Thursday, February 9, 2017
Monday, September 26, 2016
Ride London 2016
From Gaye Illsley
The Ride London 100 was the most amazing experience; I loved every minute of it! I used to be a fair weather cyclist and my biggest annual challenge was the London to Cambridge Bike Events ride, just under 60 miles. My partner and several friends hand done the Ride London 100 and loved it as you get to ride on closed roads through London. I had applied each year but not been successful until 2016! In February I got the magic letter that said I had a place! But I needed to complete 100 miles within 8.5 hours. I was not fast enough or fit enough to complete. So I started working with a nutritionist and joined Forty Plus.
5 months later I had lost 2 stone, was training 3 times a week and was consistently riding at 12 miles an hour. I had completed several 60, 70 and 75 mile rides. I was ready!
The ride was absolutely fantastic; the spectators were amazing, thousands of people out on the streets supporting the 26,000 rides. What a buzz, I think it is the closest feeling I will ever get to running a marathon. My favourite spectator was a lady at the top of Wimbledon Hill at 92 miles giving out Bourbon biscuits!
If other members are interested there is still time to apply for next year:-
19th Sept 2016
Cycling in Suffolk; September 2016
Tuesday 20th September. 2016. 23 miles ; via Sutton Hoo
A soaking ; 3 punctures ; a wasp sting - and someone forgot to change his shoes !
The day was bright and sunny as we set off from Ufford Park Hotel , and cheesy grins were very much in evidence .We'd had our lunch at the hotel and Ron ,our leader ,was kitted out with a walkie talkie for contact with our "tail end charlie" (Chris) .We were ready to go. One bright spark however- fortunately not in the picture - then discovered his front brake shoe was completely worn out , meaning he'd have to ride using rear brake only.
Being experienced cyclists , many of us knew the weather would hold fine and left our rain gear in our cars - it took about 45 mins for the clouds to gather and the temperature to drop and we were soon cowering under whatever tree cover we could find
This was fun and clearly enjoyed by everyone.
Of course some clever clogs came prepared
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| Dan - sunny side up. |
Meanwhile to add to her enjoyment , Gloria managed get a wasp sting which reacted badly causing a painful swelling to her arm and hand. She suffered with this for two days before getting medication.
Once the rain had eased, we carried on to Sutton Hoo for our tea and cake stop - but not before Chris had the first puncture of the day.
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| No one would help her, but Ron offered advice |
It was still raining as we left Sutton Hoo , but we knew it was a short ride back to the Hotel - where we looked forward to hot showers and a warm up. Graham decided then to increase our anticipation by having two successive punctures . These were quickly mended and we thought we'd soon be home anddry - only to be frustrated by the total closure of a small but vital lane. Rather than taking us on a long detour ,our intrepid leader broke down barriers and and lead us over a large hole covered by a dodgy grid , to get to the other side
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| Tony negotiating the hole in the road |
It was an eventful day , and despite the weather , punctures and road blockage, everyone was full of banter and in great spirits. We were joined in the evening by Em, Gale and Anne ; respective wives of Ron , Peter and Allan , for our meal at an excellent local hostelry. 
Wednesday 21st September 2016 40miles; via Mimsmere
Garmins ; 3 punctures and wasp sting relief.
Day 2 started cloudy but bright ,but following yesterday we all carried rain gear. Good move , as it meant weather stayed dry all day.
The excitement of the day was the Garmins which had the Gremlins. 6 of us had Garmins to supplement Ron's excellent memory of the route ( we trusted him really) and they started off in good order , confirming every turn that Ron made. One by one however they developed their own ideas - which at least stimulated conversation. Two completed the course fully functional ; two could display the course without full instruction and two nearly ended up thrown into the ditch.
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| Snape Maltings |
Our route took us along pleasant quiet lanes via Blaxall, skirting Tunstall forest and then onto our coffee stop at Snape Maltings. It was shortly after our coffee stop that Martin had the first of his three punctures of the day.
