CycleChat Ride - 2 May - Manningtree/Colchester/Tiptree (i.e. north-east Essex)

[topcat1]

Where to begin? Pulling up at Ilford to see rejedi and mac getting a start on thier tans, missing the train, catching a later train and then shortly after watching sig running down the platform to get on before the doors close, enjoying the view from the train then realising i'll be riding home later gulp! That's how the day began.

loads more pics to come.

 

[arallsopp]

Don't forget "dave's happy hundred" best served at midnight, many miles from home

 

[topcat1]

The plan was to meet at the station and have breakfeast then start the ride, shortly we were on the way.

 

[topcat1]

.

 

[MacB]

Great pics, as usual TC, and you got me looking happy on my bike, after about 70 miles that day top job sir!!!!

 

[Dayvo]

That looked a great ride, people! And the miles (some of) you did!

My great-grandparents met at the Wilkinson jam factory in Tiptree, and I know the area quite well - although I kept FAR away from the A12. Well done!

only slightly envious

 

[Auntie Helen]

Brill pics Topcat1, keep 'em coming!

 

[mow]

Tube

Oh almost forgot, Simon ( I hope that was your name) you should PM me with some details so I can replenish your inner tube collection.

A big thanks to the pit stop crew

 

[topcat1]

With the sun shinning we rode on making a quick stop for a p--------,

then we were out on the lanes just riding along

 

[ChrisKH]

Nice pictures topcat1. Where are the 'lost in Tollesbury' ones?

My new signature was vying with your statement on getting lost for the second time:

"I want to go home!"

 

[topcat1]

For lunch we stopped at the jam factory, yes i bought some jam. A nice bike pulled up ,

then we were back on the road

another brief stop and we were on our way

 

[topcat1]

So we returned to the station and relaxed and had a drink,

sig getting ready

then it was time to go

10 mins later

 

[topcat1]

So we shot off leaving Helen and John to climb a hill and without saying goodbye we sped off into the sunset.
Not expecting to be out so late (4am) i only brought armwarmers thinking i'll be back by 10pm

after a merry chase across essex we started the main run into London pausing briefly to celebrate sigs' 100 (sorry sig no photo)

and to say goodnight to sig and chris. We had pit stop for coffee and food and then shot down to tower bridge.
Well i had a great day, meeting Auntie Helen having a very nice ride with some great companions but was not expecting such a great ride home, yes we took a few wrong turns and it was a bit chilly but it was so much fun. I got another hundred around midnight

but look at that smile, for me the best part of the day was the night.
Thankyou Helen great ride, Aperitif Andy Andy Sig Chris and everyone who turned up.
158 miles.

 

[Aperitif]

Good photos big man - you are very good company and there were some good memories within the photos. (Where's my teddy bear wall BTW?) Well done.

And to all who achieved a cycling milestone - cross it off the 'to do' list!

 

[topcat1]

Good photos big man - you are very good company and there were some good memories within the photos. (Where's my teddy bear wall BTW?) Well done.

And to all who achieved a cycling milestone - cross it off the 'to do' list!

Here it is

and here's one of my bike