Yet Another Cycling Forum

General Category => Rides and Touring => Topic started by: Wowbagger on 15 June, 2019, 09:57:50 pm

Title: Resurrecting the WARTY?
Post by: Wowbagger on 15 June, 2019, 09:57:50 pm
After searching YACF a couple of times for something else, I stumbled across a few of our old WARTY threads and it dawned on me how much fun those rides were.

https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=28163.125

https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=54800.75

and

http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=18939.msg339317#msg339317

all refer.

Would there be any interest in doing some similar rides in the future? If so, I'll try and sort some out. NB: it is increasingly rare for trains actually to exist into East Anglia/Southend at weekends. I'm hoping that once Crossrail has been completed things will buck up again. But it has been really bad for a long time.

Edit: for the rest of June there are no weekend trains between Shenfield and Southend, but the main line from Lpoo St to Chelmsford/Colchester/Ipswich and Norwich seems OK. July seems OK at the moment - or maybe they don't announce line closures a month in advance. Curiously, the line between Southend Vic and Wickford was closed throughout the last week in May and a bus service was operating for commuters. That has nothing to do with Crossrail which terminates at Shenfield.
Title: Re: Resurrecting the WARTY?
Post by: Wobbly John on 16 June, 2019, 12:37:20 am
Hell Yeah!  :thumbsup:

Trains permitting...
Title: Re: Resurrecting the WARTY?
Post by: orienteer on 16 June, 2019, 09:45:19 am
Been waiting a while for this!
Title: Re: Resurrecting the WARTY?
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 16 June, 2019, 09:48:11 am
Yarp date dependant.
Title: Re: Resurrecting the WARTY?
Post by: Canardly on 16 June, 2019, 10:16:29 am
Aye, subject to domestics.
Title: Re: Resurrecting the WARTY?
Post by: Wowbagger on 16 June, 2019, 12:32:49 pm
Well, weekends in June have no trains from Southend, I have commitments every weekend in July.

Does anyone fancy a midweek ride from somewhere? I know that the majority of responders so far are Old Buggers with no employment commitments...

I'm thinking of something from Chelmsford or Witham. Jan and I were up Marks Tey way a couple of months ago and our normal route from the station was not accessible because of what appeared to be bridge replacement works here: http://streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=591615&Y=224382&A=Y&Z=120
Title: Re: Resurrecting the WARTY?
Post by: orienteer on 16 June, 2019, 01:17:36 pm
Midweek fine in principle, but makes travel by both train and road more difficult. Also, please avoid Wednesdays, too many midweek events are on Wednesdays!
Title: Re: Resurrecting the WARTY?
Post by: jiberjaber on 16 June, 2019, 05:32:44 pm
However, Wednesdays would avail of perhaps culminating in a MEMWNS event??   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Resurrecting the WARTY?
Post by: cycleman on 16 June, 2019, 08:29:22 pm
I am interested in a  warty . A excuse to use my  bivvi  :)
Title: Re: Resurrecting the WARTY?
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 16 June, 2019, 09:14:13 pm
I can't do midweek. Im not aware of anything at Marks Tey but I'll try and swing by on way to work one day and have a look.
Title: Re: Resurrecting the WARTY?
Post by: Canardly on 16 June, 2019, 09:19:51 pm
There is an eatery opposite the station at MT that I would like to explore one day. (other side of the road). Is that the bridge under consideration?
Title: Re: Resurrecting the WARTY?
Post by: Wowbagger on 16 June, 2019, 09:52:42 pm
I think Wednesdays would be the best day for me. We have a choir practice on Tuesday evenings, and that always means that we are in a bit of a rush over dinner, and on Thursdays Jan goes to her craft group pretty well all day. If we choose Monday or Friday, then its hardly mid-week. However, our choir practices will stop after the first week in July until September.
Title: Re: Resurrecting the WARTY?
Post by: quixoticgeek on 17 June, 2019, 08:53:22 pm
 What's a warty?

J
Title: Re: Resurrecting the WARTY?
Post by: Wowbagger on 17 June, 2019, 08:56:10 pm
What's a warty?

J

https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=13191.0 Refers.
Title: Re: Resurrecting the WARTY?
Post by: essexian on 17 June, 2019, 09:33:51 pm
I used to live near Marks Tey so would be interested depending on date and start time.... I would be coming along way so may have to meet you part of the way.

Thinking about it.... I lived there in 1980!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Resurrecting the WARTY?
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 17 June, 2019, 09:51:38 pm
Did a quick Google and appears bridge is open but will try and confirm
Title: Re: Resurrecting the WARTY?
Post by: Kim on 17 June, 2019, 10:03:19 pm
I used to live near Marks Tey so would be interested depending on date and start time.... I would be coming along way so may have to meet you part of the way.

