A SUNDAY RIDE – 5.2.2023… by Jon Lane

A nice little ride yesterday, Sunday 5 Feb’ 2023. Dave, with Tracy and Alan set out from Bulphan towards Basildon via Lower Dunton, through the Caravan Park to Laindon and on… The Plan was to head for the Garden café, at the end of Cranes Farm Road. I set out for the café from home. We knew the place was closing down and we thought it may have new owners – but with shackled gates, not so… A bit nippy with a low dazzling sun and a north easterly breeze Dave implemented plan B. Leading us through urban Bas’ and to the new ‘Coco’ on Whitmore Way, (SS14 3JU), in a parade of shops there. The same owners from the Garden Cafe, with very good quality eats, friendly chatty staff and reasonably priced. Onwards, skirting Gloucester Park and up ‘Hospital Hill’ (Nethermayne), and along Dry Street and the hedgerows to One Tree Hill. A little pause here to appreciate the distant green marsh lands to the Thames estuary… Down the Hill and a sharp right turn through the gate and along the odd little service road, taking us to Greenacres Farm Bridge and over the A13. A super little out of the way route here, a few of us have taken before… Crossing over the railway line and to the back end of SLH… homeward along the old A13 – in great company… More jolly, steady leisure rides coming soon… Have a Fabulous! week folks. Cheers! (-: Jon L.