New Years Day Recreation Ride

Dear All.
Not that long back from the first Club ride of 2016. 12 – 13 came along to a damp nippy start, the youngest being three years old, the oldest – I better not say…

A slow steady pace with time to chat – everyone pretty much keeping together. At the Mardyke Valley we negotiated a few spots of mud and a couple of puddles without incident.
On through Watts Wood and past the Circus Tavern, usually heaving with HGV’s but today quiet and peaceful. Onto Purfleet where the cycleway has been improved a bit. Approaching the RSPB centre, inspiring vistas up the Thames to the city. A couple of folk dropped off here for an early tea. Most took the circular route, ably led by ten year old Matt’, via the marsh road, concrete barges and the river route. Eye catching estuary views here, wading birds, shinning mud and the arch of the QE2 Bridge, against the big wide white sky – wonderful! Onto the cafe for our refreshments where the RSPB stock of sausage sandwiches was significantly depleted – Gateway eating at its best!
A return trip via the old A13 cycle paths, again no lorries and dispersal to our homes.
Good riding in great company – Gateway Cycling – it’s what we do…

Cheers.
Jon