Thinking about it.... I lived there in 1980!!!!!!!!

My parents lived in Marks Tey before I was born.  I don't think it's affected me particularly...

(Might be up for a bike ride, if timings permit.)
Title: Re: Resurrecting the WARTY?
Post by: Canardly on 17 June, 2019, 10:06:53 pm
May be better to turn this into a week end containing a Warty so as to allow peeps some flexibility?  How is Annie getting on? Last time I saw her she was climbing cliff faces or some such.
Title: Re: Resurrecting the WARTY?
Post by: Wowbagger on 18 June, 2019, 11:54:08 am
I haven’t heard from Annie for a long time. I think there are some forummers with whom she keeps in touch.
Title: Re: Resurrecting the WARTY?
Post by: JenM on 18 June, 2019, 07:04:29 pm
I'd be up for a ride, but in the middle of France at the moment so not around until early July.

I think we should scrap the Warty acronym and just call them a Social Ride
Title: Re: Resurrecting the WARTY?
Post by: ianrauk on 18 June, 2019, 08:20:10 pm
Really enjoyed the Wartys
Title: Re: Resurrecting the WARTY?
Post by: Kim on 18 June, 2019, 08:55:13 pm
I think we should scrap the Warty acronym and just call them a Social Ride

Seconded.  It's a bit redundant if it's not going to be a series of rides, and rather diminished by lack of Annie.
Title: Re: Resurrecting the WARTY?
Post by: Wowbagger on 19 June, 2019, 10:01:36 am
Agreed, but I think we ought to have some sort of snappy title. SR series? ;)
Title: Re: Resurrecting the WARTY?
Post by: andrewc on 19 June, 2019, 10:25:43 am
I did mention this thread to the Pixie  last night,  she said she'd be Up For It as long as it's not too far (a couple of physical issues)   She'll need to sort out a new log in though. 
Title: Re: Resurrecting the WARTY?
Post by: pixieannie on 22 June, 2019, 03:29:34 pm
Do you need an Annie?
Title: Re: Resurrecting the WARTY?
Post by: andrewc on 22 June, 2019, 04:34:11 pm
Everyone needs an Annie.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Resurrecting the WARTY?
Post by: Wowbagger on 23 June, 2019, 10:38:48 am
Do you need an Annie?

Did Andrew rub his lamp?

[settles seamlessly into the old innuendo stream...]
Title: Re: Resurrecting the WARTY?
Post by: Morrisette on 23 June, 2019, 10:55:02 pm
*waves*
The WARTY rides were good fun.
I'd love to come out one weekend, baby permitting. I am VERY out of practice on the bike at the moment.....
Title: Re: Resurrecting the WARTY?
Post by: Wowbagger on 24 June, 2019, 01:00:16 am
Do you have a child seat?
Title: Re: Resurrecting the WARTY?
Post by: pixieannie on 24 June, 2019, 07:16:12 am
Do you need an Annie?

Did Andrew rub his lamp?

[settles seamlessly into the old innuendo stream...]

Is that what they're calling them nowadays? 
Title: Re: Resurrecting the WARTY?
Post by: Morrisette on 25 June, 2019, 09:19:26 am
Do you have a child seat?

I do, it's on the bike but the baby has yet to go in it!
Title: Re: Resurrecting the WARTY?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 25 June, 2019, 01:51:12 pm
What does WARTY stand for? And what's the format of whatever it is?
Title: Re: Resurrecting the WARTY?
Post by: andrewc on 25 June, 2019, 03:26:26 pm
Wild And Raunchy Trip Yonder....
Title: Re: Resurrecting the WARTY?
Post by: Woofage on 25 June, 2019, 03:42:14 pm
What does WARTY stand for? And what's the format of whatever it is?

Wowbagger & Annie Round the Year.

Leisurely rides of 30-50 miles punctuated by cake stops & lunch. It's a very long time since I've done one.
Title: Re: Resurrecting the WARTY?
Post by: Wowbagger on 26 August, 2019, 01:57:07 pm
Bump!

