FNRttC 2nd October to Southend-on-Sea
Southend is a bit of an anomaly. The route lacks the scenic delights of Whitstable, Bognor and Brighton. It's the shortest ride we do. It is, by a way, the flattest ride we do - the Bow Flyover is the third most taxing hill. Only three miles of the route is out of streetlights. Much of the ride is through parts of London that lack charm. The halfway stop is prosaic at best. It even lacks the 'surprise' element now that we don't use the Dartford Tunnel. Despite all of these shortcomings it remains on the roster, and remains one of my favourites.
It's the easy ride. It allows riders who would struggle with any of the other rides to come along. There are some magic moments - the view from the top of the flyover of the Olympic Park, the view of the QE2 bridge, Bataville, the gas jets at Coryton, the view from Tattershall Gardens toward Hadliegh Castle, and the last few miles along the seafront. I'd add in a certain radio station, but that would be vain. The breakfast is superb, and really rapid. The train service back to London is pretty spiffy. And, if User comes with us, there are certain things that you'll find out about South Essex that you'll probably not find out any other way............
So, whatever its shortcomings, I'm fond of this ride. Chris doesn't want to see us at the Rose Restaurant any time before 7, and that's sometimes a struggle - my little chat on socialist architecture is a time-wasting exercise as much as anything else (but, then again, you guessed that). So, if you're up for a ride at conversational pace do come along - and, if you have a friend who might find Whitstable or even Brighton too tough, consider Southend as an alternative.
One word of warning. It gets cold in South Essex. Keep an eye on the forecast and be prepared to wrap up well.
Eric B
Steve vw
Martin F
Sig E
Stuart A
Rachael W
Ian A
Davy S
Mike E
Andrij B
Matt
Chris
Greg C
Southend is a bit of an anomaly. The route lacks the scenic delights of Whitstable, Bognor and Brighton. It's the shortest ride we do. It is, by a way, the flattest ride we do - the Bow Flyover is the third most taxing hill. Only three miles of the route is out of streetlights. Much of the ride is through parts of London that lack charm. The halfway stop is prosaic at best. It even lacks the 'surprise' element now that we don't use the Dartford Tunnel. Despite all of these shortcomings it remains on the roster, and remains one of my favourites.
It's the easy ride. It allows riders who would struggle with any of the other rides to come along. There are some magic moments - the view from the top of the flyover of the Olympic Park, the view of the QE2 bridge, Bataville, the gas jets at Coryton, the view from Tattershall Gardens toward Hadliegh Castle, and the last few miles along the seafront. I'd add in a certain radio station, but that would be vain. The breakfast is superb, and really rapid. The train service back to London is pretty spiffy. And, if User comes with us, there are certain things that you'll find out about South Essex that you'll probably not find out any other way............
So, whatever its shortcomings, I'm fond of this ride. Chris doesn't want to see us at the Rose Restaurant any time before 7, and that's sometimes a struggle - my little chat on socialist architecture is a time-wasting exercise as much as anything else (but, then again, you guessed that). So, if you're up for a ride at conversational pace do come along - and, if you have a friend who might find Whitstable or even Brighton too tough, consider Southend as an alternative.
One word of warning. It gets cold in South Essex. Keep an eye on the forecast and be prepared to wrap up well.
Eric B
Steve vw
Martin F
Sig E
Stuart A
Rachael W
Ian A
Davy S
Mike E
Andrij B
Matt
Chris
Greg C
