Colchester Cycling UK

Colchester 40/40 Ride Report

August 10, 2014

The weather forecast for the day did not look very good. It was raining as I set off from Colchester to the Bungalow Diner at Marks Tey. There were three or four cyclists already there (about 9:15 am) but little paperwork at that time! Malcolm soon arrived with the route sheets and Brian arrived shortly after 9:30 am with signing in sheets after being held up with the train at Shenfield. Riders were by now arriving slowly so by about 9:45 am there were thirteen riders. There were five regular Colchester riders plus two riders from the area, five from the Chelmsford group and one representing SEG.

It was decided that we set off at 10 am, ten riders doing the 40 km and three the 40 miles. After Malcolm had taken a photo of the magical thirteen we set off.

Riders gathered at Bungalow Diner

I offered to lead the 40 km group and everyone was happy with my steady pace.

Alan leading the 40 km group out the car park
40 km riders on London Road, Copford

The route would take us up through Fordham, Wormingford and over the border into Suffolk. By the time we had turned right onto the lumpy Nayland road and left onto the Leavenheath road it looked as if it could rain heavily any moment. After turning off right along Plough Lane and through the golf course we were afforded some shelter by the high trees either side. It did get quite dark after a time through the wooded area and there were also loose stones under wheel. The lane on the other side of the main road leading to Polstead was similar.

We arrived at The Cock Inn just after 11:30 am; they don’t normally open until 12 noon but on seeing us the door opened and we were saved from a heavy downpour and thunder! We also had welcome cups of tea/coffee and cake. We set off from Polstead after the worst of the rain had passed after putting on a few more waterproofs.

Robert rode alongside me shortly afterwards with a big smile on his face and summed it all up by saying, “well I’m glad I didn’t sit at home today”. About one and a half miles from Copford the heavens opened so my feet were wet in a very short time. We arrived at The Alma just after the worst had eased off.

The 40 km ride in numbers:

  • Distance: 29.4 miles
  • Avg speed: 10.0 mph

By Alan Palmer