Today we met up at the Rose Cafe for a 9.30am departure. There were 4 of us on the ride today, Mike W, Mike T, Jon and myself. There was heavy cloud with very fine drizzle in the air. This only lasted for about an hour. The rest of the day was just under overcast skies. Our first stop was to The Ship, which is the pub we are moving to next Thursday to become our new base for the Branch. The Landlady’s Mum then came out the pub to see who we were. Once I told her we were the club moving in next Thursday she was pleased to meet us. Her daughter had told her about us. We then set off again going via Retterden, Battlesbridge, South Woodham, Burnham, and Southminster to Maldon. Here we stopped for a coffee in McDonalds and a good old natter. Off we went again going via Tiptree, Kelverdon, Coggeshall, and Halstead to Sible Hedingham. Here stopped for lunch in the Corner Cafe. The staff here are great, they make you very welcome. We set off again going via Haverhill, Steeple Bumpstead, Finchingfield, Great Dunmow, and Stebbing to Andrews Field. This is a light aircraft airfield. Coffee’s were served outside the clubhouse due to Covid19 restrictions. There was a shelter outside which we could sit under. This was our last stop of the day so we said our goodbyes and set off for home. We went via Felstead, North End to Chelmsford. At Chelmsford Mike W left us. Along the A12 Mike T and Jon left me. I continued along the A12 for home. Another great day out with good company and on good roads. Today I completed 161.6 miles door to door.Until the next ride, ride safe.
Roland Murphy, Essex Branch Secretary.
