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A Belated Happy New Year 15/01/2025

Having had our first ride cancelled for inclement weather, this was our first ride of the year. I’ve been writing fewer blogs recently, simply because I’ve run out of things to say. But I’ve been reflecting on the successes of Easy Riders last year, and I’ll share with you some of my observations about our random acts of kindness.

We work together. I’ve noticed:



- Easy Riders never fix a puncture on their own. There is always someone else who will assist to get the tyre off, someone who will find the cause, and another person who will have the right type of pump connection for the tyre valve.

- When a rider is unwell, we have enough first aiders to sort out the issue and arrange to get the rider home or to medical advice.


- If bikes need to be subsequently collected after an incident, another Easy Rider will collect and return them.

- When Easy Riders end up at night-time A&E, there is a friendly member of staff who is an Easy Rider, who works there, and is on duty.


- Easy Riders who need a lift to appointments have other Easy Riders who will drive and be a calming influence

- Easy Riders who are unwell and demoralised have had cheery visits from other Easy Riders

- Specific dietary requirements have been accommodated by appropriate meals brought to bring-and-share dinners by Easy Riders on holiday.


Some of these are observations of events on rides, but I also think our community ethos extends beyond the Wednesday rides. These are just the things I’ve observed, and if you have other examples, feel free to add them to the comments box. Long Live Easy Riders Community Spirit!


This week’s medium ride headed to The Stores. Neville managed to puncture soon after Rayne, but deflated again, and at Cocks Green, decided to run for Doer Cycles to get it properly fixed. I’d done the recce ride the day before and was aware Mill Lane Felsted was flooded, but rideable. The cautious riders, like me, negotiated the bank, but the more confident riders rode straight through (past the written-off car that had obviously skidded on ice earlier in the week). My recce had planned to ride via Mashbury, but time delays meant I put my contingency plan into action to cut it short via Pleshey. Local knowledge from Tim H and Peter M meant we were aware of the potholes and floods.


The Stores was full of cyclists from other clubs, but our late arrival meant they were departing just as we arrived. Happily replenished, we rode back via Littley Green and Hornells Corner, dispersing to our various homes along the route.


25.5 miles, average 9mph.


Cathy MacTaggart

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