tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40130784912585424052024-03-09T08:14:39.321+00:00Cycling in Essexjust some of my cycle rides around the countyE.C. Ryderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02038930827502156299noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013078491258542405.post-63101399241386080082024-01-15T14:01:00.001+00:002024-01-15T14:01:31.634+00:002024<p> Thought I had better do an update as you can see from my 2023 mileage it wasn`t a great year for my cycling and I`m still not cycling yet! </p>E.C. Ryderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02038930827502156299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013078491258542405.post-36549549990843511292023-02-05T11:14:00.002+00:002023-02-05T11:14:45.131+00:002023<p>It`s that January jinx again!</p><p>The month started off well a couple of short local rides on the Raleigh then on 24th I had a fall indoors! Just tripped over something I should have moved weeks ago, nothing broken just badly bruised knee and ribs. So not sure when I`m out again cycling mileage 23.02</p>E.C. Ryderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02038930827502156299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013078491258542405.post-42209277739950534022022-02-13T10:22:00.001+00:002022-02-13T10:23:06.634+00:00Sunday 13th February<p> Another late start to my cycling year because of a nasty chest infection at the start of the New Year which took over three weeks to get over it! Weather wise its been a funny old one nice and mild like Spring then the next day back to a sharp frosty morning! And its been breezy at time too like this morning on my first ride out on the Raleigh only did 7.50 miles around the local roads, traffic was very light at 8am Schools half term may have sometime to do with it! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj4IQsbfxbBXoGz5r7ZlNZrvAqD62Tv9ogcoiuFSHbHPV38JhiEU9LA8iGIq9aGK6byaivjVudwBXPpwqzkdn3-U0-KoIssQSfDq8xUY5_FLSMNkp2hZqWt22cOm5XTdK6EyUYKZ6IRn_9NIWnnMp56EgJ3if6k2tXvHxFdj5GmxOyZyvPfC_DJ9TqA=s2810" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2810" data-original-width="2448" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj4IQsbfxbBXoGz5r7ZlNZrvAqD62Tv9ogcoiuFSHbHPV38JhiEU9LA8iGIq9aGK6byaivjVudwBXPpwqzkdn3-U0-KoIssQSfDq8xUY5_FLSMNkp2hZqWt22cOm5XTdK6EyUYKZ6IRn_9NIWnnMp56EgJ3if6k2tXvHxFdj5GmxOyZyvPfC_DJ9TqA=w349-h400" width="349" /></a></div> <div> St. Nicholas Church South Ockendon <br /><p><br /></p></div>E.C. Ryderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02038930827502156299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013078491258542405.post-73017499106312668942021-02-22T10:36:00.000+00:002021-02-22T10:36:12.003+00:00Sunday 21st February <p> This morning was my first ride out since November 17th 2020 and only a short one and on the Raleigh and all on local roads! Found loads of new potholes, the snow & ice and freezing temperature we had from the 7th to the 14th didn`t help. And I still found some flooded roads which I didn`t fancy cycling through not knowing what's under the water! So just 7.60 miles done on a lovely and mild spring like morning.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixYqkR6zY2eqtIg1UAuPK2qhluAZ56M6uappxrqziaWM4pK8DjQnjiFwPJ27LDomVdGn_APf-afGZQ2mD-z09Bo9j96hsXolJ5FnDfSMoaCV1-CPmP0rwgCkAm-ZD2bUbPgpMlQ4_HDxE/s2048/the+green.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1672" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixYqkR6zY2eqtIg1UAuPK2qhluAZ56M6uappxrqziaWM4pK8DjQnjiFwPJ27LDomVdGn_APf-afGZQ2mD-z09Bo9j96hsXolJ5FnDfSMoaCV1-CPmP0rwgCkAm-ZD2bUbPgpMlQ4_HDxE/w326-h400/the+green.jpg" width="326" /></a></div> <div> The Green South Ockendon <br /><p><br /></p><p> </p></div>E.C. Ryderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02038930827502156299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013078491258542405.post-56603018823318825082020-09-24T15:43:00.000+01:002020-09-24T15:43:47.728+01:00September 20th<p> Thought it was time for an update!</p><p>So all my rides out have been on the Raleigh and all on local roads so mileage is less than 30 miles. Mostly early morning at weekends with only a couple of mid-week outings, no hospital appointment so I can`t put blame them on that for not getting out. Though I have been unwell a few times mostly silly colds.</p><p>Sunday September 20th I set off at 7am cloudy but warm still and of course on the Raleigh with a destination of Bulphan. As during the week on the 15th the some of Bulphan villagers had a small Memorial Service near the playing fields. This was for Spitfire Pilot Officer Gerry Langley age 24 who was shot down on the 15th September 1940 just outside this village. I couldn`t get to the Memorial Service on the day, so I thought I would take a look at the new Plaque on Sunday.