2 Summer Rides

From Jon Lane

On Sunday (25 8 19) four of us set out from Bulphan in the heat… and headed towards the Ingrebourne Valley Path. With the cooling stream running beside us, a few shady trees and at a steady pace we didn’t overheat. We stopped beside the pleasant Spitfire cafe to ensure we were all well hydrated. The holiday atmosphere was in the air with kids, dogs, families and all sorts of folk braving the temperature. On to Rainham village and the Delight cafe for their excellent value tea/coffee and ‘brunch’… With Dave F, Lee H and Tracey A – I’m not sure if it was the summer silly season or what – but we all had a good laugh, jokes and joshing all round… Across the Marsh, then alongside the millpond like Thames towards the RSPB centre. As mentioned by Bob D, we called in at the Barrel Store museum and had a good chat with Bob and his historical and heritage mates. Homeward to Grays via London Road! braving the Lakeside shopping traffic (jams)… we went our separate ways – all round a most enjoyable ride, in very cheery company…

Bank holiday Monday (26 8 19) at the last last moment Dave emailed a few and in short we met up at the Wildlife Centre cafe at Mucking, each coming from different routes. Dave, Richard E, Sharon P and later joined by Jane E, Richards’ wife. A convivial chat all round for quite while… The holiday atmosphere was still here, the racket of a kids party in the background… With the heat just as intense we set out. Dave with Richard and his new road bike on tarmac roads to Grays. Sharon and me a circular route via Rainbow Lane, Stanford Marshes then picking up the newish off road route of compacted gravel, from Mucking towards East Tilbury. A desert like heat now… this off set by the two large cool lakes and much greenery. At Princess Margaret Road we headed for Coalhouse Fort for more refreshment followed by a Thameside ride to Tilbury. Wonderful big blue skys here, sailboats, wild fowl and the inevitable land fill trucks still working in the sweltering sun. Tilbury Docks and home… Yet another great Gateway Cycling holiday weekend.

I hope the rest of you had a good one as well (-:

Cheers! – to All…

Jon Lane.