17th June 2009 - South East Group Ride To The Barge Gladys, Benfleet

An Evening ride for Bike Week

After a gruelling ride from Shoebury in to a strong headwind, with skies threatening heavy rain, I was pleasantly surprised to encounter a large group of cyclists at Leigh Station, where we met for an easy ride to The Barge Gladys in Benfleet, organised by John Steer as a bike week event.

We enjoyed snacks and drinks before riding the 3 and a half miles back across the marshes to Leigh. For some reason, the trail felt smoother on the way back (possibly because the wind had dropped, or perhaps due to effects of the beer consumed at the pub!) JS comment no the wind was just as strong from behind but more up lifting making you go faster.

Some of the more adventurous cyclists stayed for a second pint, before calling at The Crooked Billet in Old Leigh for further refreshment – thirsty work, this cycling lark!

Fortunately the rain held off for us. Hope to see some of the many new riders out with us on a Sunday ride sometime. Well done to John for organising an enjoyable ride again. A total of 23 did the ride even if some did turn up just as we were leaving the Barge.

Ian Cable

14th June 2009 - Colchester 40-40

An Evening ride for Bike Week

A group of 20 cyclists from various Essex CTC groups took part in the Colchester 40 mile or 40 km on a warm, sunny day. The route traced quiet country lanes through Messing, Tolleshunt D'Arcy, Layer de la Haye and back to Copford Green. Organised as a saunter through the countryside with an extremely generous time limit it is sad to report that 10 riders finished out of time having spend too long enjoying a lunchtime break at Rowhedge. Brian