</p><p>So I took my normal route out along North Road and those horrible New Chicanes but they are okay on an early Sunday morning I`m glad to say. Fen Lane led me to Bulphan where after I had taken some Photo's I had a chat with another cyclist. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJibk8vToN3RnIX8t6TM-6Wv958O-h9umXXkXJOQG50uBzTWPOirvcrcWfPpG2N2Vwl-HkzWEmFdWq_YveTQVxxgUhZS2trdnyuVyoWdVfJmrzD2FNfOS1HVbQBbSQeSyUiVaEFbvECJw/s2048/bulphan+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJibk8vToN3RnIX8t6TM-6Wv958O-h9umXXkXJOQG50uBzTWPOirvcrcWfPpG2N2Vwl-HkzWEmFdWq_YveTQVxxgUhZS2trdnyuVyoWdVfJmrzD2FNfOS1HVbQBbSQeSyUiVaEFbvECJw/s320/bulphan+1.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Retracing my outward route back to the Harrow Bridge to have a look more closely at the New Glass House Retreat building still not sure what its all about? I had another chat with another cyclists and then took Dunnings Lane to St. Marys Lane and Pike Lane to reach home by 9.20 with just 14.30 miles on the clock.<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNA7uiN9fkSIrx2SrxmnyfxRxLXSx6v5XXTLpJ05MD5cVGUcNVzErmdPlWyHHErI3i93FrY_SoP0CkDg-nNypMxCJ5jwkIFZhxFChuPB2d5ORID46ZqtyAdF6a85ShFzCEOftzf1zJgb0/s2048/BULPHAM+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNA7uiN9fkSIrx2SrxmnyfxRxLXSx6v5XXTLpJ05MD5cVGUcNVzErmdPlWyHHErI3i93FrY_SoP0CkDg-nNypMxCJ5jwkIFZhxFChuPB2d5ORID46ZqtyAdF6a85ShFzCEOftzf1zJgb0/s320/BULPHAM+5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <br /><p><br /></p></div>E.C. Ryderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02038930827502156299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013078491258542405.post-8009496705935329342020-03-26T13:11:00.001+00:002020-04-05T08:02:38.275+01:00Sunday 15th March 2020Well it`s been a rough start to the year with......<br />
January & February unable to cycle or walk at times! All started in December with a mild lower back pain, then in the early hours of Boxing Day morning I fell over indoors on my way to the bathroom. I just felt dizzy and went down, don`t know how long I was out for but woke up and went back to bed. The lower back pain became more painful so I phoned NHS 111 they called a Doctor out to me who called an Ambulance! Two nights in Basildon Hospital and I was told lower back pain could be due to your cycling accident in 2014, and you need a MRI scan. As for the dizziness nothing could be found for this after a number of tests. So I came out of Hospital with this......<br />
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....but refused the home help I was offered! The frame didn`t last long and I was soon out and about on a walking stick and eventually gave that up too. And on Sunday 15th March I finally took the old Raleigh downstairs and had a short but sweet ride around the local roads. Glad it was dry out but it was a bit windy so found it a bit hard in the headwind and carrying the bike back upstairs again was no problem.<br />
Mileage just 8.50 miles, photo taken at St. Nicholas Church, which is one of the 6 Round Tower Churches in Essex.<br />
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E.C. Ryderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02038930827502156299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013078491258542405.post-39535325068017428602019-06-06T12:37:00.001+01:002019-06-06T15:46:57.087+01:00Sunday 2nd June<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Out by 6am on the Raleigh and with a destination of Blackshots Leisure Centre for the annual Thurrock Cycle Marathon, but I wasn`t cycling in this event just out to take some photo`s and have a chat with Club members. The sun was a shinning and it was already warming up nicely as I sped through North Ockendon, Bulphan to Orsett and Baker Street Reaching the Leisure Centre at 7.30 with 13 miles on the clock. <br />
The Club`s Gazebo was set up by 8am so it was just waiting for riders to come in and wait for their start time which was 09.30 so time for a chat and catch-up.<br />
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And off they go! <br />
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The 7 mile riders mostly family group were back first, including fellow club rider Bob who somehow managed to get the number 81 which is also his age!<br />
