Latest Gateway News
Last Forum Day 21
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 »
Tuesday 13th Ride etc
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 »
Last Forum Day 14 (mid week ride)
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 »
Last Forum Day 13
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 »
Last Forum Day 12
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 »
Last Forum Day 11
From Bob D Rode out to Bulphan to meet up with the sunbday ride groups,a goodly number there mostly in their Gateway kit.Three groups set off for different destinations none of which I felt comfortable with so set off solo for Rainham via Corbets Tey arriving at Heritage Centre after 24 miles.As most of that was head wind spent a couple of hours resting and partaking of coffee and cake.Nice following wind home on the A 1306 cycle path only spoiled by the numerous dangerous crossings thankfully safely negotiated.Total millage 34 so good start for week. Hope we can get out WEdnesday as usual although forecast not looking too promising. Bob D. … Read entire article »
Last Forum Day 8
From Bob D. Just in from my longest and most adventurous ride for some considerable time.Fifty two miles solo,yep thats Epic for me.Out via Orsett ,Dunton,Little Burstead ( climb),first stop Burstead Tea rooms for coffee and cake.On through Billericay, Hutton to Mountnessing where plan was for brunch at Francseca’s but closed for refurbishment.Not all bad news as butchers next door do award winning pasties so put one in pocket for later.On again through Wyatts Green to Doddinghurst where had pastie and drink from bottle on the Green in the sunshine.Off again and up Shenfield Hall lane ( climb ) Worrin Road (shallow climb ) on to Brentwood and down through Warley to Cranham round Berwich loop where next planned stop was Berwich Tea rooms unfortunately sods law closed indefinately.On wards towards … Read entire article »
Last Forum Day 7
From Bob D Today was normal midweek ride,12 riders plus two walking wounded arrived safely at Puddledock,slight change of personnel this week ,a couple of regulars on holiday replaced by Juan G and Tony G nice to see them with us again.We were soon in two groups of six and these managed to stay together for the whole loop.Speaking for the second group we in spite of some strong winds enjoyed a pacey trouble free ride averaging about 16.5mph for the day.Having been warned (no stirring), chat today was remarkably uncontroversial with Juan and myself indulging in some spanish cycling history which made a nice change.Nice to see Joe back with us after his hols in the USA,love his old school bikes and kit.Back in Orsett Phil and myself availed ourselves … Read entire article »
Last Forum Day 6
From Bob D Nice solo 28 mile ride today,no incidents of note but bumped into Chris G on way home so nice long chat in Bulpan ensued.Club Kit seems topical at the moment so perhaps a good time to advertise a piece surplus to requirements.I have a Giordiana Gateway Rain Jacket original price £70 which is neither waterproof nor breathable but would make an excellent boiler bag.I am willing to swap this useless bit of kit for either a third hand Castelli Gabba or Gore Tex One Shakedry size about 4XL.On a lighter note I have a rare 1st edition Club jersey that is definitely a collectors item,unlike todays kit it is all white with navy blue printing on the back including the founding secretarys phone number,if memory serves only 6 … Read entire article »
