Saturday 16th August

I found it a bit chilly around the old knees at first as I set off on the Rory at 6am but I soon warmed up, with the Sun playing peek-a-boo with the clouds and for much of the day too. My destination? Was either Paper Mill Lock or Heybridge Basin, both I`ve not been to in some years. So taking my normal route out through Bulphan, Dunton to Billericay and Downham was uneventful. At South Hanningfield I found a flooded road but rode through without even getting my feet wet, unlike another cyclist who got soaked but then he didn`t have mudguards! I made my way to Bicknacre and on to the B1418 and once over the roundabout a very short stretch on the A414 before turning into (this always makes me smile) Tom Tit Lane! I was now heading for Paper Mill Lock, so through Woodham Walter and into lanes I`ve not ridden along for many years. Including Totfts Lane which this morning was rather wet, muddy and had some nasty loses stuff on the bends. I came out on North Hill Little Baddow and rolled down to the River Chelmer and Paper Mill Lock. To find the Tearooms opens at 10am and it was now only 09.15! Not to worry I had a cereal bar and a chat with a man and his dog, and set off for home with 33 miles already done.

Paper Mill Lock and Weir 

After a few more lanes I rode for about a mile on the B1137 and then back into the lanes heading for Russell Green. Passing the old RAF Boreham Airfield, which was once a USA Wartime Airfield, and then a test site for Ford Motor Company but these days the Essex Police have their Helicopter parked here.
                                                            

Outside the entrance to the old RAF Boreham Airfield we remember those that died for us.

Once over the A130 I took that lovely (but short) tarmac bridleway to Little Waltham, then made my way to Broads Green and Chignall Smealy to Good Easter. At Chalk End it was time for another cereal bar before I hit the A1060 for a (mostly downhill) couple of miles. Back into the lanes at Boyton Cross and Roxwell which still has paintings on the road from the Tour De France! After Cooksmill Green I had a busy A414 to get over to make my way to Blackmore and Megarry`s Tearooms for a well earned cuppa and scones! My mileage was now 58, so taking my normal route back through Doddinghurst, South Weald and Upminster to reach home at 14.45 with 75 miles done. So another enjoyable day in the saddle in my Essex.