As Easter is early this year, too early for most to be out on the water, there was a new venture for East Coast Gaffers in March, a bike ride. Well supported, the bike ride is reported on here with assistance from AI ‘in the style of Jane Austen’, commissioned by Sarah Adie. The event was ably organised by Shona Fairchild.
“Under the capable guidance of Shona, our party set forth beneath a most obliging sky, where sunshine and clear blue expanse prevailed, though accompanied by a wind of such chilliness as to remind one of the season whenever shelter was withdrawn. Though a few among our number failed to appear, we found nine to be a company quite sufficient – indeed, admirably suited – to the gentle management of what might be termed a spirited assembly of cyclists of a certain experience. Of these, six were mounted upon electric contrivances of modern ingenuity, whilst three relied upon their own exertions; yet it must be confessed that even the former were, at intervals, obliged to dismount and proceed on foot, the terrain proving not entirely submissive to mechanical advantage.
Our course led us along off-road tracks of varied disposition: at times lightly veiled in sand, at others more deeply encumbered, and occasionally firm enough to afford relief, with but the smallest concession made to tarmac. We traversed forests of quiet dignity, open heathland of pleasing breadth, and passed through villages in Suffolk of a most picturesque character. One particularly charming churchyard, sheltered and serene, provided us with an agreeable spot for our picnic, where we might rest both limb and spirit. From time to time, the air carried the faint but unmistakable scent of pigs reared in the open, a rustic note that lent authenticity to the countryside experience. Thus concluded our excursion, with countenances bright and cheerful, though bodies not a little fatigued, as we made our several ways homeward in a state of satisfied exhaustion.”
Words: AI ‘in the style of Jane Austen’, commissioned by Sarah Adie
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