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| Martin ~ "I am the champion" |
This ,it transpired , was due to a slight burr on the wheel rim - a problem finally overcome by Graham adding insulation tape to the rim tape
Lunch was at Mimsmere Bird Reserve where we spotted Sparrows (or was it Dunnocks ) and blue Tits. The real bird watchers, (Gale , Em and Anne) joined us for lunch , and they had spotted more exotic birds.
We returned to Ufford Park Hotel at about 4.30pm in plenty of time for tea and biscuits before getting ready for our evening meal at a second hostelry. Again a really excellent choice of venue
Thursday 22nd September 2016. 40 miles to Orford
No punctures : sunny day !
The route today took us to Orford via Framlingham where we had coffee.
Framlingham Castle was bathed in sunshine as we passed by on a "Quiet Lane" near Framlinham College.
It was nearly 30 miles to Orford from our Hotel , but Ron's route took us through great cycling lanes alongside the river Alde and the miles melted away.
At Orford we first took lunch at yet another excellent pub that Chris had booked for us , then retreated to the Harbour.
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| Serious stuff this research |
After looking over the Keep of Orford Castle, we made our way back to Ufford Place Hotel , again in time for tea and goodies.
Our final evening meal was again in a really super Pub.
We came to the conclusion that when Ron and Em researched the routes and pubs in the area ,they must have tried dozens of establishments to find such excellent locations. Maybe it was this that accounted for Ron breaking the wing mirror of his new car , when they were up here.
Our thanks really do go to Ron and Em for all their ideas, planning and research ,and also to Chris for the admin in booking the Hotel ,plus each the pubs we used. Their efforts enabled us to have a great few days away.
We can also congratulate each other for the easy going , good natured atmosphere of the trip - well done all.
We can also congratulate each other for the easy going , good natured atmosphere of the trip - well done all.
Wednesday, June 22, 2016
Trivets event 2016
Cycling UK "Trivets" ride 2016
Cycling UK's triennial 100 mile ride for veterans - i.e. anyone over 50 !! - dates back to the organisations golden jubilee year of 1928.
Events are held all over the country, but as on previous occasions East Herts 40+ members chose to enter a ride organised by Essex CTC (Cycling UK). This starts and finishes at a Church Hall in Mountnessing , Nr Shenfield , and the ride really consists of 4 x 25 mile loops , with catering/ rest stops after each loop.
Riders come in all shapes, sizes ,ages and sexes and the last time this event was held (in 2013) our very own Eric won an award for the eldest finisher at the age of 84 and a bit.
Riders come in all shapes, sizes ,ages and sexes and the last time this event was held (in 2013) our very own Eric won an award for the eldest finisher at the age of 84 and a bit.
This time we had 6 entries ; Anne Collins , Sue and Graham Williams ,Ted Walters , Tony Green and myself Ray Cleaver. The total entry was limited 72 , this being 12 more than any previous year .
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| East Herts Trivets team before the ride-- Tony Green was elsewhere doing something important. |
Riders were assigned to one of 6 groups of 12 ,and there was a timed departure for each group ,separated by 5 mins. The objective was to complete the 100 miles in a max of 12 hours , and no faster than 10 1/4 hours.
Bike enthusiasts were in their element , sniffing around the diverse and fancy machines ,like dogs in a pack. All I can report is that there was at least one recumbent and one tandem.
Bike enthusiasts were in their element , sniffing around the diverse and fancy machines ,like dogs in a pack. All I can report is that there was at least one recumbent and one tandem.
For some reason Anne and Ted found themselves in a different group to the rest of us ,and after tea and biscuits were led off at 8.40 a.m. The weather was cloudy, but bright and quite warm, as Sue, Graham ,Tony and I were led off in our group at 8.55 a.m. We soon found ourselves cruising through lovely quiet country lanes, and as on previous sojourns in Essex, we were struck by the generally good condition of the roads ,compared to those in Hertfordshire. Our pace was brisk and I was not surprised that we arrived almost 10 mins earlier than scheduled at the 11's stop at Roundbush Green near Aythorpe Roding.
The catering on this event is carried out by a team of volunteer ladies, and the quality and quantity of food ,and the general organisation of break stops ,is legendary . Home made cheese scones, flapjacks tea/ coffee lived up to expectations and went down very well . All this was served to a schedule that enabled each group to depart at controlled times - to avoid meeting along the road.
