Southend

Thursday 1st January First day of the year and first club ride. Rather chilly at the start with only five riders at the Turnpike. As we made our way to Rettendon village three more riders joined us. I could feel my fingers getting cold with two layers of gloves but Keith was OK with his electrically heated ones. By the time we came into Maldon the temperature had risen. Elevenses was at the Maldon Spoons which was busy. I sat with Jim and we discussed how the aircraft in Hanningfield Reservoir may be removed. I assume a floating crane and barge will be required. On the next leg we gained John H but lost Jim H. By the time I got to Gt Totham I realised I was overdressed (you can tell when the teeth start to sweat!). Inner gloves were removed and an outer jacket undone. The lunch destination was the Fox and Hounds at Cock Clarks. Only four of us stopped there, Carol, Adrian, Trev and me. There were very few customers, two possibly three other than us. Coronation chicken baguette and a pint of Captain Bob £12, the same as a sandwich and a few chips at Kelvedon Railway Tavern. On our return I peeled off after Leighams Road and was home after 41 miles.Mel

Thursday 8th January With an appalling weather forecast for later in the day about a dozen riders did an elevenses stop at Brew Heaven. It was very misty, with virtually no wind and a bit warmer than of late. No one had any enthusiasm for going onto lunch but Trevor decided to do a loop to the north to get some miles in. I broke away at Danbury and headed home; one can have too much enjoyment ! I was home at 13.20 after 24 miles. The heavy rain at 13.00 hadn’t materialised and when I looked at the forecast it had been delayed a couple of hours.Mel