End-of-the-month Extended Rides 30/07/2025

The Easy Riders assembled in Weavers Park with slightly altered departure times. The 40-mile-long ride departed as usual at 0930. The 30-mile medium ride also departed at 0930 (not 0945) as we aim to arrive at the cafes around 1115, before they start lunch preparation. The short ride departed at 1000 as usual.

Ann split the medium ride into two groups of 7 (much easier to manage), with her group riding faster on a 35-mile route, and my group on a slower, hillier 30-mile route, both to Braxted Bakery. Ann’s group pedalled out via Cressing Road and Long Green to Silver End, whereas my group rode via the William IV pub, Black Notley and Bulford Mill to Silver End.

Both groups progressed to Kelvedon, then one group rode via Ingrave, Messing and Tiptree, and the other rode up the hill to Windmill Hill. The groups converged as we approached Braxted Bakery.

Health & safety tip for the day is more of a question about cycling sandals. Bike shoes and sandals have rigid soles to maximise the propulsion from each pedal rotation. My ancient sandals are completely clapped out – the cleats have fallen out and the soles are falling apart. However, my alternative pair have much springier soles – and I hate them. I’ve discovered Shimano cycle sandals have a scale of rigidity in the soles – from 1 to 5 – rigid which are appropriate for cycling only or with some flex for hiker/bikers. I want to know the rigidity of the sole before I buy them but can’t find out which models have the fully rigid sole. Anyone have the answers?

We fell on our refreshments at Braxted Bakery. Peter M had suggested this venue, as they do the best coffee in the area. Tracy, Kevin and Tony all concurred with Peter’s opinion – but unfortunately Peter had not been able to ride this week. So, we photographed a much enjoyed (empty) coffee cup for him!

We pedalled back through a road closure at Braxted where the bridge over the River Blackwater was being refurbished. The workmen were making a lovely job of painting the railings, and one of them had brand new fluorescent waders (which he said were like working in a sweatbox). I told him I had wader-envy! I do love a bit of fluorescent clothing!

On the way back, I was truly delighted to discover several of our riders had ridden roads they had not ridden before, with the subsequent delight of suddenly realising where they were, when we joined familiar roads. This is one of my absolute delights of being a ride leader.

30 miles (or 36 with Ann’s group), average 10.2mph. Great company. Well ridden by all.

Cathy MacTaggart