Southend

Tuesday 17th June Early start today (9.30). “Elevenses” was at Oliver’s Nursery which was a bit too far for what I used to refer to as the easy riders until some one got offended. Funny that, as there used to be a separate Easy Riders Section which came to an end due to a lack of members. At Littley Green Compasses a table was being prepared for 90th birthday party which is the reason they wanted us there early. The return of the 12 riders was incident free as far as I know but a little warm. Mel

Thursday 19th June In the past today could have been our traditional Longest Day ride. That tradition seems to have slipped away. Although we didn’t go to our old venue, Andrewsfield Airbase in Stebbing, we did go in that direction, The Swan in Rayne. According to the news today was our hottest day this year and it felt it! Hydration was key today. Elevenses was at Papermill Lock where all our cyclists decided it was preferable to sit in the shade. From a traffic point of view the roads were pretty quiet. We nearly lost Nick at Little Leighs as he took a wrong turn and headed down the dual carriageway. After his return we seemed to be hit by a plague of little flies. Lunch at the pub was good value for money and well worth another return. Once again we all kept in the shade. The return home was even hotter. We made good time. I thought I was taking it easy but we averaged 13.5 mph. It must have been faster because of the warmer temperatures! Nick felt a bit rough at the end. Just over 57 miles for me. Trev

2025 Puncture Competition