Southend

Tuesday 10th June A large turnout at the Abercorn Garden Centre where the back end of the marquee was opened up despite the somewhat uncertain weather. 14 in 2 groups rode on to the Viper via the Chelmsford minor roads and Roxwell. Rain started at Newney Green and we pulled over to don our rain jackets, where upon the rain stopped. Just before Mill Green a herd of roe deer went leaping across the road in front of us. Peter C said he had it recorded on his go pro, lets hope he posts it at some stage. We sat outside at the Viper in intermitent sunshine. The staff were somewhat overwhelmed and one of our riders was refused a cheese sandwich despite cheese and tomato being on the menu! Overall a perfect ride, many thanks to Peter C and Trev for leading. Peter W

Thursday 12th June Another lovely, sunny day for a ride, if only if that strong wind wasn’t there. A good turnout at the Turnpike; 14 of us. Our ride to The Bakehouse was generally with the wind at our backs, especially along the long straight on Middlemead. It was a pleasant enough ride, but we were surprised when the second group appeared in front of us in Stock, having taken ‘the wrong route’! The Bakehouse was surprisingly quiet when compared with previous visits but we were able to sit in the courtyard in the sunshine. Eleven of us went onto lunch. We were using roads that we probably haven’t used since last summer as we went through Beauchamp Roding, Abbess Roding and Matching Green. Lunch was at Brett’s Country Restaurant in White Roding. It was fairly efficient seeing as they were short-staffed. The food was good enough for me, although Stewart commented that the coffee was awful. Our ride home was tougher and mainly into the wind, especially as I was at the front, although Tariq did take over occasionally to give me a break. We went back through Aythorpe Roding, High Easter and Mashbury before heading through Chelmsford. The replacement bridge isn’t open yet but all I can say is that the council must have had a huge budget to pay for it’s replacement. I’m sure we’ll see it on Grand Designs in the near future. Our final leg was through Sandon, East Hanningfield and Rettendon. The strong wind made Nick and me to take it easy up the hill. At least we got around the Turnpike fairly easily despite the heavyish traffic. Just under 59 miles for me. Trev

2025 Puncture Competition