Sunday’s rideout was to be a ride to Wymondham Windmill led by Martin Jones, but unfortunately Martin had to pull out at the last minute, in stepped Steve Pearce and Phil Wadlow for one to lead the ride out and the other to lead the ride back.
Nine riders turned up at Haddon Services on Sunday morning, with 2 pillions in attendance. Steve confirmed that he would lead out but wouldn’t be able to do the return. Phil said he would rather not lead back as he had his son as pillion, so after the ride briefing, we decided to head off and sort the return leg later.
Martins route proved to be a cracker with very few straight bits and (as usual for Martin) the obligatory semi-track section. Some roads we have used regularly, but we did make a fair few turns down roads that we haven’t used for many years, if ever.
The result was 11 happy attendees by the time we got to Wymondham Windmill, a favourite destination of PECAM.
As a surprise for us all, Barry Wroe was already there with Emma, his daughter in law on her Triumph.
We all had a good chinwag and as usual, some lovely cakes and bacon/sausage sandwiches were consumed. Bob Armstrong rated his bacon sarnie 8/10 (10 being the benchmark set by the Alpine Restaurant a few weeks ago).
After about an hour, we decided we had better make a move for the return leg. I had used my time to not only eat but also to look at the return leg and lead the way back.
Unfortunately, the route wouldn’t load into my satnav so I decided to wing it and see if anyone would notice.
The route back was just as much fun as the out leg with more roads less often travelled and by the time we got back to Wansford we were all hot but happy with the day.
I can’t take credit for any of the return leg as it turned out that I managed, by some fluke, got the route correct.
Nine of the 11 decided we needed more cake and tea/coffee at the Country Lounge and, as we entered, there was Tim Helstrip fresh from a ride with an associate, lounging.
I’m sure that’s how the place got its name.
All in all, a familiar venue and route but this time a route with some interesting twists.
Many thanks Martin, hope you get to ride it sometime.
Blog by Kevin Hudson, photos by Martin Mooney.