From Bob D Ten riders at Orsett today including Karine a newcomer on her first ride with us.Taking a leaf from the saturday group I asked if as an experiment everyone was prepared to ride as one group at precisely 15 mph on the outward leg and see what the outcome would be.I thought this worked rather well with everyone cooperating resulting in a very comfortable ride for all albeit taking about 15 minutes longer than normal.The weather changed from cloudy and damp to bright and sunny so lunch was taken outside where there was a light cooling breeze.we were joined here by Jon L and Keith W making 12 for the day.After quite a lengthy stay the homeward trip was made at a very fast pace as usual making todays … Read entire article »

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 … Read entire article »

From Mark Woolven 9 riders set off from Bulphan at 8.30 on a long route to the Blue Egg. We made our way to Warley, which was a nice start to the ride climbing the hills to get to south Weald. Then we followed the lanes to North Weald, and we were soon on our way to stansted. We followed some great quiet lanes with some lovely views. By time time we got to Thaxted the heat was getting to us and we needed to stop for water breaks and to get our breath back. We got to the Blue Egg at 11.45 and had a well earned lunch break. We sat outside in the sun eating our lunch, which I must say is always fantastic from this Cafe! All home made. Once … Read entire article »

Tina and I joined Mark Woolven’s Saturday social ride last week. I think there were about 8 or 9 of us on the ride, which started from Orsett at 10.00. I believe the idea is to get riders who are not confident or experienced at riding in a group, to do just that. We rode at a steady pace of 14 or 15 MPH via Bulpham, past Puddledock Farm, Berwick Ponds, Stubbers and back down Fen Lane. No one was dropped and there were the occasional shouts of “slow down” to keep the group together when going up the “hills”. It was a really enjoyable ride and Tina said that it was a great confidence booster. So if there are any new riders out there, come along and give it … Read entire article »

From Bob D. Thirteen riders out today plus Peter C and myself by car.We all arrived at the cafe just after 11am and I understand from the riders that they had enjoyed a fast over 18 mph ride in near perfect cycling conditions.A leisurely brunch outside in the sunshine followed by usual chat and banter then some splitting up for different homeward journeys.Hoping to be back riding by next week and joining you all Bob D. … Read entire article »

From Jon Lane Bob. Good to read your posts, keep ’em coming, well done laying down the miles… I had a good ride myself today, up to Mile End hospital. A run through Barking and Ilford area, a great ethnic diverse mix of folk here – and a loop around the canals and the back ways to the hospital. For me these quirky and interesting routes of East London are fascinating… A coffee with my fellow diabetic mate Darren and into our extremely well run and organised support group… Home through more back ways, taking in Poplar High Street, Leamouth, Silvertown and through the Woolwich foot tunnel. Instead of a river side ride I found a flat-ish route via Thamesmead and onto Erith. Blood sugar going low… so had a ‘Macdonalds’ scoff, Big … Read entire article »

From Bob D Only Alan H and Noel E braved the rain for todays ride .They plus five of us in cars met as usual at Puddledock for extended lunch break.Much chat but nothing much of importance concluded.Andy has suggested a ride tomorrow if any interest post here or on Whats App,Although forecast is drier tomorrow there could be lots of standing water about so careful route needed. Bob D. … Read entire article »

From Bob D Another mini epic for me today, Orsett to Dunton,Billericay,Goatsmoor lane,Stock,Margaretting ,Ingatestone and first stop Mountnessing where I was lucky to get a free coffee from the lady refurbishing Francescas which will be reopening in september under new management.Then on to Hutton, Hanging Hill Lane ,Warley and on to second stop at Thames Chase.Up until then mostly uphill and head wind so relief to turn eastwards for return via N Ockendon with following breeze.Orsett to Orsett 42 miles thus making 103 miles in last 3 days not bad going.Saw 2 Gateway members Dave K and Chris G at different points on the road showing the flag.The only downside today was the enormous amount of close passing in the lanes it’s really getting quite scary.If its raining tomorrow will go … Read entire article »

From Bob D. WET WET ride today,had only done a couple of miles when the heavens opened and in a couple of minutes was seriously wet.The rain was so heavy had to make for the nearest Bus shelter and remain there half an hour until it eased off enough to continue. On reaching Bulphan rain finally stopped and eventually reached the Crem cafe 30 mins late to meet Vic D .After some interesting topical chat left for home chasing ominous black clouds but fortunately never quite catching them.27 miles to add to this weeks total so target 100 is looking easily doable as its only monday.Hope to see some of you on wednesday weather permitting of course. Bob D. … Read entire article »