To summarise the plans:
Friday 24th December, Richard Ellis Memorial 100km: Meet at 'Paradise' cafe, Dunmow for breakfast around 09:00, leaving 10:00 on a 100km Reversed REM permanent, or your own DIY incorporating the route (summarised above, gps links too). Lunch at the Maglia Rosso, Hawstead, returning to Dunmow around dusk (16:00-17:00), maybe time for a cheeky Christmas drink at the Angel and Harp? (Yes, theologically speaking I know we should really be ending up in Paradise ...) There's a marquee at the A&H if you don't fancy going indoors - the MR has a roofed, but opensided seating section too - bring your lockdown jackets?
Wednesday 29th December, Hopstock 110km: Meet at the Compasses, Littley Green for breakfast from 09:00 - let them know if you're wanting to eat there: compasseslittleygreen@googlemail.com A 10:00 start and lunch at the far end of the 'Hopstock' 110+km route at 'Spoke' cafe, Codicote (also see above for route details). Back at the Compasses after 17:00 (when they re-open) for a meal and drinks as required. Again, can be your own DIY that dovetails with the basic Hopstock route.