Yesterday evening was just lovely, really lovely.
Myself and Huggy did a bit of CORing past Troys Hall (between the Faulkbourne road and Fairstead) and then a bit more in Little Waltham. There's a muddy path that bikeroutetoaster often highlights to Huggy so we decided to see where it went, but it didn't seem to go anywhere so we turned back and met Tomsk at the White Hart.
Contrary to the forecast the night was still and clear as we zoomed along. At one stage we saw a badger but didn't collide with it. After cresting TMNH we hung a right into the woods. A sharp muddy ascent forced us all to take to our feet but after that we all stayed upright enjoying some exciting descents.
More CORing ensued before getting to the Horse & Groom, which is an odd place. We were in the public bar due to it's hard flooring being more accommodating of our muddy footwear. The pub was largely deserted, the music a bit loud and the uplighters round the ceiling kept changing colour. Still, the beer was fine and the welcome warm. We finally got kicked out shortly after 11pm.
Then off into the still, clear night which had developed a crispness to it. Tomsk guided and towed us through Chelmsford then we parted company. Huggy and I whizzed home, me getting in at about quarter to one.
Comedy off-roading, mud, lovely weather, beer and good mates - it doesn't get much better.
By the way, Huggy is going to organise a cheapo curry evening at the Indian Ocean in Witham. Perhaps Christophe can also organise a curried sprout fest as well?
