or To Mildnehall and Back Again
This ride report will be done in three sections:
1 the ride report proper, penned during the trip
2 lessons learned and overall reflection
3 photographs
Day One - OutboundI write this sitting outside
Judes Ferry on the banks of the Lark River, drinking a pint of Black Dog. My garlic mushrooms have just been delivered...
A few weeks ago it struck me it would be a good idea to load up the bike as I plan to do for my
Camino, cycle out somewhere at least 100km away from home, camp*, then cycle back the next day.
The usual faffing and doing of things which should have been done the night before meant I left after 09:00. Still had plenty of time, but earlier would have been better. An earlier departure would have meant quieter roads (even quieter if I had left at 05:00) but it would have made no difference regarding weather.
The rain was not welcome – or needed – for this trip, but I guess it was good ‘worst case scenario’ practice. Decided to avoid the more direct home-Woodford-Epping to start. Big mistake. The next best route joining the Epping Road at the DunRun petrol station stop turned out to be more up-and-down, but with narrower roads. During the initial downpours some of my up-hills were also up-stream! I was actually relieved to get to the Epping Road, and even managed my customary cheer when crossing the M25. I was amazed by the bumper-to-bumper traffic in Epping. Made good use of the flexibility of a narrower vehicle to bypass the worst of it.
I must pause as my Frutti di mare pasta has arrived... Lovely! May consider pudding in a bit, but will definitely have another pint.
From the Epping Road I followed a DunRun-like route, including the Jurek
Deviation Diversion to Moreton. After Moreton I deviated from the usual route and took some quiet – of sometimes grotty – back lanes, rejoining at the Rodings. From there the plan was to follow the DunRun Route to Finchingfield for lunch, then carry on following my own route.
By Great Bardfield I had enough and stopped in at
The Bell Inn for lunch. Upon arrival I encountered the cook, who graciously let me store my bike in their garage, thereby allowing me to leave bags on my bike. It’s a pleasant pub, and rather quiet as well. As I was soaked, started off with a coffee. A pint of Vixen washed down asparagus & mint soup and pork fillet stuffed with plums and brie with potatoes
au gratin and assorted veg. I had no desire to head back out into the rain, but needs must.
I was cold, almost shivering, but warmed up soon after Finchingfield. At this point (Charlotte and Julian, look away now) it struck me I could have checked the Asparagus & Strawberries 400 route for ideas. (OK, it’s safe to look now.)
The rain continued on and off – mostly on – along some pleasant lanes and some less than nice A roads. The only good bits of the A143 were the Tubby T’s (Day Two) and the RAF Stradishall Memorial. During WW2 this part of the country must have felt like one continuous airbase.
I passed through Moulton then briefly hit familiar territory in Kennett. It was odd pressing on and not stopping at the Red Lodge transport café, but my route was taking me through Chippenham (the British ‘Springfield’?) and that close to my destination I thought it best to press on.
It was just after Chippenham I remembered another Audax route I could have referenced – Mildenhall 200 from a few years ago.
Just outside West Row I was warm and dry enough to finally remove my jacket. It was even sunny! Although there’s only one proper turn in West Row on the way to the
Willows campsite, the road constantly weaves and meanders. I think it’s to counter-balance the Fen roads just beyond.
The Willows is a great site with friendly owners with a friendly dog – the cat was aloof. I did enjoy the Union flag bedecked viewing platform overlooking the runway of the US air base.
Though still daylight, the clouds have made it a bit darker and colder, so I shall relocate indoors for another hour or so (plus my pudding) before retiring for the evening.
'Day Two' to follow...
