Southend

Tuesday 26th August A pleasant day mainly, apart from some cloud around midday and also some nutcase in a van. As we were approaching Writtle, we were cycling in two groups when the second group were overtaken by a learner driver and a van. Not content with overtaking the second group, the van decided to overtake the learner driver and the first group even though there was traffic approaching from the other direction. Luckily nobody was injured. Hopefully the learner driver had a dashcam and will report the van, as it was too far away to be picked up by my camera. We were due to have lunch at The Black Lion in High Roding. This pub is notorious for being slow at preparing food. On entry the pub was much busier than normal, and we were told that there was at least an hour’s wait for food. We decided to go to a cafe up the road, The Grazing Station. There we received a warm welcome and good food at a cheaper price, although the lady was on her own so was naturally a bit slow. We will return. Because of the lunch ‘confusion’ we were late getting home. I got to Rawreth around 16:50. Just under 65 miles for me. Trevor

Thursday 28th August A good turn out at the Turnpike for a warm and sunny start but with the threat of rain in the weather forecasts. After asking the group to split into two, I had 5 in my group and Peter had 12! We need to improve our maths I think. We also welcomed back Mike who has been out of action for quite a while. Also Nick who most of haven’t seen for a while. Our tea stop was at The Galloping Grind where we received another warm welcome. Although we found out that this is the last week she is open and will now close until Easter 2026. The owner also took a picture of us all for her social media. We didn’t realise how strong the wind was as it was behind us for most of the way to lunch, but we certainly noticed it on the way back. Huffers all round at The Compasses as we sat under the marquee in their garden. The wind gave us a hint of what was to come as it started to dismantle the marquee around us! The ride home was a bit of a slog, especially along Hammonds Road. I can’t remember the last time the wind was that strong along there. We had one impatient driver cut us up as we approached East Hanningfield, and I’ve reported him to the police. It was dry all day until the last climb up to the Turnpike when it rained for about two minutes! 55 miles for me. Trevor

2025 Puncture Competition