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Vey soon the 21 miles riders were coming in but as always some just had to go around again so they did 42 miles before they could collect their medal from the Mayor of Thurrock. Also on hand was the Dr Bike team from the Decathlon Store in Lakeside shopping centre.<br />
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O course the star of the day was once again Stan Wall who at 92 years old rode his E-Bike around the 21 miles route. Stan does so much for the Charity `Help the Hero`s ` and is well known around Thurrock area.<br />
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Getting on to lunchtime I decide to head for home taking my outward route back and seeing many more of the riders still making their way back to the finish or outside the Orsett pub! In Fen Lane I could have done with an E-Bike as the wind had got up and I was fighting a strong headwind and then I had that climb up to North Ockendon. Back indoor by 13.30 with another 13.05 miles so making it 26.05 for the day.<br />
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Apart from my Club the Gateway there was another local Club the Viking Avoidance, and I also saw some from Essex Road and Hornchurch CC.<br />
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<br />E.C. Ryderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02038930827502156299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013078491258542405.post-4636564135412044142018-08-26T09:42:00.001+01:002018-08-26T09:44:40.576+01:00Saturday 25th AugustIt was a wee bit chilly this morning as I set off at 06.30 onboard my `Claud Baby` with no idea where or how far I was going. So taking my normal route out through Upminster to South Weald where I found Wigley Bush Lane was closed to traffic. But that`s was alright as it goes up hill and I didn`t fancy that climb, but it did make the narrow Weald Park Way rather busy with traffic. Then I found another road closure this time in Crow Green Road, it was only a large hole in the middle of the road, looked like gas main repairs going on but I got passed it alright via the pavement. After many years of cycling through Peartree Green I finally found out why its called that! I had stopped to take a photo of the Doddinghurst Village Sign when a pear fell from a tree and hit me on the head!<br />
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A bit further on in Church Lane I came across a burst water main to splash through, then on through Blackmore and Norton Heath for a cuppa in the café. Then onto Willingale where a nice bit of sunshine greeted me but the wind was still a bit chilly.<br />
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After a photo of the Toll and the Village Pump and a look at Fred`s Bus Stop and the Churchyard I decide to turn for home as my neck, back and shoulder were beginning to ache. The main reason for this is my Claud is the only bike I now have that`s got drop handlebars. My other two bikes have now been change over to straight handlebars because of my neck and shoulder problems.<br />
Anyway I headed back to Blackmore and then onto Mountnessing and made my way to Hutton and found another water main burst this time on the A129 just before Hutton Village. Then on along Hanging Hill Lane and I always slow down when I get to Hare Hall and remember Dot & Jack Sharp who once live here and also the Brentwood Club Hut.<br />
Then along The Avenue to Little Warley and Bird Lane to the B186 and into St. Marys Lane, Pike & Pea Lanes and home by 11.45 with 45 miles on the clock.<br />
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One of the Willingale churches this one is St.Christopher E.C. Ryderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02038930827502156299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013078491258542405.post-81835852345680853372018-07-02T07:57:00.003+01:002018-07-02T08:00:14.073+01:00Sunday 1st JulyA 6am start and on the Rory (for only the second time this year) and with no idea where I was going just that I needed to get out into my Essex Lanes. So through Upminster to those lumpy bits of South Weald and then onto Doddinghurst. To reach Norton Heath Café for a cuppa & toast, where I found this lovely old Ford Anglia parked up.<br />
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Then on through Willingale and with a short stop at the Bus Shelter, I then headed for Shellow Bowells and Roxwell, the village shop was open so an ice cream was called for!<br />
