Saturday 27th April

There had been a frost first thing but by the time I set off at 07.20 it had all gone, but it was still feeling rather chilly than of late. Once again I was on the Rory and once again I had no idea where I was a going! I made an unscheduled stop in Hall Lane to speak to Havering CTC rider Gordon who was just setting off to the gym for some spinning in aid of a charity. Once over South Wealds I sped through Blackmore to Norton Heath and Willingale where I had a quick stop at Fred`s bus shelter. Then onto High Easter and Stagden Cross to reach the lovely village of Pleshey, where I had my iron ration stop in the moat garden.
Back in the saddle I made my way to Good Easter and Roxwell then onto Cooksmill Green and Highwood to stop in Blackmore to finish off my iron rations beside the village pond. I then more or less retrace my outward route back to South Wealds and Upminster to reach home at 14.30 with 61.69 miles on the clock which is my longest ride (so far) this year.

The Rory in the moat garden always a lovely spot for a break before or after you explore this delightful village  

Sunday 14th April

A mild and cloudy morning greeted me as I set off at 07.30 on-board the Rory to splash my way through a number of large puddles to reach Dunton. No bootsale today so hardly any traffic on roundabout, which was nice. After Billericay I headed to Ingatesone Hall and caught a few spots of rain and also got caught at the level crossing gates! Then onto Margaretting where I pointed my wheels towards Writtle and reached the village green at 09.30 just as that old currant bun came out. It was very pleasant sitting beside the duck pond sharing a piece of my homemade fruit cake with the ducks. But eventually I had to make a move and decide to head back home.
A tough headwind greeted me as I made my way to Loves Green and Blackmore where a seat on the village green was waiting for me as I needed to get out of this wind for a rest. Doddinghurst and South Wealds led me to Upminster and eventually home by 13.00hrs and with 46 miles on the clock

The Rory at Writtle village green duck pond in the warm sunshine