Forecast for today was damp start then gradually improving during the morning with the odd light shower, and thats what we got. Vic D,Peter C,Phil B,Chris M and myself set off at a brisk pace for Puddledock via  the Berwich Ponds loop arriving safely and with no incidents apart from usual bits of inconsiderate driving by a few drivers but thats par for the course these days and is not unexpected. Alan H and Bert H not related were already at cafe,Alan having mountain biked from Purfleet through the parks and Bert having taken the car.Whilst dining we were joined by John L by bike and Noel E by car.Usual chat much about world cup rugby from Chris who  has just got home from Japan.Setting off for home the original … Read entire article »

Thirteen riders assembled at Orsett  today for usual Berwich ponds loop and out to Puddledock for early lunch.Twelve set off at 10 am but as I hav’nt ridden for four weeks due to my accident I drove to Thames Chase with cross bike and rode a couple of circuits of the park and up and down Pike lane to get the feel of things again and happily felt no ill effects.Down to the cafe where we were joined by Jon L who had just completed another one of his four hour rides up river to Greenwich and back..Usual chat including Xmas lunch which has been booked for Dec 11th more details to follow when available, fifteen takers so far so a few places still available,you dont have to be a … Read entire article »

Five riders started at Orsett today including Nick G after a short break welcome back.I joined them at Puddledock where Bert H ,Peter C and later Jon L  who had made an early start and ridden to Woolwich and back all assembled making nine members in all out for todays social ride.Weather was a typical autumn mixed bag,warm,cloudy and damp but the riders seemed reasonably upbeat and not complaining about anything much.Usual chat over leisurely brunch before setting off for home when the riders were caught in at least one nasty shower so were probably a mite damp by the time they reached home.Please remember its the club s charity ride to Damyns Hall airfield this coming sunday,weather permitting hope to see you all there. Bob D. … Read entire article »

Yesterday Ivan B and myself set off at 5am for our trip over to surrey,first stop Cobham services for quick breakfast then on to Ripley for 7am entry. As usual frantic early trading as Ebay dealers and the like rush around for the early bargains followed by a steady flow of browsers settling down to a leisurely market like atmosphere. More food and drink from the onsite caterers and much catching up with old friends and acquaintances .All this on a lovely sunny day and a reasonable journey home after midday made for a great day out in the wider cycling community, hopefully the next one will be nearer home at Navestockside  around Christmas time. Bob D. … Read entire article »

Hi All,this coming saturday fellow member Ivan Brown and myself will be attending a cycle jumble in Ripley village hall and grounds not far from Guilford in surrey.For the uninitiated a cycle jumble is like a boot fair for bikes and anything cycling related,from a nut and bolt to complete bikes of all shapes and sizes,prices from a few pence to thousands of pounds.I am hoping to sell some stuff from my collection to make a bit of garage space but these events are great social occasions where you can meet up with many interesting people from the cycling world.This particular meet is one of the biggest in the country with up to 100 stalls and people visit from all over the world.Hope to give a favorable report next week. … Read entire article »

Ten riders started at Orsett  today,on the road they became three separate groups all arriving at cafe stop within a few minutes of each other.I arrived by car and we were joined by Jon L who had started out a little later..Apparently nothing untoward on the road today and everyone enjoying the welcome  sunshine.Not sure when I will be back on bike but hope it wont be too long. Bob D. … Read entire article »