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Those lovely lanes of Hoe Street and Gravelly Lane led me to Cooksmill Green and once over the A414, I thought about a cuppa at the Bakehouse but decide instead to head for Blackmore for it. So on through Highwood to Blackmore and Megarry`s Teashop for that cuppa and a chat with the owner Judi her hubby Peter was unfortunately not there he was off on his motorcycle, as I did want to speak to him.<br />
I found the next part of my route home a bit tough going not just because of the traffic but the heat! Anyway through Mountnessing and Hutton and up The Avenue for another cuppa in Thorndon Country Park. From here it was Magpie & Birds Lanes to the B186 into St Marys Lane and Pike & Pea Lanes to reach home by 13.30 with my longest mileage for the year so far of 52 miles. <br />
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Saw this in South Weald and it made me smile <br />
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E.C. Ryderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02038930827502156299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013078491258542405.post-88995574914375833442018-06-09T11:34:00.000+01:002018-06-09T11:36:29.139+01:00Sunday 3rd JuneA 7am start on a lovely sunny and warm morning saw me onboard the Raleigh and heading for Blackshots and the annual Thurrock Cycle Marathon. Got there just after 08.30 to find the Gateway CC members had already set up their Gazebo. I had no plans to ride this event instead I was to stay with another Gateway member David Fish to look after members stuff and to give out details of our club to anyone that was interested.<br />
Some riders still signing on<br />
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The riders set off at 09.30 and had three route to take either the 7 miles or 21 miles and those that could went round twice for 42 miles.<br />
And off they go! <br />
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The 7 milers came back first and it was good to see some young children taking part in this ride. One youngest of 91 years old was Stan Wall now a veteran of this event and has raised thousands of pounds for charity over the years doing this ride. This year his wife told him he must not do the 21 miles as he hurt himself in a fall a few weeks ago. So Stan did the 7 miles instead but you could see he really wanted to go around again! Okay so he has a little help with a e-motor but he`s still a remarkable man.<br />
Stan Wall<br />
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With riders back the winner of a new bike from Decathlon (who also had a Dr. Bike stand) was Karen Dobson of the Viking Avoidance CC, her entry number was picked out my the Mayor of Thurrock.<br />
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On the left the Thurrock Mayor with Karen and her new bike.<br />
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And so it was time for me to head for home reaching there about 3pm with a total mileage of 27 miles. Making this my longest ride this year!E.C. Ryderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02038930827502156299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013078491258542405.post-50821125660583332512018-05-15T13:27:00.001+01:002018-05-15T13:27:40.228+01:002018Thought it was time for an update, well my last ride in 2017 was on November 12th and my next ride was on April 15th 2018 since then I`ve bee out six times just short rides around the local lanes with the longest ride of 20.65 miles out to Orsett village. <br />
The reason I had so much time off the bike was mostly due to ill health and the weather over the winter months. I seriously thought about giving cycling up for good at one point, but I`ve come back into it and will see how things go.<br />
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The Orsett Village Lock- Up last used in 1885</div>
E.C. Ryderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02038930827502156299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013078491258542405.post-32085048939419975502017-08-29T12:15:00.003+01:002017-08-29T12:15:41.195+01:00Saturday 26th AugustA 6.30am start and I was on the Rory and with no idea where I was a going! The morning started off rather overcast but that old currant bun soon came out and the day ended up just a bit too warm for me. Took my normal route out up through South Weald to Doddinghurst, Hook End to Blackmore and once over the A414 and into Norton Heath for my cuppa & bacon sarnie. Then on through Willingale and Shellow Bowells to reach Roxwell.<br />
