Southend

Tuesday 25th November A bona fide Southend ride! The sun was out but the wind was very chilling and I got caught out by inadequate clothing. There were at least 13 riders out so we departed in two groups. Our intended path in SWF was unavailable so some ad hoc route planning had to be done. At Sophie’s Tea Room we were definitely the majority of customers. Across the road was a DIY shop and in the window I noticed a set of large Allen keys. I mean 19 mm is a large bolt! Our exit from Maldon was towards Langford going round the new roundabout. When we turned right up Witham Road it was straight into that wind. I was right behind the leader Peter C and I think the leader should be large enough to give a decent wind break! It got easier as we headed south and we arrived at The Anchor about 13.00. Only nine stopped for lunch which we had in our usual place, the dog friendly bar. Our return was marked by some shite overtaking and Keith stopping twice to investigate an unusual noise from his bike. I left the group at Rettendon Bell. On the South Hanningfield bends I held up a few cars and I could hear someone sounding a horn at the car immediately behind me because they wouldn’t overtake. Home after 37 miles and frozen.Mel

Tuesday 27th November My first proper ride for 3 weeks. Everyone was commenting how mild it was. Joe was even wearing his three-quarter shorts. It still felt cold to me after getting used to 30+ degrees. Quite a short ride today which suited me after my lay off. D’s Diners car park was full of cars instead of vans or trucks. Strangely everyone who was at tea carried on towards lunch, although not all had lunch. Over lunch I was told there had been no punctures during my absence. Sadly when we were leaving the pub, I noticed my front tyre was semi-deflated. Apart from big Steve everyone else had buggered off. Luckily I pumped up the tyre and it got me home. So I should point out the Rides Leader had lost 40% of his group before he reached the Turnpike. An excessive amount  This was because as we headed up the Old Woodham Road we encountered Jim going slowly. It turns out he had a puncture too. We offered to help him and was told he had a pump but no spare tubes or tools. I don’t know what Jim planned to do with his pump! I noted my lack of fitness as we headed uphill to the Turnpike and into a headwind. Just over 33 miles for me. Trev