It was on the next leg of the ride, a 25 mile loop back to Roundbush Green , that Anne made a spectacular dive into a ditch full of stinging nettles and other goodies. I am told that a branch over the road caused confusion ,which resulted in her loss of dignity. Fortunately she was not seriously injured , but was badly stung and developed bruises to be proud of. Her bike was undamaged , so despite her discomfort she continued ,and was able to finished the ride.
My Garmin showed our pace to the half way stop at 47.6 miles was 12.7 mph.
Lunch , which had been pre-ordered, was served by the volunteer ladies to each group as they arrived at their assigned tables. Again we were somewhat early , but this did not seem to caused any flap or catering problems. Most meals were baked potato with something ,plus salad/ coleslaw ~ then a Rhubarb crumble thingy.
The catering on this event is carried out by a team of volunteer ladies, and the quality and quantity of food ,and the general organisation of break stops ,is legendary . Home made cheese scones, flapjacks tea/ coffee lived up to expectations and went down very well . All this was served to a schedule that enabled each group to depart at controlled times - to avoid meeting along the road.
It was on the next leg of the ride, a 25 mile loop back to Roundbush Green , that Anne made a spectacular dive into a ditch full of stinging nettles and other goodies. I am told that a branch over the road caused confusion ,which resulted in her loss of dignity. Fortunately she was not seriously injured , but was badly stung and developed bruises to be proud of. Her bike was undamaged , so despite her discomfort she continued ,and was able to finished the ride.
My Garmin showed our pace to the half way stop at 47.6 miles was 12.7 mph.
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| The route ; starting and finishing at Mountnessing |
Lunch , which had been pre-ordered, was served by the volunteer ladies to each group as they arrived at their assigned tables. Again we were somewhat early , but this did not seem to caused any flap or catering problems. Most meals were baked potato with something ,plus salad/ coleslaw ~ then a Rhubarb crumble thingy.
On our third leg of the ride towards Takeley and Great Easton , our average rose to 13 mph until we caught up with the group in front. We stopped for a while , but caught up again a little later , and both groups arrived at the afternoon stop in procession.
Chocolate cake/ Carrot cake / Fruit cake / Lemon drizzle Cake and Oh , sandwiches were on offer, and many riders made a gallant attempt to comply with one of the caterers plea to "eat more cake". I know I did , but there was still lots left over.
It was at this point that Tony decided he had to cut the ride short and take the direct route back to the end point. He had an evening engagement and was concerned that he was running out of time. His magic Garmin told him this was 11 miles , so I guess he'd completed about 86 miles by the end of the day.
The final leg back to Mountnessing must have been a bit of a spectacle for onlookers. After Margaretting, a number of groups had converged, resulting in perhaps 60 riders in an apparently slow moving Pelaton .
One problem having a Garmin is that you know exactly what mileage is left , and the temptation is to keep checking. The last last 10 miles seemed to go on for ever, not helped by the fact that this section has the only real hills of the ride. We finally arrive at the finish at 7.10 p.m. , but the Garmin recorded only 99.13 miles! . In order to justify the certificate that was presented, I rode up and down the road until 100 miles was showing -- and I know Ted did the same. I thought I'd include it here , so that Tony could see what one looks like !
A great day out and a real challenge due to the mileage - and the quantity of excellent food . The organizers and helpers deserve congratulations and thanks for providing such a cheerful event.
Ray
Chocolate cake/ Carrot cake / Fruit cake / Lemon drizzle Cake and Oh , sandwiches were on offer, and many riders made a gallant attempt to comply with one of the caterers plea to "eat more cake". I know I did , but there was still lots left over.
It was at this point that Tony decided he had to cut the ride short and take the direct route back to the end point. He had an evening engagement and was concerned that he was running out of time. His magic Garmin told him this was 11 miles , so I guess he'd completed about 86 miles by the end of the day.
The final leg back to Mountnessing must have been a bit of a spectacle for onlookers. After Margaretting, a number of groups had converged, resulting in perhaps 60 riders in an apparently slow moving Pelaton .