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The Lanes had been lovely until I got into Hoe Street and Gravelly Lane, where I found those horrible loose chippings! Really don`t like riding on them and was glad that I only had just over a mile on them. Once over the A414 again but this time at Cooksmill Green I headed for Highwood and St. Paul`s church for a wee rest.<br />
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Then onto Blackmore for another stop beside the duckpond, it was now getting rather too warm for me so I pointed my wheels toward home. Meeting all that lovely traffic in Upminster, and eventually reached home with a nice 50.40 miles on the clock.E.C. Ryderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02038930827502156299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013078491258542405.post-71949868587095088592017-07-16T15:40:00.001+01:002017-07-16T16:04:54.098+01:00Saturday 15th July<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A 6.30 start on a overcast morning and once again I was on the Rory and I knew where I was a going! Good Easter for the Bi-Centenary and Village fete. So taking my normal route out through Upminster and South Weald to Doddinghurst and Blackmore to reach Nortn Heath cafe for a cuppa and a takeaway ham sarnie.<br />
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Back in the saddle I sped through Willingale to reach Good Easter by 10am. It was a good and very interesting display of cycles, but after a walkabout, a chat and a cuppa it got a bit chilly standing about and at times in a slight drizzle. <br />
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So I pointed my wheels towards home at 11.45 to retrace my outward route to Blackmore and then made my way to Navestock Side, Coxtie Green to South Weald Country Park for a rest. Then the ups and downs of Nags Head Lane and Hall Lane led me to Cranham followed by Pike Lane and Pea Lane and home by 3pm with 56 miles on the clock.<br />
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E.C. Ryderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02038930827502156299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013078491258542405.post-64990765662139604282017-07-08T14:50:00.001+01:002017-07-08T14:50:47.457+01:00Saturday 8th July6am start this morning and on the Rory, it was rather overcast but still warm. Took my normal route out through South Weald to Hook End and Blackmore to Loves Green, then along Nathan Lane to reach Writtle. After a wandered (as yer do) around the churchyard and a short rest beside the village pond. <br />
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I headed out through Little Oxney Green and made my way back to Blackmore for a cuppa in Megarry`s plus a chat with Judi & Peter. Then onto Swallows Cross followed by a quick look at Mountnessing Windmill.<br />
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Where that sun came out and it became a wee bit too warm for me! On through Hutton and up The Avenue to take another rest stop in Thorndon Country Park. Then the lovely Bird Lane to St. Marys Lane and Pike Lane to reach home by 12.30pm with 48.50 miles done.<br />
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E.C. Ryderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02038930827502156299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013078491258542405.post-31757784168146223472017-05-20T18:01:00.001+01:002017-05-20T18:01:44.652+01:00Saturday 20th MayI`ve not been out for a wee while so this morning saw me onboard the Raleigh at 6am on a lovely sunny morning, destination unknown! So making my way through Upminster to South Weald and Doddinghurst to Hook End and Blackmore to Norton Heath Cafe for a cuppa and bacon sarnie.<br />
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Afterward I found the Willingale Road had those horrible loose chipping on and I hate riding on them, but the surface was back to normal after Rockhill and like that all the way to Willingale village. Of course I had to stop at Fred Bus Shelter and also at the two Churches as I was thinking (yes that did hurt) where to go from here. I decide on the Easter`s, so Bird Green and over the A1060 at Four Wantz and then a quick look at the Ford it look wet so I use the path.<br />
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The onto Clatterford End to reach High Easter, Snug Cafe wasn`t even open yet so I decide to point my wheels toward home.<br />
