Romford to Southend and back 14th March 09

I left Romford for a 67 mile return journey to Southend on Sea.I traveled through Romford,Hornchurch and Upminster, where I stopped to take a picture of the Upminster Windmill.

Then onwards through West Horndon, Bulphan, Langdon Hills and into Basildon. I stopped to take a picture of the view from the top of a very steep hill in Langdon.

From Basildon I traveled into Vange, Pitsea, Bower Gifford and round Sandlers Farm roundabout and onto Benfleet up Bread and Cheese Hill. I continued along the A13 London Road through into Leigh On Sea where I took a couple more pictures then into Chalkwell, Westcliff and eventually into Southend on Sea. Where I stopped for a bag of chips and a few photos before I started back for home. Return journey was awful with a headwind all the way home. I have never been so knackered before and this is my longest journey to date.

Glen Trool, Scotland. Aug 08

On a Family Holiday in Dumfries and Galloway,the family and I went for a bike ride to Glen Trool. I drove the bikes there on the back of the car. After cycling some hills, Mel and Lucy became tired (george was fine as he was on the back of Mels Bike). I cycled back and got the car and then drove us all further up where we continued to cycle up to Bruces Stone. Where the Scots beat the English. Lovely views and the last proper trip for my Firefox mountain bike cheapie before I got my Ridgeback on the ride to work Scheme.

My first trip into London Sep 08

This was my first trip into London by bike. I travelled through Ilford, Forest Gate, Stratford ,Bow, Whitechapel , The city , onto the Embankment up to Parliament square with view of Big Ben and Parliament. Then Straight down Birdcage walk and onto Buckingham Palace. From here I rode over to Park Lane round to Bond Street, Regents Street through Soho, Covent Garden and then off home. About 40 miles in total.

Trip along the Thames Oct 08

Got a few miles in before work. After crossing The Thames by the Woolwich Ferry, I followed the Thames along passing the Thames Barrier, The 02 arena, David Beckham academy for Football, views across the river to Canary Wharf and up to The Cutty Sark. Unfortunately this was after the fire had wrecked it. Then back along the roads as this was faster so I could get to work on time.

Trip into London 1st November 2008

A run from Collier Row, through Ilford, Forest Gate, Stratford, Bow, Whitechapel, The City And then across Tower Bridge and along the South Embankment. Taking in sights such as St Katherine Docks, The Gherkin, HMS Belfast, Golden Hind, The OXO Tower, Parliament, St.Paul cathedral and many more. Managed to take a wrong turn on the way back adding a few miles after I had to backtrack D'oh!
Got as far as Stratford Rail Station on the way back until I gave in the Strong wind and rain and stuck the bike on the Train to Romford.Still good day about 30 odd miles.

YACF Ride 30th December 2008

I started getting up early on a freezing morning to meet 7 strangers to go for my first YACF ride through the lovely Essex countryside. I arrived at Shenfield station with my Ridgeback on the back of my car and met up with Annie in the car park. I then met the rest down at the station entrance. We started off in the freezing weather and soon reached Ingatestone Garden Centre. Where we all had drinks and some food..... Much needed after only a short ride as we were all freezing.
We then set off through various lanes heading towards Fyfield that I didn't recognize. It was at a comfortable pace and it was nice to be riding with a group of friendly people.

Soon after Ongar we started hitting hills that really zapped my energy and I started to slow down while I looked at the rest of the group with envy who managed to zip up without any difficulty. Looks like I need a lot of hill training lol. We then found our way to The Woodman PH in Stanford Rivers.
I haven't been to this pub for at least 10 years. Bought back a few memories. We all had a BIG meal and drinks and the bar staff were very friendly. We then backtracked to Greenstead Church(the oldest Wooden church in the world dated either to the mid-9th or mid-11th century).

We then headed back to Shenfield Station via more hills that seemed to go on forever and said our goodbyes once back back at the Station.

Thanks everyone for a great ride and Happy New Year!
Hope to see you all again on another ride, hopefully be warmer

Pootle to Waltham Abbey 21st Jan 09

On 21st of January 2009 I took a ride to Waltham Abbey via Hainualt,Chigwell,Loughton, Golding Hill Epping, Wake Arms and onto Waltham Abbey. Then back via Stewardstone, Chingford, Woodford. Got my 1st puncture on this bike on the way back by Enfield!

Trip Havering-Atte-Bower,Lambourne End Jan09

Short trip before work in January 2009. From Collier Row up Orange Tree Hill past The Orange Tree Pub to Havering-Atte-Bower down past The Royal Oak Pub, left up the steep hill to Lambourne End to Chigwell. Then down to Hainault Forest. Then onto work.