From Bob D. Eight riders set off from Orsett spot on 10am which was unfortunate for the ninth John K who was a couple of minutes late and didnt catch up until the cafe stop.Chris M is on holiday this week which is probably why we left on time as Chris is notorious for arriving about 1003 so normally we never leave without him if we know he is coming which is almost always.We were soon split into small groups of twos and threes which worked out fine as everyone found a pace to suit them and all arrived at cafe within a few minutes of each other.Weather was still mild but strong wind made made the going a bit hard work for those of us not as fit as we … Read entire article »

From Bob D. Eight riders at Orsett today. Jon L had left early for a run up to Woolwich arranging to meet us at the Puddle later.Vic D hung back to ride with me while the others gradually pulled away and were out of sight before reaching Bulphan. Vic and myself took the Sunnings lane short cut and arrived at the cafe a couple of minutes before the fast boys.The temp at start was a chilly 2 degrees and with a bit of wind chill took a few miles to warm up enough to feel comfortable.Fortunately after lunch the temp had risen to a more bearable 6 and the sun came out and with the wind mostly favorable the return via the Top Meadow route for a change was a pleasure … Read entire article »

From Jon Lane A good number of riders turned out at Bulphan this morning for the first proper Sunday ride 2019 – at least 16 or more, I didn’t count … A bit overcast but no ice, wind or rain to bother us. One group headed for Blackmore via a different route but our Rec’ group of four, Bob D, Lee H, led by Dave F we headed via a circuitous route towards Rainham. Taking in the ‘hard paths’ (no cars) … along the Ingrebourne Valley this was ideal, a nice steady manageable pace taking in the parkland winter scene. We stopped at the ‘Delight Cafe’ in Rainham village, excellent value here, Bob said it’s as cheap as Corbett’s Tey Crem’… to be recommended. Onward over the railway line, across the marsh … Read entire article »

The committee would like to wish all of our members a happy New Year and an enjoyable, successful and safe year of cycling for 2019. If you have set yourself some new challenges, it would be great if you could let us know and keep us updated with your progress throughout the year. Membership fees are due this month and the committee are requesting that you pay your membership before the end of January. This will help us all to keep our records up to date and ensure that we declare our membership numbers correctly with British Cycling. Payment can be made by bank transfer into the club bank account 30-18-34 01559612 using member’s name as reference. Alternatively you can pay by cash or cheque on club night which will be on 11th January … Read entire article »

From Bob D Six  of us turned up at Orsett for our Boxing day ride.We were seen off by Jon L who is still not feeling 100% so is not riding at the moment.We picked up Kenny Slowcoach at Bulphan who rode with us as far as Cranham before leaving for home.The rest of us then completed the Berwich Ponds loop and made for Thames Chase for coffee and cakes.We split up for different routes home in what can only be described as great cycling conditions,not too cold,not much wind and no rain, if this is global warming bring it on.There were quite a few other cyclists out today some of whom we recognised so obviously not everyone is suffering from yesterdays over indulgences . Hoping to see some of you on … Read entire article »

From  Bob D. Only four riders started at Orsett today.Chris G,Alan H,Noel E set off in a slight rain shower with myself following on behind gradually dropping further back until they were out of sight up the road.Soloing out towards Bulphan was pleased to see a Greater Spotted Woodpecker and a Buzzard ,not particularly common birds in this area. Taking my usual short cut arrived at the cafe just as Vic D turned up by car followed shortly by the three riders and then Bert H, Dave R and Ivan B all by car. Usual lively chat with a festive flavor then made ready for homeward departure, unfortunately Chris had acquired a rear flat but this was sorted reasonably quickly and everyone set off for home. Alan and myself did a recce to … Read entire article »

From Jon L. New Year’s Day ride 1st January 2019 Family Recreation Ride… We live in ever changing times – but some things you can depend on and that’s the Gateway Cycling’s New Years Day ride – Tuesday 1st January 2018. Meeting by the steps of Blackshots Leisure Centre, Blackshots Lane, Grays RM16 2JU, at 09.45, depart 10.00. We head off towards the RSPB Centre at Purfleet, not on the roads but along cycle tracks/paths – at a slow steady pace. About 10.30 We’ll call in at Davy Down, Mardyke Valley,Country Park, (car park) off Pilgrims Lane, Grays RM15 5UL. If you wish – we can pick up those of you who would like to start from here. The route is mainly flat throughout and would be suitable for riders of all abilities, … Read entire article »

From Bob D Six of us today set off from Orsett for usual jaunt around the local lanes to end up at Puddledock for early lunch. Everyone managed to get round “Crackup Corner” in Parkers Farm road safely and that was the last I saw of the other five until we met up again at the cafe.We were joined there by Jon L who arrived by car and usual chat ensued.Peter C left early for home and by the time the rest of us left a light rain had started and the wind had risen to over twenty mph. I managed to persuade the others to return via Pike lane instead of Dunnings lane thus getting a bit of shelter in the trees and avoiding the windswept open spaces of Bulphan … Read entire article »

From Frances H. Just a reminder that the Gateway Christmas get together is on Friday 7th December at the Kings Arms, Stifford Clays Road, Orsett, RM16 3LX from 7:30. As usual the first drink is on the club and there will be a buffet. Hope to see you all! PS. This is instead of Club Night on 14th December. … Read entire article »