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Good Easter to Chalk End and a couple of miles along the A1060 to Boyton Cross and Roxwell, then onto Cookmill Green and once over the A414 I made my way to Loves Green and Headed for Blackmore and Megarry`s Tearoom. After my cuppa and yummy jam scone, it was Swallow Cross to Mountnessing and Hutton where I got cramp and had go for a wee walk! Then halfway up The Avenue I got cramp again and had to walk to reach Thorndon Country Park for a rest and some stretching. I was alright after that until just under the M25 in St. Mary`s Lane I got cramp again and another wee walk was had and I was okay after that. Apart from the Cramp I`ve been dodging shower for the past few hours but with just one mile from home I caugh one and got a soaking! Indoors by 2.45pm with 59.40 miles done making it my longest ride since August 2014. E.C. Ryderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02038930827502156299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013078491258542405.post-39431872867575766092017-05-01T10:36:00.003+01:002017-05-01T10:36:56.246+01:00Saturday 29th AprilIt was a sunny but chilly morning as I set off on the Raleigh at 06.45, making my way through Upminster to South Weald and onto my `Love-Hate` relationship with Sandpit Lane. This morning Sandpit won and I had to walk part of it. Once over the A128 I was in Crow Green Rd and then into the lovely (well I think so) Days Lane which led me to Doddinghurst. Then on through Hook End to reach my destination of Blackmore but a wee bit early for my cuppa stop to be open.<br />
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So I took a wander as yer do around the lanes first to Sprigg`s Lane but didn`t see any Ostriches or Llamas, too early for them to be out or they don`t live here anymore? I thought about going to Willingale but on reaching the A414, I decide against it and pointed my wheels back to Blackmore. Meeting the Glendene CC coming towards me so I gave a cheery `Good Morning` and got NO reply whatsoever from this miserable bunch! Had a wandered around St. Lawrence churchyard and a chat with some walkers, and then it was cuppa time in Megarry`s Teashop and a good old natter with Judi & Pete.<br />
Leaving Blackmore I had 21 miles on the clock so I headed for home via Swallow Cross, Mountnessing and Hutton for that drag (well for me) up The Avenue. Another cuppa was called for in Thorndon Country Park, followed by a lovely smooth tarmac Bird`s Lane. Then mostly downhill to St. Mary`s Lane and my normal route of Pike & Pea Lanes to reach home just after 1pm with my longest ride since my accident in 2014 with 42 miles on the clock.E.C. Ryderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02038930827502156299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013078491258542405.post-40939131613998452402017-03-13T09:54:00.002+00:002017-03-13T09:56:37.446+00:00Saturday 11th & Sunday 12th March 2017 Thought it was time I updated this! As you can see I`ve been getting a few miles in this year.<br />
Saturday 11th was a lovely sunny morning to be out on the Raleigh, a wee bit chilly at 8am when I set off but it soon warmed up nicely. It was good to see so many cyclists out to in the Thurrock Lanes, I did a loop of Orsett and headed for home. Which I reached at 10.30 with just over 20 miles done.<br />
Sunday 12th was a bit overcast and there was a threat of rain which didn`t happen until late afternoon. Leaving home again on the Raleigh at 8.30am I headed for Bulphan to meet up with the Gateway CC, just to have a chat really. But I didn`t know they had change the start times from 9.30 to 9am, so I met the Easy Riders group in Fen Lane so Idid a U-turn rode with them. They were on route to Rainham for a cuppa but I wasn`t sure if I would stay with them as their pace of 12mph was a wee bit much for me and I was struggling at times!<br />
I did leave them eventually but not the way I wanted too. We were about to cross the junction from Bramble Lane to Warwick Lane when I clipped the rider in front of me rear wheel and down I went! Two cyclists behind me and a 4x4 all stopped in time, the lovely lady motorist let me sit in her front seat and the next thing I knew my club mates were stuffing my bike in her back seat, and then she took me home.<br />
