Orford Again and Always a Delight (C#55)
Thursday 3 November, 102 Miles
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Well, if there
was any doubt about when autumn would fully arrive the frosts of the last
couple of mornings have dispelled any uncertainty. That said, I do enjoy riding
on a cold, clear, crisp morning when the sun is trying to break through the
remnants of any overnight mist. And today was just such a day so it would have
been rude not to take advantage of it. And what better to make the most of the
favourable conditions than go on one of my favourite rides – to Orford. Yes, I
know I’ve been there a lot – most recently about two weeks ago. But it is a
lovely ride.
So waking the
Infinito from its slumbers we were underway just as soon as the frost showed
signs of thawing slightly. At this time of year with the sugar beet harvest in
full swing the smaller lanes can be a bit of a nightmare, puncture wise, so we
tend to avoid them where possible and stick to ‘B’ roads and the wider lanes.
If the road surface is wet then the minor lanes really are a no-no. We’ve got
to know which lanes are best avoided quite well now.
Another
challenge can be road closures and today was no exception. Within two miles our
progress was thwarted by a closure for a bridge repair and as there was no
prospect of shouldering the Impulso and jumping the trench, a detour was
necessary. Fortunately we could see that the road was impassable immediately so
didn’t have to engage in any annoying backtracking – we simply turned right
instead of going left onto the bridge and added an extra three miles on. For
those readers who like to know about these things there’s quite a good website
(roadworks.org) where the various folk who dig up roads are required to
publish information in advance about what’s going on. It’s map based and very
easy to use. I mainly use it, when I remember, during the tar and chip season
to work out which roads to avoid. Looking at the site when I got home I learnt
that the bridge was closed on Monday and will be shut for a fortnight. So that’s
helpful.
Further on in
the ride we encountered another closure. Unfortunately when we arrived at this one we faced having to backtrack about five miles with an additional eight miles or
so to get back on the proper route. I guessed the road was being resurfaced in the
village that lay about a mile ahead and decided to chance it. If I was correct
then there had to be pedestrian access which meant we would be able to pass,
cyclo-cross style. Reaching the barriers we realised that I was right and the
guy manning the barriers told us we would be able to get through on the
path/pavement. Result!
Now readers, if
this all seems like I’m making a fuss about not very much then bear in mind
that the last thing I want to do near the start of any ride is go on some
random safari of the countryside, unless that’s the purpose of the ride. Also,
at this time of year although I do carry some lights with me we really prefer
to get back home while we can still see where we am going! So, pah!!
I snuck a few
changes into the ‘standard’ route so instead of going via Saxmundham and Snape,
today we went via Wickham Market and Tunstall on the way to Orford. Arriving in
Orford we had a quick spin down to the quayside which was surprisingly busy.
Then it was back to the village centre to catch up on recent developments since
our last visit on 17 October. Sadly, neither Action Man, with or without his
combat boots, nor Miss Moneypenny were anywhere to be seen so an update on the
amorous affairs of Orford will have to await a further visit. Consequently, we
headed over to the Pump Street Bakery for you know what. (I had a very tasty
mini-sourdough baguette with ham and a spot of Dijon while the Infinito had the
usual raspberry donut – which apparently was still warm.)
Sitting outside the Bakery in the full sun
it was actually surprisingly warm and we amused ourselves by watching the
passing visitors parade around the village square. Peering through the window
of the (closed) Butley Orford Oysterage was a particularly popular activity.
The Oysterage is up there with the best as reported in The Times: “30 things to eat before you die15: Fish pie
at Butley Orford Oysterage. Great fish pie combines the exotic excitement of
seafood – with its evocations of cold, mysterious depths – with the cosy warmth
of creamy mash. Here, the pie has the perfect mix.” The Infinito got quite
excited by this and wanted to know how soon we would be coming back.
With our lunches eaten and the sights,
smells and sounds of Orford absorbed we set off for the return leg this time
following the ‘standard’ route via Hollesley, Woodbridge and Debenham.
Gradually, as the sun dropped towards the horizon the temperature cooled down and
I was very glad of the wind proofing provided by my (excellent) Castelli Gabba
jacket. This is a wonderful piece of clothing and today, with the average
temperature hovering around 5°C, all I needed
to wear was a base layer and the Gabba. It’s very popular with professional
cyclists, so much so that Castelli used to sell a version complete with a black
felt pen to hide the logos for those pros whose team used a different kit
sponsor. And yes, eagle-eyed readers, I know that the Gabba has been rebranded
by Castelli as the Perfetto. And that properly sums up today’s ride – Perfetto!
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