last Wednesday the ladies turned out in force for our ride to CESSAA formally The Musket Club. Come on gentleman get up out of bed it is not that cold at the moment.
Friday, I did not ride due my back problem but 3 riders went to Abberton.
This week we will either go to Fillpots or my new route to the Dog and Pheasant.
Friday, I will keep an eye on the weather maybe Messing or Dedham.
Some of you may not know but we have members from the New World, Beth and Ian Haysom also Mike White, all Canadians well almost.
The following is an extract from Mike who led the group with Ash and on his own for many years now residing in Miami.
“Please pass on my greetings to all those that remember me, if there are any left! Are there many from the old group that still come out?
I am pleased to hear that the group is still going strong! I hope there are some confident people that will step up this time and lead a few rides for you. It can get tiring when you’re the only one doing it, especially when it has really only been you for almost 3 years now! That’s impressive! I like the idea of an annual membership as well, it keeps monies safer, and then there are no worries about collecting on the day, etc.
I have purchased a new bike! This one is a purpose bought bike, she has a specific job to perform. I’s the first time I have ever purchased a bike with a set job in mind, I am really happy! She will take me from Miami to Ottawa! She is a Jamis Renegade Expat, and is a gravel adventure bike. I took her for her first spin on Dec 31st. Just a short 25 miles or so, but I rode along the levies into the Everglades, mostly gravel. My God! What a beautiful ride! She went from pavement to gravel and I didn’t even notice a drop in speed or effort! It was wonderful! I am hoping that my ride to Canada keeps me off the gravel, but if I do encounter it, then I am no longer worried. She is steel framed, and carbon forks, with tubeless tyres 700×36, so she has been built for comfort and reliability. Steel frame to absorb and flex, carbon forks to dampen road noise, wide tubeless tyres to roll easy and forever! A complete dream of a bike! Granted, she is not as fast as my other bike, but way more comfortable. I have an audax with her on Sat, 136 miles, so that will be my real test. There is a section on that ride where the pavement is complete garbage. Think these stone chips they are resurfacing all of the UK with, but have it as actual pavement. This goes on for about 25 miles, but as this is an out and back ride, you have 50 miles to cover on it! The old bike was able to do it, barely, but I was cursing up a storm the whole way. This time, I doubt I will even notice.
Anyway, glad to hear things are doing well with the group, and I hope it continues to do so!”
I hope to keep you updated on Mikes epic ride.
Six of us rode into the sun on Wednesday to find most of Wivenhoe shut, including the Black Bouy so we went to pub on the front which is under new management that requires training.
Friday was abandoned as to cold for my breathing.
This Wednesday we will go to the Musket Club and hopefully on Friday finally make Abberton.
Following discussions within the group we have decided not to renew our affiliation to Cycling UK, though we do recommend that those who cycle with us join Cycling UK for cycling insurance and the many other benefits it provides the every day rider.
From our first ride on the 2nd January 2019 we will ride as a group of friends with a common interest, without a specific ride leader, taking it in turn to lead the group if you wish to.
The £2.00. per ride after the 3rd ride will be replaced by an annual fee of £12.00. which can be paid in one or two instalments, the fee is to cover general promotional costs and sundry safety items.
This will be the start of my 4th year at the helm, I will do one more making a total of 5 before taking a back seat (on a tandem!).
I look forward to seeing you all in the New Year, where shall we go.
looking at the weather for Wednesday I will decide on the day where we ride. The same goes for Friday.
I will be taking the website down over Christmas to make revisions for the New Year.
If any of you wish to join Cycling UK for the benefits it offers details can be found at:-
https://www.cyclinguk.org/join
Currently I intend to ride on Boxing day with a later start of 11:30, if you intend to come please email me.
Best wishes for Christmas and the New Year
I will be back in the saddle on Wednesday, hopefully the weather will allow the ride I planned for last week to take place.
Friday does not look good at the moment so you will have to check Thursday for my email.
Does anyone want to ride on Boxing Day, please let me know.
Yes I found one at last. I have take the start of one ride added a new middle section and lunch stop (pub) and then used a return from another ride. We will venture forth on the 5th December.
Those that are coming I will see you on the 28th 12:30 for 13:00 at The Alma School Road Copford.
Last Wednesday we had an unfortunate incident and as a result have lost a rider. I am truly sorry this happened under my stewardship, I know what it is like at the back I was once there and Mike White was very patient with me.
From this week on I will take the back of the group with the slower and or less experienced riders and in practise for our January changes the experienced riders can share the lead.
It looks as if the weather is about to turn and Wednesday will be cold, I propose we go to Wivenhoe so wrap up warm.
Friday, I have yet to discuss with my leader, she has left me on my own while she raves it up at a Soul Weekend, I expect we will venture to The Hare and Hounds, but phone me to check.
Wednesday we returned to the Bricklayers Arms our old headquarters, under new management and much improved, we will add back onto our ride list.
Fridays ride to Poplar Nurseries was reasonably supported, there will be no Friday ride this week due to other commitments.
As winter is around the corner I will not publish the Wednesday ride in advance, we will make the decision on the day as appropriate for the weather conditions.
I now have the full list of attendees for the Christmas lunch and will email the 3 drivers who have volunteered their services as to who they will collect.
I think is about time we had a song to sing as we venture up hill and down dale through North Essex and South Suffolk on Wednesdays, so folks.
In the key of C 4/4
“I can see clearly now, the rain is gone,
I can see all obstacles in my way
Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind
It’s gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-Shiny day.
It’s gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-Shiny day.””
repeat 16 times
“It’s gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-Shiny day.”
Thats all folks
Sorry for the delay of this posting.
Fridays ride out to the Shepherd was within reach of the Wednesday riders if we took the shortest route, however you need a black American Express Card to eat there (no credit limit).
Wednesday we will travel up Bakers Lane and make our way to the Bricklayers.
Friday, contact me via email on Thursday, current favourite is Poplar Nurseries.
I think by now most of you are aware of the changes that will take place on January 1st 2019, just in case the following is a resume.
“The proposals in respect of the groups direction and future, based upon the reply from members will take effect from January 1st 2019.
These being:-
Cease charging for rides after 3 weeks.
Cease membership of Cycling U.K. at renewal.
Cease renewal of Ride Leaders insurance.
Retain the name “Cycling for Pleasure (Colchester)”.
Retain the Bank Account and signatories.
Meet Wednesday and Fridays as a group of like minded cyclists.
Maintain some printed matter to hand out to interested parties.
Maintain the Web site
Charge an annual fee of £12.00 to cover promotional material payable in full on 1st January each year or in two £6.00 instalments in January and July. New members will still enjoy 3 weeks free.
Maintain a register of members emergency phone contacts.
Each rider will take responsibilty for their own safety.
It would be preferred that each rider joins Cycling U.K. this will give insurance together with discounts at some cycle related stores. Adult current rate £46.50. Senior £29.50.
In future a tail light to be used by the person at the front of the group and a front light by the person at the rear of the group, this will assist those riders in knowing the spread of the group.”
Finally, I have 16 booked for the Christmas Lunch on the 28th November, the cut of date too book is the 14th November.
Last Wednesdays ride was re-routed to Wivenhoeso we will ride to the Cafe near Andy’s this week.
Fridays ride was abandoned due yo colds, this was the last ride until April 2019, however if you wish to ride on a Friday email me on Thursday and I will let you know what Claire and I are doing.
At last the Christmas lunch bookings are flowing in, enjoy as this may be the last freebie.
This week I will email the group the changes that will take effect from January 1st 2019 based upon the response I received from the ballot of the regular riders.
Cycling for Pleasure (Colchester) 