According to Google Maps, a bike ride from Drury Lane to the Shell Café at Hatfield Forest and the return home is 39 miles. Not quite long enough, by my definition, to be a Long Ride (which is 40 miles). Aydin was our ride leader, along with me, Paul (Simpson), Peter (Skirrow) and Kevin. Health & safety tip for the day, is a reminder of the hazards of autumn cycling – as Mick would put it – beware of riding over ball bearings! By which he means, mind the acorns! Also be aware

Last Wednesday, it was my turn to be ride leader, rather than ride member. When I plan the route, my preferences are to ride on really quiet roads, so this determined how we reached Cressing Temple. We assembled at King George’s Playing Fields, for a 10am start. My group – Paul (Simpson), Roy, Bonita, Julie (Spicer) and I pedalled off, heading north crossing Coggeshall Road, down Deerleap Way and picking up the greenway to follow it past the River Blackwater to River Mead. He