My bike was undamaged and so was myself but I knew and I did hurt everywhere the following morning, I just don`t bounce like I use too! Oh mileage was just 12.70E.C. Ryderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02038930827502156299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013078491258542405.post-69611654744602237102016-06-14T09:20:00.002+01:002016-06-14T09:22:18.427+01:00Sunday 5th JuneOnboard the Raleigh again this morning for a 06.45 start and I was heading to the Civic Hall, Blackshots Lane, Grays for the annual Thurrock Cycle Marathon. But I wasn`t taking part myself, just going along to meet up with club mates I`ve not seen for awhile. It was a warm and overcast morning and for some reason I was wearing arm-warmers and tudor longs! I took a slow lazy ride along Fen Lane to Bulphan and into Church Lane to see the fly tippers have been busy again! Such a shame as this is a lovely lane to cycle along. Onwards to Orsett and those lovely potholes to Baker Street Windmill, then onto Stiffrod Clays Road to reach Civic Hall a little after 8am. The Gateway CC were just starting to put up their information stand so I did my bit of supervising, well it got me out of work!<br />
I was rather glad I had the arm warmers & tudor longs on as it felt cold standing around for riders to set off on their ride. First to arrive back was the 7 mile riders, so myself and David Fish were kept busy handing out Gateway CC info sheets and chatting to riders even the sun came out too. Once the 21 & 42 mile riders came back we were really busy!<br />
After saying my goodbyes I headed for home retacing my route out, but those arm warmer were now off and bare arms were now catching the hot sun,only wish I wasn`t wearing those tudor longs! The climb up to North Ockendon in Fen Lane had me beat and so I had to walk up! I then decide to get a few extra miles in by taking a longer route via Ockendon Road, Pea Lane and Dennis Lane to reach home by 2pm with 26 miles done.<br />
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Some of the riders getting ready for their ride either 7, 21 or 42 miles.<br />
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The Gateway CC team with the information stand E.C. Ryderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02038930827502156299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013078491258542405.post-84273234072013034972016-05-10T11:31:00.000+01:002016-05-10T11:31:53.358+01:00Saturday 7th MayAfter my early morning exercise routine I decide to give that old exercise bike a rest and take out the Raleigh for a spin instead. So after a few laps around the empty commuter carpark for a wobbly or two moment, I was back on the road again by 06.20. With hardly any traffic about I made my way along Dennise Lane to Pea Lane to reach Pike Lane and the Thames Chase Forest Centre. As the gate was open I had a ride around and had the place to myself. Some changes since I was last here, more carparking, a new bird hive beside the pond, and more outdoor seating around the Visitors Centre/Cafe. Will have to come back another day to explore more and when the cafe is open too.<br />
I retrace my route back to reach home at around 07.30 with just 9 miles done, but it was good to be back in the saddle again.<br />
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The Raleigh outside The Vistitors Centre/Cafe with it new seating areaE.C. Ryderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02038930827502156299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013078491258542405.post-11207260196291852722016-05-01T10:30:00.003+01:002016-05-01T10:30:25.083+01:00Update number fiveI really expected to be back cycling again in April but I`ve been a wee bit unwell at times this month, this had nothing to do with my injuries. In fact my shoulder & heel are doing fine at the moment and I`ve now stopped taking those painkillers altogether now. Though I may occasionally have an Ouch or Scream moment!<br />
Had to stop my daily exercise routine a few times when I was unwell, but since October 2015 the exercise bike has clocked-up 3,100 miles. Shame I can`t put that in My Cycle Log!<br />
Still having to use the walking stick on my longer walks. E.C. Ryderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02038930827502156299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013078491258542405.post-821638045855716442016-01-24T14:33:00.001+00:002016-01-24T14:33:42.597+00:00Update number fourStill no cycling for me but feeling so much better these days. My shoulder and heel will never be right and will always have some stiffness in them. Also been told I`m at 100% risk of getting arthrits in them when I get older, thought I was already old?<br />
Occasionally pain in my shoulder just reminds me that I can`t do some of the things I used to do! My heel has more of an ache than pain, and I`m walking much more without the aid of that stick, but on longer walks I still need it.<br />
Daily exercise program going well plus I`m still spinning my legs on that exercise bike clocking up 1,500 miles so far.<br />
