, but I am sure this will wear off as I throw myself into my “Right to Ride” role with some “PRO” attached. To help the process I thought I would set out how I want to approach this combined role, if for no other reason to get my “Bikes in a row” and as a route map to refer to should I lose my way.

Clearly I will be contacted by various authorities and asked for comments on issues. I am sure these will be varied & some will be more relevant or interesting. I will endeavour to respond and represent all interests.

But I do not see this function as a 1 person job. I live in Woodbridge, so the cycling provision in Ipswich and other towns are an unknown to me.

Only people who live there and use those cycling facilities can usefully comment on their suitability, and suggest where additional provision and improvement might be made.

Bob Whitehouse, has volunteered to get involved in considerations for a new housing estate in Felixstowe, If you have any burning issues then please let me know or feel free to get involved yourself, I will be happy to assist, however if you do go it alone please keep me advised.

I have been thinking about my approach to R2R, and hopeto develop a set of responses which can be used to reduce workload.

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I think the R2R concept includes the right to a safe cycling environment.

I have made my views known re “pot-holes”, “hedges”, “drop-offs” and other dangers that cyclists face & these issues will also form part of my R2R representations at every appropriate opportunity.

From a PRO point of view, I will continue to send out articles to the media. I hope that a subtle regular bombardment might result in some articles getting published. I intend to introduce variety in the articles by mixing safety concerns, reporting events and promoting cycling.

I also believe PR is an internal issue, and this page is an attempt to raise awareness and inform club members of what the club officers are doing on your behalf. For this reason I am hoping this “page or so” will become a regular feature in winged wheel, and may contain overviews of other officer roles, give gentle reminders of events and seek suggestions. All in the interest of helping member feel they are fully informed and their opinions matter.

This said, publishing in Winged Wheel will not reach everybody, so it may also be necessary to send the occasional email, if only to point the way to the article in “Winged Wheel” online.

Wi�� �� �u�� , M�����

Wolsey Road Club Well winter is almost here and our mudguards are proving their worth in keeping us on the road, but dry and clean too.

You can see the full list of winners if you book a place now to attend the Annual Lunch and Prize giving at the Ufford Park Hotel, near It was good to see the highest Woodbridge on Sunday 2nd attendance at a club A.G.M in February. Just contact Trevor many years, let’s hope it’s a Roberts (trev1974@gmail.com) or good indication for participation Maureen Nichols in events in the New Year. (kenmaur9@gmail.com) for full details and booking.

We are lucky as a club, to have always been served by loyal and The Club will promote all the competent officials and the usual events it is well known newly elected list certainly for in 2020, although the reflects this. Although this year Evening 10s will be promoted has not been one of our most on an almost entirely flat new active, the majority of our course at Chattisham and handsome trophies have been Raydon, but much work will awarded. Robert Quarton have to be put in before July. proved that he is not sitting around in his slippers since Having attended the World T.T retirement by winning the Club and R.R Championships in Championship and the Newman Yorkshire this autumn and got Memorial trophy. Patrick drowned by the Biblical Charlton has been very active in amounts of rain most days I winning both the 10 mile and would still recommend making the 25 mile cups. He also picks an effort to attend a big up the Fixedwheel Trophy. cycling event in person. The memories stay long after TV Our youngest competitor, Ethan pictures are long forgotten. So Cawston, showed his elders a why not make a New Years back wheel by winning both the resolution to attend one of the Hill Climb Trophy and the Grand Tours, a Monument race Improvement Trophy. Karen such as Paris Roubaix or a Eaton was our only Lady track race as a real fan, not competitor this year and took just from an armchair. both the 10 and 25 mile trophies, it would be nice if she could have some competition K�� Ni�h�l� for awards next year.

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Riding Home from Germany

The weekend in Germany might have been “rest days” from cycling, but not from alcoholic rewards for getting there! At least there was no alcohol at breakfast on Monday morning before I set off. I didn’t know it at the time, but Annett took photos of me setting off up the road.