One problem having a Garmin is that you know exactly what mileage is left , and the temptation is to keep checking. The last last 10 miles seemed to go on for ever, not helped by the fact that this section has the only real hills of the ride. We finally arrive at the finish at 7.10 p.m. , but the Garmin recorded only 99.13 miles! . In order to justify the certificate that was presented, I rode up and down the road until 100 miles was showing -- and I know Ted did the same. I thought I'd include it here , so that Tony could see what one looks like !
A great day out and a real challenge due to the mileage - and the quantity of excellent food . The organizers and helpers deserve congratulations and thanks for providing such a cheerful event.
Ray
Monday, June 20, 2016
Going Dutch 2016
Going Dutch 2016
Following our successful cycling holiday to Belgium last year , 9 of us got together in November to plan our first cycling tour , this time to Holland. Most of the group had never carried panniers before , so the prospect of moving on each day added a sense of adventure.
8 of us decided to travel to the start of our route by car / ferry but Derek, one of our most experienced tourers, elected to cycle most of the way and meet us there.
The IJsselmeer cycle route. In 1932 the Dutch created a huge inland lake by building a 20 mile long dike (the Afsluitdijk), separating the Zuiderzee from the North sea. Our plan was to cycle the 250 mile cycle route that now encircles the IJsselmeer. We wanted to complete this in five days , to allow a final day of sightseeing (without our bikes) in Amsterdam.
Day 1 (Travelling) Derek was already tucking into his evening meal when the rest of us arrived at our first hotel in Huizen (our start point). He’d cycled the 70 miles from the Hook after an overnight crossing, and was tired after fighting a headwind all the way. Christine and I were also very tired on arrival, but our reason was not so glamorous - we’d both mysteriously developed heavy colds on the ferry , which were to plague us for the rest of the week. Despite all claims of innocence, our reputations were clearly ruined by this coincidence -- (or perhaps mine was was enhanced.!)
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| All helmeted - except Derek , in true Dutch style |
- Day 2 Huizen to Hoorn - 52 miles. The sun shines on the righteous (and the Devil looks after his own ) and after all the lousy weather of the previous week, we were relieved to set off on a generally sunny day. Our route closely followed the coast in a NE direction, straight into a light wind - wind substitutes for hills in Holland. It is impossible to get lost in the Netherlands (well almost ) as all routes are so clearly signposted. In addition we had 3 Garmin Geeks within the group to confirm each twist and turn.
Derek led the way, and proved to have an excellent nose for finding the all important coffee/cake and lunch stops, and Graham and Chris quickly established themselves as Dutch apple cake connoisseurs. The scenery en route to Hoorn became ever more “Dutch”in character, with immaculate Dutch Gabled houses, windmills and numerous small harbours filled with sailing barges. The only things missing that would have made us feel at home were --- pot holes and litter!
At one point we stopped along the path to adjust clothing etc. ,when a lycra clad cyclist came cruising past, cheerily waved, and called out something like “schnorgle snuurf”. Stan, who’d had his head down and not seen him approaching, immediately looked up and responded with a confident “grouffle grountle”. The cyclist seemed happy and we were impressed by Stan’s fluency, until he admitted it was simply a reaction to the surprise.
Our first Windmill was at Katham , just before Volendam .This appeared to be working ,but the wind was so light we did wonder whether it was electrically powered for the tourists.These mills were used to pump water from the polders , a job later done by steam and now electric pumps. Most of Holland’s power comes from coal , but wind turbines are everywhere to be seen - so these must make a significant contribution
We made an essential ice cream stop in Edam, where Sue had to be dissuaded from buying a chunk of cheese that would have slowed her down for the next 200 miles.
Our destination in Hoorn was just over an hour’s ride from Edam , and we were all pleased to arrive at our hotel at about 5.30 p.m. Bikes were stored in a Garage , and our meal consisted of an "eat as much as you wish" from a selection of about 20 mini dishes - we all ate plenty to finish a pleasing and happy day
Day 3. Hoorn to Workum 57 miles. This was the day of the dreaded Afsluitdijk crossing - 20 miles of exposed cycling , and thunder and lightning had been forecasted. In preparation we appointed our tallest rider (Graham) to be our lightning conductor and were wondering where we could get a metal helmet for him when we noticed that ,in fact, it was bright and sunny outside without any sign of Thor and his hammer.
