Twelve riders assembled at Orsett this morning,as suggested a trip to Blackmore was on offer and this was the preferred option for about a third of those present,however they decided not to split the group and we all set off together led by Ivan by an alternative route through Horndon and up to Doesgate before rejoining the regular route in Bulphan.Some of us were dropped on the little climb up to Langdon Hills Golf Club but the leaders waited for us and from then on we all stayed more or less together by a round the houses route through Upminster and out to the “Optimist”before rejoining the Berwich Ponds road and back then to Puddledock via Corbetts Tey.Because of the longer distance involved we arrived later than usual at 1130 … Read entire article »

Jon Lane wrote: Dear All. I’m planning a very easy recreational ride around Canvey Island this Bank Holiday Monday 22nd April 2019, meeting at Benfleet rail station at 10.15, leave about 10.30ish… You will need an MTB, Cyclocross or hybrid type bike as the planned route around the island, seven miles or so… is a bit bumpy etc. On the plus, the weather looks fine, a very pleasant family/community cafe on the south side overlooking the beach and estuary… With this one there’s time to ride from home, or park the car – with bike – in the large council car park – free on B/hol’s. Alternatively, the trains, (C2C) – are running regularly… Some of you may have been beasting up and down hills recently! – this one’s definitely a relaxing … Read entire article »

Gateway AGM 2019 I am writing to remind all our members that the Gateway AGM has been scheduled for Friday 10th May at 7:30. The agenda for the AGM will follow the usual format and will include a section where any other business can be discussed. If any member would like to raise a matter in any other business, the committee would be grateful if you could submit details in order that we can include the matter on the agenda. We are having a committee meeting on 15th April when the agenda can be agreed for publication. Finally, a number of the committee have decided to stand down from their roles and we will therefore be looking for volunteers to step into the roles to enable Gateway Cycling to continue successfully for the next … Read entire article »

Dave Retigan has just received this. If you would like to put your name forward  please let him know. Dear Gateway Cycling, We are delighted to tell you that your application into the 2019 Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100 British Cycling Club Challenge on Sunday 4 August, has been successful. You have been allocated: 0 Female team(s) 0 Male team(s)} 1 Mixed team(s) Please note the above allocation cannot be swapped for a different type of team. Each rider on the team must pay their own entry fee (£69) and complete their own online entry form by 17:00 Friday 31 May. Important: if all four members in a team do not complete their entry, they will not receive a team time. However, they will still receive an individual time. It is not possible to merge any incomplete teams. You will be sent an entry link by 17:00 on Friday … Read entire article »

A great day out for Gateway Cycling last Sunday. There were 6 entries for the 150 km ride and 9 entries for the 100 km. I had a plus one, in the shape of my brother Richard. Organisation was really good, with a simple check in in a nice warm tent. Marshalling and signage was excellent, as was the Garmin route downloaded onto my bike computer. We also had Peter Clark with us who had been out at some silly time in the morning to help lay out the course. I was in the shorter ride group, although still a good distance for me. We were told to leave before the official start time of 09:00 as it was a bit chilly to hang around on the start line. We … Read entire article »

I am writing to advise all our members that the Gateway AGM has been scheduled for Friday 10th May at 7:30. The agenda for the AGM will follow the usual format and will include a section where any other business can be discussed. If any member would like to raise a matter in any other business, the committee would be grateful if you could submit details in order that we can include the matter on the agenda. We are having a committee meeting on 15th April when the agenda can be agreed for publication. Finally, a number of the committee have decided to stand down from their roles and we will therefore be looking for volunteers to step into the roles to enable Gateway Cycling to continue successfully for the next year. The members … Read entire article »

From Jon L Ten of us made the Tilbury ferry on time and completed the planned circuit, back in Essex, safe and sound, before the return, 2pm ferry cut off… The Cliffe cafe served us well with good grub and friendly service – all this overlooking the lake – Buckland Lake Reserve. Mark, (Taff…) had repeated mechanical problems – chain jumping from the big cog and wedging hard between the spokes and the top cog – I’m sure many have experienced this! Despite this and a few other small hiccups… we all stayed together. – with much help, support and encouragement from everyone. (Special thanks to Peter C, Vic C and Ivan – capable and experienced riders…) Mark doggedly persevered, with his usual good humour – which we all enjoyed… It was … Read entire article »

From Bob D. A fine turnout of fifteen today ,fourteen members plus Ricardo hopefully a prospective Member, I think he enjoyed his first trip with us.Usual split into several small groups and even slight variation in routes due to road works in the Corbetts Tey area but all arriving safely at the cafe for early lunch.Chatting round the table on these occasions can become quite animated at times and I love to hear the diverse ideas and opinions expressed by our motley crew.Homeward bound we split again with the Orsett bound group finally regrouping again by the Whitmore for a final chew over the days events and some club gossip before heading for home and in my case for well deserved feet up in front of the fire. Long may this … Read entire article »

From Jon Lane. The earth tilts and everything changes… it’s the spring equinox today – with fifteen riders meeting at Orsett. No ice, rain or wind to speak of this week, we set out around the regular circuit, the faster folk taking the lead. Surprisingly, (or unsurprisingly?) for he’s a wiley old rider… Bob D was up there in the peloton with the best (-: At the back Melvin R and me chatted most of our way around the lanes, taking the slightly shorter Sunnings Lane cut through and back to the Cafe. It was like a ‘respectful’ invasion of Puddle Dock, tables and chairs shoved together with good natured banter and gossip – the racket was like a school dinner hall – good grub, great stuff… The big question was: … Read entire article »