Twelve riders assembled at Orsett this morning,as suggested a trip to Blackmore was on offer and this was the preferred option for about a third of those present,however they decided not to split the group and we all set off together led by Ivan by an alternative route through Horndon and up to Doesgate before rejoining the regular route in Bulphan.Some of us were dropped on the little climb up to Langdon Hills Golf Club but the leaders waited for us and from then on we all stayed more or less together by a round the houses route through Upminster and out to the “Optimist”before rejoining the Berwich Ponds road and back then to Puddledock via Corbetts Tey.Because of the longer distance involved we arrived later than usual at 1130 which suited me fine as I was then able to order off the lunch menu instead of the breakfast one.Apparently over this longer distance the whole group averaged over 17 mph which I think is pretty good all round.The return was no slouch either and I for one was glad to see Orsett after what had been a great day out.Before heading home Phil and I spent half an hour exercising in the Orsett outdoor gym proving we were not completely knackered only nearly.If anyone wants to propose something different next week post it and see what happens. BOB D
