Weather's warmer outside, though I still pile on my entire 'New Wheelers' wardrobe. Weather forecasts have been a bit pessimistic this last week – refusing to acknowledge that it's actually sunny, promising (threatening?) rain that doesn't arrive. Perhaps this is a new policy, to bathe the nation in a glow of pleasant surprise, thus equipping us to march forward to the New Dawn of the Big Society. Perhaps it isn't.
I confess to not having done a careful count of how many we were this morning, but the figure of 21 was mentioned, which triggered Justin to announce that we should split into two groups. Now, I have a hankering for the days of playground games, when the two leaders would choose their teams and there was always the same child left until last. But this is the 21st century, and we are mostly grown ups, so there is a show of hands (like votes for strike action and the 70s). Justin proposed that he would lead an ascetic group that wouldn't stop for tea, leaving the rest of us (10) to make our own arrangements. We watched the Eating Disorder Group ride off, and went in the opposite direction (in every way). We thought we'd go to Cavendish (too close, apparently – even though I pointed out that it depended on the route) or to Castle Hedingham (too far, and even I couldn't argue against that. If the shortest route is still too long, that's it) or Semer (which is also too close if you want to be like that, but can be made further away with careful use of detours).
We, of the Café Faction were: Deane, Glynn, Graham, Ron, Tricia (raring to go after her 59 minute ride in the Club 21 mile Hilly TT) Julians Long and Colman, SJH, young Josh (on his first Cappuccino) and a guest appearance from Mark Harris, erstwhile Voice of Discipline and regular rider, though a rarer (but welcome) sight these days. We set off up Horsecroft lane, and kept on course through Shimpling up past the top of Hartest Hill, down to Stansted, up to Glemsford right to Cavendish (see? It was too close) and sort of Pentlow direction. I was partly responsible for our taking a right fork just outside Cavendish which takes one up a very (to me) steep hill, then a left at the top and through to Foxearth. The winding and fast road through this charmingly-named village is always a blast, and continues for two or three miles, to the point where we cross the old Sudbury Rd. Checking all this on my O/S map sheet 155, I have more than the usual difficulty reconciling the remembered route with the lanes and roads on the map. Then I realise that it's the 1974 edition. Sudbury hasn't moved, nor any of the other settlements. We haven't acquired a 'New Cambourne', for instance. But the roads are a very different matter. At the top of Sheet155 there is the A45, running (thundering) through Beyton and Stowmarket, no A14 in those days. Anyway, let's cut to the chase as we ascend the rise that takes us to the junction with the NEW Sudbury road (for the eagle-eyed and pedantic, there isn't a 'new' Sudbury. It's just a new road to the existing Sudbury. But you knew that. I'll get on with the story). which we cross and weave our scenic way through Acton and upwards to the Lavenham - Sudbury road, which we cross into a 'by road' that Suffolk speciality (I'm sure it's not an exclusively Suffolk classification - but we do have a nice lot of them) with a sign saying 'Washmere Green'. Julian C, who has been navigating so far, says "NO!" and then elaborates "we need to go left to Lavenham, this is only a By Road, and might not go anywhere". I have to confess to dissension at this point. I proposed that, in the spirit of adventure, we should give the little road a chance. I think that I carried the day - everyone followed - and we rode off in what turned out too be a rather worryingly persistent right handed curve. We just might end up back on the main road. But no, after a couple of miles we joined the B1115 in the Monk's Eleigh direction (taking the little lane which runs parallel to and south of the main road and is marked Swingleton Green on the map - passing the tiny lane to the right which goes up, with a 'chevron' graded ramp, towards Milden) then up the sharp Clay Hill to our social interaction point of choice. 
Hollow Trees Farm Shop & Woodlands Café. Chloe served us with the efficiency and amiability that we always appreciate. Deane sat back in his chair and declared with a contented sigh that "This is what it's all about". And we all agreed, and congratulated ourselves on the wisdom of our decision to include a stop. The photo shows Tony Panting's elder brother Peter, and his Glendene CC chums enjoying a rather more basic tea break. Peter Panting's hand clasps what looks like a pair of scones. That knitwear, those caps; is it too late to get Paul Callow to change our order for club caps?
After this smug interlude we descended Semer Hill and took the simplest route back via Bildeston and Hitcham, taking the left for the lanes route to Buxhall. Deane was about 200 yds ahead, with Josh (who managed very well on his first Espresso) glued to his wheel. Our shouts - and they were many and loud - had the desired effect eventually of getting them to turn back and rejoin us. Ah yes... the old 'left turn trick'. What fun it can be. I forced a curlicue on the route at Buxhall and we went to Rattlesden and up to Drinkstone. At an early point on the little detour, Deane said (without a contented sigh) "We're going back on ourselves here" "yes" I agree "maybe so, but it doesn't matter"
I have achieved a modest 55 miles - but am home at the surprisingly early time of 12.40. Waiting for me in the garage is Richard Stiff's 'Flandria'. It is there for assessment, with a view to purchase. But that's another story. Check out the Blog about the 'Pearson Saga'. Why is it that when I'm home early, wife and daughter are out shopping?
Discover, to extreme annoyance, that my spectacles are missing. Last used at Blooms at tea time, they would have been in the dark grey plastic case you can see on the right of my "all you need for a ride" photo. Phoned Blooms, nothing found. The helpful lady walked from her office to the Cafeteria, and even to our table (I could hear her heels click-clacking on the floors as an accompaniment!). Possibility they would have been swept into a bin bag unnoticed. Damn.
PS. Had an email from Tricia - "I thought today's ride was one of the loveliest I've been on. The group size was right & we kept together, pace was just right, no punctures & everyone was chatty & friendly"
Perhaps I should ask which ride she was on?
SJH
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