As part of our aim of getting more people cycling we are running a series of Cycling Confidence sessions every morning from 10am to 11am at Braintree Sort and Health Club in Panfield Lane. Last Saturday was our highest number of attendees with 7 arriving for tutoring by Mick and his team. Gifford looked after the experienced George and Rianna, who were developing their confidence to cycle one handed, left and right, and also played a series of games to improve their overall bike control . Mave took Elizabeth who is getting back in to cycling and currently practising on one of our bikes. Dr Bike on the 14th July will look at her bike and hopefully get it back in to riding condition quickly. D
This ride was organised by Mick at the request of some members at the AGM in 2017 who wanted to ride 60 miles! As the week drew to an end, there was still more work to be done by the Braintree Easy Riders, namely Mick, Peter, Brian, Bill, Bill, Dick, Mave and John. The meeting point was Greenstead Green where bikes were unloaded while some had a sneaky second breakfast! Smelling sweetly of suncream and in a burst of energy we ventured forth into pastures new and on to the next OS Explorer map number 196. Gifford appeared as if by magic after the first few miles making our total up to 9 members. We were soon beyond Halstead and approaching unknown territory. Expertly guided by Mick and Giffor
10 Easy Riders turned up bright and early on Monday morning at Greenfields Centre (adjacent to Freeport). Interestingly, BER paid for the first aid trainer, but we did not need to pay for room hire because we are an official group recognised by Braintree Council. As a ratepayer, I think this is good and reasonable use of our taxes. Ed...a lovely room with air conditioning - great when its 30 outside. As it was a one day training course, Colin, our trainer focussed on the basics: D – R – A – B. Danger; Response; Airway; Breathing. Much has changed since I did my initial First Aid at Work training, 30 years ago, and mercifully, much of it has simplified. More awareness of the need to check
Today dawned bright but with a cold north wind, considering it was the first Thursday in June. About 35 Easy Riders congregated on Drury Lane, behind Sainsbury’s, before dividing into 3 groups, for our ride, heading north. Adrian led the longest ride, with me as the tail rider, for our group of 13 riders. Mick and Bill led the shorter two group rides. As we are becoming more aware of our public profile and our consequence compliance with the Highway Code, we obediently walked our bikes thorough the town centre, only mounting our cycles at the bottom of Panfield Lane, before taking the quiet route through the housing estate on the north side of Braintree. I think we were on Bailey Bridge