What a difference between last Friday’s headwinds & today’. At 9:30 it was already 21°C & I set off SW with a light wind from the NE, so travel was easy.

I reached Meppen where I intended to have some lunch but it was Whit Monday & everything was closed.

Hooray for a banana and a muesli bar! Note to self: put public holidays in the diary!

Quite a lot of the road from Meppen is a “Landstrasse”, like much of the A140 here. It had a narrow cycle lane down the side but unlike here had posts to protect cyclists (and white lines!).

What had been intended to I had to make sure to get a photo be a cake & coffee stop in with some of the many wind the afternoon ended up being turbines. Germany, like many a hot meal stop. I was going other mainland countries, has to be staying in a village & done so much more to encourage was not sure if there would renewables & this area has be somewhere to eat or if it literally hundreds of turbines & would be open on Whit many homes have solar panels.

Monday. That turned out to have been a great choice, though I did find an ice cream about 7km from my Vrienden op de Fiets B&B in Emlichheim - actually in Germany though I had gone through Holland to get there.

73.9 km towards home.

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Once again I was fortunate that heavy rain happened overnight though it was still drizzling as I set off towards Deventer on small lanes and some bike paths between fields. I saw nothing to indicate a border, but then noticed a road signed as a Straat, so had obviously reached Holland again. I stopped at a convenient bench beside a river to eat a cheese roll my previous B&B hosts had packed for me. There was a view of a windmill too, one more for the collection.

that my Garmin had locked up, posssibly while in my back bocket. At a bike shop a few hundred metres back they told me to hold the on / off button for 20 seconds which ultimately switched it off & back on; fortunately it remembered my trip so far though it took several minutes to reload first the software & then my route.

That didn’t stop me following a beautifully surfaced bike path instead of crossing the road to what I could see was a dirt track. I rapidly got the “off course” warning but could see they ran parallel.

For 1 ½ km where they diverged. At least the Garmin then “recalculated” I was able to rejoin the route in Raalte 2 km further along.

After several major zigs and After crossing the river I was zags on bike paths through rapidly into the woods I had fields, I followed a canal for come through on the way out but at least 30 minutes. When I just before Dalfsen I turned left crossed a bridge I saw I only into the Hoge Veluwe park with a had 3.5km left to Deventer, dramatic hill climb on sand where my B&B was just a where I had to push my well short stroll from the pretty laden bike. At the top I paused to centre. I was too early for my take my rain jacket off & have a landlady to be home so I just drink when a class of 11-12 year had to sit & enjoy a couple of olds came the other way, with a beers in the sun. teacher at the front and the rear: they were certainly getting their That’s another 87km done. exercise.

It was great to set off in sun At tiny Lemelerfeld I spied a café and easy to find my way out & pulled up & was delighted they of Deventer on the way to had some of the delicious Dutch Apeldoorn for lunch & then to apple cake which went down well Amersfoort. But by Apeldoorn with a coffee. the sun was behind clouds.

As I unlocked my bike I noticed

As you leave the city to the

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West you enter a cul-de-sac for cars with the usual exemption for bikes. The road becomes a dirt track through forest and climbs: not steep but a persistent 1- 2% for several kilometres.

The woodland climb switched to plateau & heath where I saw a sign for Radio Kootwijk, which had been used about 100 years ago to reach Dutch colonies from this “high spot”. A good spot to enjoy a sandwich and finish my first bottle of water.

Minutes later I was back on surfaced roads & saw the magic sign of “Koffie”. A choc ice & 2 coffees later, it started to rain gently. On went the rain jacket.

And I set off. But 5 minutes later it was time to stop & put on my rain trousers & cover the panniers as it was now belting down!

I paused under an underpass to check the weather forecast on my phone: heavy rain for 2 more hours. It was going to take me that long to reach my B&B. The rain duly stopped 15 minutes before I got there. My “water proof” shoes were sodden!

I bypassed Utrecht soon after, but did get to see one of the defensive forts on a star shaped island to protect the city.