Our route today deviated slightly from the published route in that we headed inland to Medemblik instead of following the coast . Here we saw our second Windmill (Molen De Herder) , but more importantly Derek found another excellent coffee and cake stop.
we knew that after this stop we were heading for Den Oever - the beginning of the Dyke. What we didn’t realize was that there was a really lo-o-o-o-ng drag before we even reached Den Oever. When we eventually arrived, we were ready yet again for a recharge ,and Derek’s instinct led us to a superb fish restaurant. 
We lingered perhaps longer than necessary here, putting off the challenge ahead of us , but with fixed grins we set off in good spirits like RAF pilots before a raid. None of us knew what to expect, but in fact it’s a cycle path with a motorway running alongside - dead straight for 18 miles where there is a slight bend, then another 2 miles - dead straight. The wind was slight but almost head on.
I think we all found it a challenge , but those of us with coughs and colds were particularly brave and deserve special mention.
Although dead flat ,the path looked to be rising, and a mirage on the motorway made it look wet. Derek and Stan at one stage must have been a good two or three miles ahead of us mere mortals, and could be seen as minute white and yellow dots on the disappearing point. We saw a number of lycra louts whizzing past in the opposite direction with the wind behind them - we wondered whether they caught the (bike) bus back.
Although dead flat ,the path looked to be rising, and a mirage on the motorway made it look wet. Derek and Stan at one stage must have been a good two or three miles ahead of us mere mortals, and could be seen as minute white and yellow dots on the disappearing point. We saw a number of lycra louts whizzing past in the opposite direction with the wind behind them - we wondered whether they caught the (bike) bus back.
I think we were glad we did it , but would probably not want to do it again. It was interesting but a 2 hour slog can also be boring. What we certainly were glad of was the turn South at the end of the Dyke ; for the first time the wind was behind us and we could glide effortlessly through Friesland to our destination in Workum . 
Day 4 Workum to Sloten 31.2 miles. This was our planned easy day ; a shorter ride as a reward for crossing the dyke. Again the sky was generally bright but the temperature had dropped noticeably. Our route quickly led us to the coast and a village called Hindeloopen - a pleasant , convenient and necessary loo stop given the temperature.
We carried on around the coast via Stavoren and Mirns before cutting inland at Oudermirdum towards the tiny city of Sloten. We arrived at hotel Stedswal at about 4.00 p.m. and were glad to to get in for a warm up. Nonetheless someone had the bright idea of drinking the complimentary ½ bottle of wine that we all had , on the front terrace. We quickly decided to sort out a restaurant for the evening - not a difficult choice ; there were only two to choose from in this “city”. Hunger and cold meant we soon settled on ‘t Bolwerk where "mine host" took great pleasure in serving us. Our dithering over whether to have a dessert or not, was settled by our host filling the table with cheesecake, each with “slages uber” (cream) and charging only those who’d ordered it. |
| Rowingbike |
Our lunch stop was in the pretty harbour of Blokzijl, where most of ate at the Prins Mauritshus restaurant, but where Derek and Graham gorged themselves at a takeaway fish restaurant opposite. It was fortunate that this was a pretty stop (and warm) as it was here that Jerry decided to have his puncture. In fact he had two , and it transpired these were due to a manufacturing fault on some tubes he’d bought. After patching him up we were on our way again passing another windmill and feeling really Dutch as we crossed the Zwarte Water by ferry at Cellamuiden. We then travelled on to the large town of Kampen where we passed over the river IJsssel and did our one and only battle with traffic. Cars had been very deferential all the while we were on paths, but once on main city roads ….
