BHF London to Southend 2013

Well I decided to ride the BHF London to Southend Bike ride on 21.07.2013. I couldn't be asked to start in London though. Getting there only to have the horrible ride out seemed pointless. So I left Romford and joined the route at Tysea Hill Stapleford Abbotts. This meant I would be riding 10 miles less but it seem the best option.
I cycled up through into Navestock Heath and through onto Blackmore road in Kelvedon Hatch.

I continue until I reach Mountnessing an official stop for a cheese n pickle roll and a drink.

It was after here the route seemed to change from previous years, instead of going past along Roman Road we turn left along Church Road crossing the A12.Then turn into Padnams Green Road.

 Then onto Buttsbury, where I ride into Buttsbury and stop by its Church.

 Then onto Ingatestone Road and onward towards Stock.

 

 After Stock and its slow climb up to the church , we head off towards Hanningfield Reservoir.

 

I decided no to stop at the next rest stop and continued on and resisted the pub as I passed and had a quick stop at South  Hanningfield.

I now press on and am soon climbing along a steep hill towards Rettondon Turnpike on the Main Road passing through Rettendon. It was here last year that my ride came to an end as I had a broken tube and the spare was useless too. No mistake this year and no punctures too Im pleased to say,maybe down to new tyres.I cross some busy roundabouts and onto Hawk Hill that leads me into Battlesbridge. Here I stop for a half pint of Brewers Gold in The Barge Inn. Both a lovely ale and pub, we will have to come back another time.

 I cross the bridge over The River Roach and cycle along Beeches road stopping by a church and a field of blue.

I continue on Watery Lane into Lower Road and others passing through Hullbridge and into Canewdon.

 I cycle through Rochford and now on the home stretch to Southend.

 I arrive at Priory Park Southend to a heaving field of people and cycles, I struggle my way through the crowds. I decide to make my way away from the crowds and over to the cafe by The Priory. Which is quieter and cheaper.

I have cycled 42 miles for the day and a top speed of 32mph.... I now get the train home and pass Southend Airport and its Vulcan bomber pictured below.

Ride out to The Viper PH Mill Green 15.07.13

I decided to take a ride out to The Viper PH in Mill Green near Ingatestone Essex. The  sun was beating down and had reached 32oC... A hot day indeed for a ride.

I set off from Collier Row and cycled up the first hill of the day up Orange Tree Hill Havering-Atte-Bower.

The ancient village sits on one of the highest points in London, in the far north of the borough. It is situated 344 feet (105 m) above sea level with striking views of east London, Essex and Kent.

St John The Baptist Church at Havering-Atte-Bower

I rode along through Havering-Atte-Bower turning right into Tysea Hill and then onto Horseman side.I cross over the M25 and pass The Alma Arms,pass the King William Ph now a private home and follow onto Tanhouse lane. At the end I turn right onto Princes Road. On this road is an old warehouse. This is a listed building described as;

Granary. C17. Timber-framed, weatherboarded, half hipped roof,peg-tiled. 2 storeys. Ground floor interior brick infilling on N side. Good framing with trapped side purlin roof and carpenters marks. The granary forms a group with The Black Mill.

 After the Granary I turn left onto Navestock side past the cricket green and past Alecs restaurant previously The White Horse PH. At the end I turn onto Crown road and then onto the Ongar Road.After a short while I turn right onto Blackmore Road and ride along I miss where the Blackmore Road turns off and cycled along Hook End Rd and Mill Lane before realising my mistake and doubling back. I take Hay Green Lane as this lead towards Blackmore Road. Once more on Blackmore Road.

I turned right onto Ingatestone road and past some lovely cottages.

 

After a while a steep hill starts and continues for some distance,once at the top,I stopped for a rest.But didnt really need to as the pub was only a 100 or so yards around the corner.

THE VIPER

 

I arrived at 1130 hrs only to find out that the pub doesn't open until 1200. Well I cycled all this way 16.5 miles I wasn't going till I had my beer. So I sat in the beer garden in the glorious sun eagerly awaiting.

 

I was in as soon as the pub opened and ordered as pint of Jake The Snake by Viper Ales brewed in Brentwood by Mighty Oaks Breweries and a packet of pork scratchings.

 

The Ale tasted great.... Type Golden Ales ABV 4.0%
Hoppy citrus golden beer.

I finished up and cycled off home along Mill Green Road and back onto Ingatestone Rd,Blackmore Road but this time I turn right onto The Green at Blackmore. Here was a lovely village green and a cracking village.

 

  I am once more on Blackmore road,there are signs "Save The Bull". It appears this refers to The Bull PH that is for sale in Blackmore.VILLAGERS fear the planned construction of two cottages in the beer garden of a Grade II-listed disused pub will spell the end for the hostelry.

I ride into Keveldon Hatch and pass the 15th Century built pub of The Shepherd Inn.

Opposite is the village green and a duck pond.

I take the same route home and arrive home having completed 32.5 miles, average speed of 12.5 mph and a top speed of 30.5 mph. I wasnt aiming to race but have a leisurely ride in the sun.