The regular Sunday group ride on 10th May was to Wymondham Windmill in the heart of Rutland, near to Melton Mowbray. The previous day we had temperatures nudging 20oC and bright sunshine, however what greeted the 10 hardy souls of PECAM this Sunday was temperatures about half that of the day before, solid cloud cover, and a forecast of windy conditions in the early afternoon.
We met as usual on the Patio area at Peterborough Services, Junction 17 off the A1, for a pre-ride briefing and a quick cuppa for those who were early enough. Bob A offered to don the pink hi-viz for the role of Tail Ender. Everyone signed in, the 2nd man drop-off group management system was refreshed for the benefit of all and the special benefit of the Associate member who joined us, and we put on our helmets and congregated on the exit road of the services ready for the off.
Heading North on the A1 for one junction we took the fabulous and familiar route through Elton to Wansford. There were three 1000cc sports bikes amongst the usual mix of Triumphs, BMWs and Suzuki’s, who relished the ‘S’s’ leading us past Sibson airfield, making sure to wave to Angie (Roger H’s wife) on the way by. A wiggle through Wansford on towards Kings Cliffe, and brief visit to the A47 and on to Ketton. North of Stamford, left at Ryhall and the brilliant B1176 all the way to Corby Glen. The plan was to have a play through the Bitchfield Bends and then left to Colsterworth, however the Colsterworth road was closed and so we went all the round the roundabout and back along the Bitchfield road to the A151. That road is so good, no one minded at all!
We got to Wymondham Windmill about 11:30am for a coffee and something to eat. The food was excellent, the banter very pleasant, and 45 minutes later we were saddled up for the return leg. The Teigh Road took us to and through Ashwell, then left to Burley, and on through Oakham to Uppingham. We will never tire of the great roads to Caldecott, and then on to Morcott. However, the Gretton Road to Corby was a bit cut up, but we were soon through it and onto the A427. Bitchfield twice and the Benefield Road, what a treat!
We were held up by club cycle riders emulating the Tour de France slightly but soon at our destination and ride end at Yarwell Mill. The half a dozen riders who stayed for a coffee at Hannah’s café were made very welcome by Hannah and we enjoyed a drink and a chat in the extremely pleasant surroundings of the mill.
Thanks all for your company, thanks Bob A for TEC duties, and thanks Hannah for the tea!
