Colchester Cycling UK

Harwich Ride Report

March 25, 2012

It was a cold first morning of British Summer Time but that didn’t put off a hardy group of eight turning out. After a cold but pleasant ride, Steve suffered a puncture frustratingly close to Mistley Place Park, so walked the remaining few hundred metres. He then sadly spent most of elevenses outside mending it, with a mug of coffee by his side.

We left for Harwich with the sun starting to come out (although I couldn’t yet feel it), passing a family with trailer bike through Mistley Heath.

Cycling along Heath Road

Alan then led us on a detour to Wrabness so we could get a photo in front of the curious bell cage.

In front of Wrabness Bell Cage

We continued through Ramsey and onto the sea front where I think we all really felt the cold sea breeze.

Appearances can certainly be misleading, as although The New Bell Inn may not be much to look at from the outside, within is a lovely traditional pub, with delightful walled garden to the rear. The staff were most attentive during our stay though somewhat distracted when we left, as Buckshee were about to start a live performance.

We headed back to Colchester via Stones Green and Route 51, before peeling off near Tendring. Back in Colchester Nik learnt the hard way the importance of staying behind the Ride Leader, as while he steamed up Bromley Hill, the rest of us turned off opposite The Beehive for a flat run along the Salary Brook cycle path!

By Malcolm Mitchell