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Happy and Safe Cycling in 2016 to all my readersE.C. Ryderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02038930827502156299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013078491258542405.post-85783289725146606652015-10-29T08:56:00.001+00:002015-10-29T08:56:52.835+00:00Update number threeStill no cycling for me yet though I`m now spinning the old legs each day on an exercise bike, which my neighbour was just about to throw out! It in very good condition too, so I suppose it was just one of those lets get fit moments and then found it hard-work!<br />
Finished with Physio at Hospital, but of course still doing a personal exercise program everyday to keep shoulder and heel moving. Still taking painkillers especially for the shoulder which is very painful at times, and still using a walking stick to get about on.<br />
My accident claim as now been settled thanks to the CTC Slater & Gordon, and a nice cheque is now in my Bank. But of course money can never replace the amount of time I`ve lost cycling in my Essex lanes!<br />
Hope (keeping my fingers cross here) to be back cycling again in Spring 2016.<br />
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Here`s the exercise bike and so far I`ve done 200 miles on it in three weeks.<br />
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<br />E.C. Ryderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02038930827502156299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013078491258542405.post-9525433266185578642015-07-29T09:15:00.003+01:002015-07-29T09:15:59.629+01:00Update number twoIt`s now 45 weeks today that I was knocked off the bike and I`m still unable to returned to my cycling yet. Things are getting better slowly, now walking with the aid of a walking stick, and having Physio fortnightly at Thurrock Hospital. Shoulder still painful at times and have been referred back to my consultant by the Physio, so having to wait for an appointment now.<br />
The motorist that didn`t see me on that roundabout was in court in June and she got 6 points and a fine! E.C. Ryderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02038930827502156299noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013078491258542405.post-79364057405292400812015-05-06T11:16:00.001+01:002015-05-06T11:16:23.819+01:00UpdateIt`s now 33 weeks today that I was knocked off the bike at a local roundabout, and I`m still unable to cycle due to my injuries. Which makes it the longest period that I`ve ever gone without cycling in 35 years! My recovery is still progressing slowly with lots of exercises and daily short walks with the aid of one elbow crutch.<br />
The motorist that didn`t see me that morning was in court last month and pleaded guilty to `driving without due care and consideration` the case was adjourned to June.<br />
My bike has been checked out at my local Cycle Shop and is all okay, but I don`t know when I will be back cycling but I will be back!E.C. Ryderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02038930827502156299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013078491258542405.post-84076824039278593182014-11-17T16:46:00.001+00:002014-11-17T16:46:13.885+00:00Wednesday 10th SeptemberOn a lovely sunny and warm morning I decide to take my `Claud Baby` out for a spin to Blackmore for a cuppa and then decide where to go from there. So leaving home at 09.30 I sped out to North Ockendon and then carefully rode for a couple of miles along Fen Lane which had recently had those horrible loose chipping laid. Then once through Bulphan and over the A128 I headed for Dunton. To find the roundabout over the A127 unusually quiet, so I was shocked when halfway round I suddenly found myself on the bonnet of a car! Then dumped onto the road followed my a lot of pain! Amongst the chaos that followed I heard a woman voice saying `I didn`t see him` that explains everything I was a victim of SMIDSY.<br />
My main injuries were fractures to my left shoulder, right heel and a few ribs also on my right side. Things could have been much worst if I hadn`t been wearing my helmet!<br />
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I came home on Nov 5th, ribs were much better, left arm in a sling to support my fracture shoulder, and I`m using one crutch to get about on because of my heel fracture. I`m now looking at Spring 2015 to get back cycling again in my Essex lanes.<br />
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Funny thing my `Claud Baby` was hardly damage, as this photo was taken after the accident!<br />
<br />E.C. Ryderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02038930827502156299noreply@blogger.com1