After Nieuwegein where I was just one of many cyclists (though probably the only one over 16 - loads of school kids on the way home for lunch!), I arrived in pretty Ijsselstein where I found a café selling Worteltaart (like “wurzel tart” - but actually carrot cake). Midday cake & coffee instead of elevensies!

From adjacent Benschop I rode to Polsbroekerdam with a Dutch guy who was on the way home from work after a shift that started very early.

Then it was time for lunch of banana & muesli bar: getting to be a habit.

Another 72.4 km done.

Temperatures: high of 23 & low of 13°C in the rain.

In Berkenwoude I found a café that was open! I was It was wonderful to see patches visitor number 4 that day on of blue in the sky the next day this lonely piece of LF route, but a 32 kph headwind! After after 2 ladies from New passing through woodland I Zealand & a fellow Brit. The climbed to Soesterberg, 1-2% for café owner was as pleased to 30 minutes. Then a bridge over a have company as I was and motorway took me right into we sat outside and talked Zeist, a wealthy suburb of football: he rememberd Utrecht, complete with “Slot” or Ipswich’s Dutch players palace.

Muhren & Thijssen & had

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even been at Ajax Amsterdam when Ipswich won there.

me to Ridderkerk. This is an expensive €1.80 ride!

Suddenly 5 Dutch cyclists arrived: business was looking up for the café! They had come 30km from Alphen a/d Rhijn & were heading back there, whereas I just had 14 km left to Capelle (an Eastern suburb of Rotterdam). The 5 had cycled 1200 km from Austria the previous year, but for Harry, the oldest, it was his 4th time.

I was joined on the ferry by a Scottish father & son who had flown with their bikes to Zürich & ridden down the Rhine. Father, not far behind me in age, said he didn’t need a GPS & son rapidly responded that was why they kept getting lost in towns!

They had bought a 2nd hand copy of the Rhine route guide but the route has been updated going through villages with food stops rather than bypassing them.

It started to rain about 100m from the pedestrian & cyclist ferry across the Ijssel - cost of €1.20 - so I stayed under the shelter for a few minutes on the far bank. Once again I was too early so I sat under a tree & read my kindle. Another 77.8 km done, but a slow average of 16.7 kph with the headwinds. Somehow there were 115m of ascent on a flat day’s ride!

From Ridderkerk I made rapid progress to Ijsselmonde & soon after was crossing a bridge into Rotterdam after passing the Feijenoord football stadium. Rotterdam gave way to Schiedam (with more windmills), then Friday morning I rode 30 minutes Vlaardingen & Maasluis where to a ferry across the Lek (€0.80 the cycle path was along the for bike & cyclist) to Kinderdijk, a river. And moments later the world heritage site with 19 ferry was signposted! Time windmills - actually water pumps. for a meal & a couple of One of the LF routes goes beers through the site so cyclists enter before free while pedestrians have to boarding. pay. I joined the Chinese in taking Nearly a selfie! home!

And you probably don’t need me to tell you about the Harwich to Ipswich leg.

I headed back to the river to find the other ferry stop for a triangular service that would take Ri�h�r�

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Santa Special 200km Audax

Sunday, 22nd Dec. 2019 at 8 a.m.

Start at Great Bromley, near Colchester.

Finish there by 21:46.

Organised by Andy Terry. Entry fee ÂŁ6.50 using Paypal Book Early to Avoid Disappointment.

204km cycling event starting from Great Bromley, nr Colchester.

Controls at Wickham Market, Diss & Sudbury, plus 2 information controls.

A circular route nearest the shortest day of the year. Starting at Great Bromley VH, Essex and just crossing over the Norfolk border at the midway point, this ride is mainly on B roads & quiet A roads in Suffolk.

A chance to see some Xmas lights both tasteful & not! Breakfast at start and hot food at the finish are included in the price. Plenty of parking at the village hall. Closest train stations are Wivenhoe or Manningtree but Sunday services are restricted. Hopefully the sun will shine for us!

More info at: http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/20-233/