Today we were supposed to go to Aldeburge, but the weather had other plans for us. Today’s forecast was for rain and strong winds later in the day. There was however a window between 10:30am and 3:30pm where the rain would stop.
With this in mind I changed our destination and we would instead have a ride around Essex and neighbouring counties.
We arranged to meet up at Rose’s Cafe on the A414 in Chelmsford for a departure time of 10:30am.
The ride there was in slight drizzle, but by the time I got to Rose’s Cafe the rain had stopped.
We had a quick chat before we set off.
I was going to go to the Silver Ball on the A10 for a coffee first.
We set off along the A414 going via Writtle, Leden Roding, Hatfield Heath, Sawbridgeworth and Bishop’s Stortford. I was going to turn right onto the A120 but found the road was closed at the roundabout for major roadwork’s.
So the plan was changed on the hoof, so I led us off along the B1383 to Saffron Walden.
We rode through Saffron Walden and stopped at the “8 Bells” pub/restaurant. Here we had a coffee break.
They have a really nice restaurant here.
We then set off along the B184 to the A505 Sawston. We turn right onto the A505 to Haverhill. Here we headed north on the A143 to the “Cafe 33” which is just past HMP Highpoint Prison.
Here we had a very nice lunch. I had a bacon bap, which was very nice.
Time was ticking by now and we needed to get back before the rain started again.
We headed back to Haverhill and then came home via Steeple Bumpstead, Finchingfield, Great Dunmow, Little Dunmow, Felsted to Chelmsford.
I had the rain start when I was 10 mins from home, fortunately it was light rain.
It was another great day out riding with good Company, great roads and a dry break in the weather.
Until the next time.
Ride safe.
Roland Murphy.
Branch Secretary.
Essex HOC.
