A sunny and breezy morning greeted me as I set off at 07.45 on-board the Rory which I`ve not ridden on for nearly 4 weeks so it was due an airing. Been out cycling of course but on my old (Raleigh) hack, while my `Claud Baby` is still off the road because I can`t decide which tyres to put on Panaracer or Schwalbe? Anyway back to this morning, it was also a bit chilly than of late fingers and toes chilly! But I soon warmed up as I sped (with a tailwind) through Bulphan to Dunton and with no Bootsale, a traffic free roundabout was enjoyed! After a few lumpy bits I was in Billericay and out again heading for Ingatestone via Buttsbury Wash. It wasn`t too deep but it was running fast and the footbridge was a mud-bath so I decide I didn`t want to go that way after all. It was also here I sent a text to Dave of the Havering CTC to find out where they were having lunch after their AGM.
I made my way to Ingatestone via the 16th century Hall with its one handed clock, and then over the railway crossing to reach the High Street, where I got a text from Dave saying the Havering have no idea where they were going for lunch. So I carried on to Margaretting and decide to turn for home and face that headwind along Ivy Barns La to Highwood and eventually Blackmore. Where I stopped beside the village pond just to get out of that wind and found it was very pleasant sitting in the sunshine. Then back in the saddle to face that wind again I made my way to Doddinghurst and South Weald to find Nags Head La closed to all traffic. But not to worry I wasn`t in a hurry so I followed the detour route only to remember how lumpy Mascalls La was! Still a nice downhill stretch along Warley Gap, Birds La and Warley Street to reach Pike Lane and the Thames Chase Visitors Centre. Where I met the Havering just coming out after their AGM, after a chat I was indoors by 13.20 with 44.33 miles done. I did plan to do much more mileage today but glad I didn`t because I found that wind very tough or am I just getting old?
