Dodging the showers 10/09/2025

It was a day with a variable, wet and windy forecast when the Easy Riders assembled in Weavers Park. We had a new rider, Ian, join the long ride, and when I went over to introduce myself, he was already becoming acquainted with the usual members of that group. Welcome Ian – we hope you enjoyed it! About 7 riders departed with the long ride to Olivers café at Earls Colne, with 14 riders in the medium group heading to Cressing Temple, and the short group pedalling to The Stores.

As ride leader, I’d been quite concerned about the frequently changing rain forecast, so had planned the medium ride with several shortcuts so we could run for shelter if required. As my support rider observed, it was a wiggly-windy route! I try to vary our routes, so we took Route 16 to the bottom of Skitts Hill, up Mill Park Drive, through a cut-through to Park Drive and Goldingham Drive, to come out on Masefield Road. This avoids the steep incline on busy Skitts Hill. Another loop was from Cressing, around Perry Green to Silver End, and a loop around Broadway and Francis Way before running to Cressing Temple to avoid the rain.

I was delighted to hear Neville had completed his ride leader training. Instead of a health & safety tip for the week, can I make a plea for anyone who is thinking about ride leader training, to put themselves forward? We have several regular ride leaders and support riders, but if we had a few more, it would reduce the frequency with which these people have to work.

Even if people wanted to restrict their role to being support rider, or to lead the medium group when it splits due to high numbers, it would be a great help.

On the way back through Black Notley, I wanted us to use the Snakey Lane track, but I dislike the gravel at the very south end. So, I routed us up John Ray Gardens, Mary Ruck Way and Rose Walk, to join Snakey Lane where it flattens out and the surface is better. I was pleased when a couple of riders said they had ridden roads that were unfamiliar to them, despite knowing the area well. Such are the joys of ride leadership! And I (and most other ride leaders) am always happy to assist new ride leaders to plan and recce routes and explain variable factors to take into account (weather, surface, traffic etc).

A short ride today, c24 miles, and 9mph. But we avoided most of the rain, and a good time was had by all.

Cathy MacTaggart