ok peeps listen up...
I have just ridden this loop today. I will be honest and say that it was a tougher ride than usual because of the weather. The snow is melting and all the roads we will ride are clear. There were however several spots where the road was under about 2cm of water for reasonable stretches due to the melt water so mudguards are going to help I would say. The usual short cut I take (yes I do cheat occassionally!) was flooded and totally impassable without dismounting and walking across the ped path/ 'bridge'...but we wont ride there so it doesnt matter.
The fields were still covered in snow but it is melting fast and should be gone by morning. It's one of those 'dark' sludgy days here so I had lights on all the way around.
Hopefully the weather tomorrow will be a bit better.
I say this so that you all have a fair idea of what to expect, and so that nobody roles up in a just T shirt and shorts because if they do hyperthermia is an option on this ride
I have given some thought to stops. I would suggest that we dont stop too early in the ride and chill down when we still have a ways to go. (There is a park style cafe at the rugby club on the way up into Brentwood if anyone desperatly needs a loo or a caffine fix etc...but it's not particulary nice imo). I think doing it this way round means we get the A road stretch over and done with up front before any stop/alcohol intake etc
My suggestion would be this:
We ride clockwise, and have a short break for those in need in Ingatestone where there is a small bakery/cafe and a chippy and a small supermarket jobby etc.
Then we will head down to Stock, (where if anybody has had enough or is suffering from frostbite or something they can turn right and be back at Billericay station in 10 mins) & on to the 3 compasses in Hanningfield and stop there. It is a small pub and if we all show up we might easily not all fit in..so if that happens just around the corner is a bigger boozer...I forget the name but I think its something to do with windmills...I have never been inside but it is bigger and I know the CTC rides stop there regularly.
It is then a relatively short ride back to the station at Billericay which I feel would be better for those, who like me, chill down easily and/or those who might partake in a few ales etc.
ShameDavyo cant be with us...so we might need another tail end charlie...any volunteers?
Ok Pal..........
