Sunday 10th July Recreation Ride to Barleylands

About twenty of us gathered at Bulphan on a perfect sunny Sunday morning. The slightly speedier riders set off as usual and us leisure riders at a steadier pace. Ably led by Dave, along with newcomers Jane and Hanh, with Terry and me. Out towards Dunton’s back lanes and through the ‘caravan park’ to Laindon with its ever changing building developments. Crossing the bridge over the A127 and on to Noak Bridge. A left turn here and into the family friendly Barleyands – A shady and tranquil stop for coffee, cake, sandwiches and chat, getting to know one another. Refreshed, and out through the leafy, and picturesque Noak Bridge housing estate. Onwards to the grassland and shades of Gloucester Park. Up the ‘hospital hill’ tackled with pluck and vigour by new riders Hanh and Jane, Dry Street and a pause a top One Tree Hill. Downhill and a sharp right turn through the gap to the quirky service/recreational road beside the A13 and over Greenacres Farm Bridge. Through the waist high crop and the kissing gates crossing the railway, onto Stanford town centre. Here a straight run along the Stanford Road cycle track homeward – to Grays. In great company – an ordinary but also extraordinary – Gateway Cycling – morning ride…

Cheers! to all 🙂 Jon L.