After Kampen it was a pleasant ride along lanes to find our Hotel . This was very much a Travelodge type hotel situated on a motorway , but the restaurant was nothing like Little Chef - fully licenced and full menu. The food and surroundings were also excellent
Day 6 Zalk to Huizen . This route took us alongside the Veluwemeer all the way to Huizen. Again the sun shone for us , lighting up the barges and schooners on the sea. Less than an hour after setting off we were seduced by a windmill cafe and sat in the sun enjoying their homemade Dutch apple cake.
The next highlight of the day was lunch in Harderwijk ; a large holiday resort with a small sandy beach. We thought at first how nice it was that two mounted police were taking holiday snaps of the beach , then realized they were taking evidence of two dogs roaming free on the beach. We sipped our coffee as we watched them ride slowly down to the owners. Unfortunately they were out of earshot - it would have been entertaining to learn some expletive Dutch.
What we did hear however was a choir of men , dressed in bright pink , singing the song of the Hebrew slaves from a barge across the bay.
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| Back in Heutzen , celebrating the completion of the tour. |
We left Haderwijk to the sound of them singing ,and made our way back to our first hotel in Huizen and a drink to celebrate our completion of 253 miles around the IJsselmeer. True to form, the service at this hotel was slow (and that’s a compliment), but we were too pleased with ourselves to complain too loudly.
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| our guide Raphael |
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| Arrival in Amsterdam |
Day 8 Journey home. Derek left Huizen well before the rest of us as he had the 70 mile return journey to the Hook before catching an overnight ferry. He had some rain but an otherwise good trip.
Our return home was uneventful . Somehow the ferry crossing seemed longer going back than coming, and some of us even resorted to playing cards. Thunder and lightning greeted us as we approached Hertfordshire , this being the only bad weather of the holiday.
It was a great trip and very much a team effort , so thanks to all for the parts you played and the cheerful easy going company.
Chris deserves a special mention as - like last year - she was a real inspiration, source of encouragement and efficient organiser from the start ; thanks Chris and well done for cheerfully battling through your cough/cold. Really appreciated.
Ray
Saturday, June 20, 2015
Trip to WW1 Memorials ;Belgium 2015
In Flanders Fields
They say “things” go in threes. The Gremlins were certainly counting during the couple of days prior to our cycle trip to Belgium, around the WW1 battle sites.
“Thing”1. Two days before the off, one of our number managed to injure her shoulder by waving to someone across the road! What she was waving is unclear, but the injury was sufficient for her to have reluctantly to pull out of the trip. Fortunately the hotel was understanding and no cancellation fees were incurred.
“Thing”2. One day prior to the off, we discovered the ferry company had mistakenly cancelled one of the three vehicles we had booked for the crossing from Dover to Dunkirk. When this was pointed out to them, they advised that the 12.00 o’clock sailing was now full and this “extra” car would have to be squeezed on the 2.00 o’clock sailing – and oh, there’d be a £5 admin fee!! We graphically indicated what they should attempt to do with this £5, but had to accept their suggestion that we should arrive early in Dover in the hope they could get all three vehicles on the 12 o’clock.
“Thing”3. On the very day of our departure, the 7a.m. BBC News bulletin announced that all Ferry crossings to Calais had been suspended due to the discovery of a WW1 bomb. Traffic was being diverted to Dunkirk!!
We were cheerily greeted at the Flanders Best Western Hotel in Ieper, and our rooms and bike storage were quickly organised. We all commented on how efficient and friendly our reception had been, not realising at that stage that this was very much the hallmark of the hotel. Really superb in all respects.
That evening we walked into Ieper (Flemish name; French name -Ypres; Wipers to the British Tom), to witness the Mennen Gate ceremony. The monument itself has the names of thousands of fallen soldiers carved on its walls and ceiling, the impact of which is immediate and truly humbling. The ceremony has been held every evening since 1929, except during WW2 when Belgium was occupied by Germany. On our evening, the ceremony included the laying of wreaths from 10 organisations and families from all over the UK and one from Canada. It was particularly touching to see youngsters laying tributes to their long lost relatives. 
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| The Smurfs |
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| Essex Farm |
Our next stop was a few miles further north at a recently discovered dugout, of a Yorkshire regiment. Although this reconstruction is highly sanitised, it gives a good idea of the extent and conditions in these trenches.
