22 November '09: Blue skies, Sunshine and Torrential rain

Seven stalwarts rolled away from the stockade, formally known as Woolworths, and headed south, ultimate destination: Hollow Trees (winner of the prestigious Tea room of the year award from the Wednesday run). They were: SJH, the Pauls C and R, Deane, Julian, Ron and Justin.

A clear blue sky and sunshine made the forecast of rain by noon an unlikely prospect. Dodging where possible the puddles of standing water, we headed over the lumps and bumps of the Hawstead and Lawshall road. A left-turn at Shimpling, towards Bridge Street, was necessary if we were to deliver SJH and Paul C into the arms of a backwind for their return home for early baths. They stayed the course until the centre of Lavenham, where the depleted bunch turned right towards Brent Eleigh. In order to meet one of Deane’s pre-coffee requirements, we needed to clock up at least 30 miles before stopping. This was achieved by turning right towards Milden. As we crested the hill that winds up to the crossroads Deane decided that a little tri-bar session was just the thing to cope with the rising headwind. Now we all know that tri-bars can turn an even paced clubrun into a team time trial, as the misguided hunchback suddenly becomes Chris Boardman. And let’s face it, Deane needs tri-bars like Lee Evans needs amphetamines. Onwards through Groton –

Home of John Winthrop who helped in the development of New England. In 1630 he emigrated to take charge of the Massachusetts Company, founded the city of Boston and became first Governor of the State of Massachusetts. He was described as the ‘Father of New England’. –

and down into Boxford, with Deane riding point 100 yards ahead of the group. Skirting Kersey and its raging ford we circled round and made for Hollow Trees, arriving at 1100 with over 30 miles done. Deane was happy and contented. The remaining Paul resisted the temptations of tea and cake and kept on rolling. And so we were four - but not for long.

We’d only been seated for 10 minutes when who should arrive but none other than the Wheelers’ Cappuccino ride. We exchanged pleasantries before heading to Lifecycle for some running repairs on Ron’s rear mech. Nathan decided to jump ship from the Cappuccino boys and joined us. From Bildeston we made our way home via One House and Woolpit. As we were riding past Tostock Towers the heavens opened. Just then one of the residents of TTs edged his vehicle out of the drive, almost coming out in our path but stopping just in time. Must report him to the Lord of the Manor (I think he was driving a Passat). The rain increased to what must have been Cockermouth proportions - although they had had 12 inches worth in a day! On the way back there had been the odd plaintive cry from Julian who had punctured in both legs. But as we parted company in Thurston he had regained his composure and was last seen following Nathan back to Bury. Another day, another load of wet kit on the kitchen floor, and another 54 miles on the clock. Blue skies, sunshine and torrential rain. I was reminded of Julian’s quote: ‘We don’t have a climate in the UK, just weather systems’. How true.

JW