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| Anne in Yorkshire Trenches |
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| The "Dodengang" |
We completed 56 miles on this first day, which meant that with visits, lunch and the wind (nothing to do with lunch), we arrived back to the hotel at about 7 o’clock, in time for dinner at 8 o’clock
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On day 2 of cycling, we completed the ‘Legacy Route’. This is a prescribed route to the East of Ieper, and follows the battle lines around Passchendaele The Passchendaele museum is extensive, and in itself really justifies a full day, but with riding and other visits to make, we had to limit our stay. |
| Graham and Barry taking advantage of the communial latrine in an underground bunker |
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| Baldrick |
Interestingly, this pub had a glass partition that isolated a smoking area. The lady proprietor twice retreated behind the glass for a drag, and sat there to all appearances like one of the ladies one can see in shop windows in Amsterdam or Brussels – or so I am told.
Towards the end of this ride we came to 'Tyne Cot' cemetery (named by Northumberland Fusiliers, who saw a similarity between the German Pill boxes of the area, and typical Tyneside workers cottages).
This huge cemetery and memorial to the missing, commands a broad rise in the landscape, and was strategically important to both sides.
We completed 36 miles on this day.
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We set off on Wednesday morning with some trepidation, as our route would lead to the south of Ieper and up to ‘Hill 60’ and the Messiness Ridge. We needn’t have worried however.Although this rise was undoubtedly significant to the military, it was no challenge to us hardened cyclists. This area is famous for the tunnelling exploits of Commonwealth Sappers in 1917. 22 Long tunnels, some over 100ft deep, were dug towards German lines and packed with explosives, which were detonated at 3.00 a.m. on 7th June. The explosion was said to rattle teacups in Whitehall. The attack was a success and has left 19 huge mine craters, such as the one at Hill 60 .Yet again the roads and paths were ideal for cycling and the numbered junctions made navigation easy
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Lunch, which had become an ‘all consuming’ topic, was taken in the town of Messen (or Messines in French). The café chosen had an attractive appearance from the outside and, shall we say, a certain Gallic charm on the inside – we were after all just 2 Kilometres from France. After lunch, we made a quick visit to the Messen Museum and headed for the challenge of the day - the Kemmelberg.  |
| Sue - Before the Kemmelberg |
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| Jerry -"Hill? What hill?" |
Lunch, the wind and the hills had taken their toll on all of us by the time we reached the villiage ofKemmel , and the vote was to cut out a hilly loop which would have taken us past the British underground headquarters. We decided to take a pleasant meander back to Leper and, because we were all tired, Chris decided to have the first of her slow punctures. We pumped her up and completed 41 miles this day.
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On our last day, we decided to cut short our planned ride so that we could spend the afternoon looking around Ieper itself. We set off early from the hotel and headed west to Poperinger, known as ‘Pop’ by the British Tommy. On route Chris decided to have her second slow puncture, but with that mended we still arrived in Pop by late morning.
Pop was maybe 6 miles from the battlefront, and was a place of R&R. It was here that Talbot House (Toc H) was established as an “every man” club by the Reverend “Tubby” Clayton. The idea was to provide a place of quiet respite for all ranks, away from the Pubs and Streets frequented by rowdy soldiers .
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| Talbot House |
We watch an enactment of entertainment of the time, and enjoyed a cup of ‘free’ coffee/tea -on offer as a reminder of the welcome given to the troops (mind you we had to pay to get in!).
We made a quick return to our Hotel, completing just 27 miles cycling this day, but spent our last afternoon enjoying the sites of Leper.
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| Exam time |
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| Cheers |
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| Chris - our Quiz organiser |
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| Guess who won the Quiz then |
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| first prize |
Belgium is certainly a cycle friendly country with a superb network of smooth paths and quiet lanes. What Belgium lacks in potholes however, it make up for in cobblestones in the towns and villages. Like Hieneken beer, cobblestone vibrations reach the parts you didn’t know you had
This was our first attempt at an overseas adventure, and it turned out to be an excellent trip thanks to everybody’s relaxed and friendly approach. So, well done folks-where shall we go next?
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