Thursday 12th September. Starting somewhere in Essex. Route to be decided, but I'll consider choosing a starting point with a view to reducing as much as possible people's pre/post-ride travel.
Title: Re: Resurrecting the WARTY?
Post by: Canardly on 26 August, 2019, 07:13:07 pm
A Thor's day?
Title: Re: Resurrecting the WARTY?
Post by: Wowbagger on 26 August, 2019, 07:30:11 pm
Any reason why not? Do you have to go to work?  ;)
Title: Re: Resurrecting the WARTY?
Post by: RichForrest on 26 August, 2019, 07:40:38 pm
My shift that week see's me off on Mon, Tue and Wed  ::-)
Maybe next time  :)
Title: Re: Resurrecting the WARTY?
Post by: Auntie Helen on 26 August, 2019, 07:48:45 pm
And we’re in the Uk Sunday to Friday ;-)
Title: Re: Resurrecting the WARTY?
Post by: Canardly on 26 August, 2019, 08:18:22 pm
Any reason why not? Do you have to go to work?  ;)

Er no. Pour enc les autres etc etc.
Title: Re: Resurrecting the WARTY?
Post by: Wowbagger on 26 August, 2019, 08:23:16 pm
And we’re in the Uk Sunday to Friday ;-)

Sounds like somewhere in N. Essex the. Marks Tey do for you?

I'll check on that. When Jan and I were up there (in the car) in April for a concert at Boxted church, the road leading north from Marks Tey station was Very Closed Indeed. I think the bridge over the Roman River was being replaced. One would hope that 4 months later it would be open.
Title: Re: Resurrecting the WARTY?
Post by: Auntie Helen on 27 August, 2019, 04:53:51 am
I don’t think we’ll have time to join you, unfortunately, as we have some things planned for the week, plus our speeds don’t fit well with upright bikes. But enjoy!
Title: Re: Resurrecting the WARTY?
Post by: JenM on 27 August, 2019, 10:14:31 am
I’m up for this.
Title: Re: Resurrecting the WARTY?
Post by: Tomsk on 27 August, 2019, 05:18:47 pm
Ok, I could take the whole day off! I'm off with ACME for their Autumn Tour via the Harwich Ferry overnight Thursday 12th and so could combine the two! WARTYs were fun and very much not like Audax  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Resurrecting the WARTY?
Post by: Wowbagger on 08 September, 2019, 08:54:56 pm
OK - are we all up for this? I'm thinking about 40-ish miles starting at Witham. I quite fancy a Marks Tey start but the last time I was up there, the road heading north from the station was Very Closed Indeed. I don't want to bank on it being open without checking, because every other direction rom Marks Tey is pretty unpleasant, traffic-wise.

The earliest I can get to Witham using the OBRC is 10.22. 11ses stop at Rayne station, lunch at one of the Finchingfield pubs.

A route: http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?lnk=http://peter.chesspod.com/routes/eastanglia/201909finchingf.gpx
Title: Re: Resurrecting the WARTY?
Post by: Canardly on 08 September, 2019, 10:06:46 pm
Have we been here before?
Title: Re: Resurrecting the WARTY?
Post by: Wowbagger on 08 September, 2019, 10:45:34 pm
No doubt something very similar, although I don't recall going to the Rayne tea room with you, Bob. It's an old station ticket office, on the platform. That's the Flitch way. You can cycle pretty well all the way to Dunmow off road if you want to.
Title: Re: Resurrecting the WARTY?
Post by: Canardly on 08 September, 2019, 10:58:40 pm
That timescale actually suits me as it will take me some time to get over there. What is the issue at Marks Tey? Is Finchingfield where all the motorcyclists head for at the week end? Seems familiar.
Title: Re: Resurrecting the WARTY?
Post by: orienteer on 09 September, 2019, 09:58:38 am
Regretfully too busy this week to make it, have fun!
Title: Re: Resurrecting the WARTY?
Post by: Wowbagger on 09 September, 2019, 10:19:24 am
That timescale actually suits me as it will take me some time to get over there. What is the issue at Marks Tey? Is Finchingfield where all the motorcyclists head for at the week end? Seems familiar.

The road was closed, I thing as a result of the bridge over the Roman River being replaced/reinforced. Here:- http://streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=591615&Y=224362&A=Y&Z=120

I tried to speak to Colchester district council at the time but got lost in a labyrinthine telephone system and gave up. That closure was in April so it's probably open again now, but these things do take an awful long time.
Title: Re: Resurrecting the WARTY?
Post by: Canardly on 09 September, 2019, 10:56:10 am
Was reopened in May according to this:- Was delayed to June but is open. Station bridge is also due to be closed for 3 months during this financial year following some investigatory trial holes.



https://www.essexhighways.org/highway-schemes-and-developments/highway-schemes/marks-tey-bridge-north-lane-marks-tey.aspx (https://www.essexhighways.org/highway-schemes-and-developments/highway-schemes/marks-tey-bridge-north-lane-marks-tey.aspx)
https://www.essexhighways.org/highway-schemes-and-developments/highway-schemes/marks-tey-station-vrs-north-lane-marks-tey.aspx (https://www.essexhighways.org/highway-schemes-and-developments/highway-schemes/marks-tey-station-vrs-north-lane-marks-tey.aspx)
Title: Re: Resurrecting the WARTY?
Post by: Tomsk on 09 September, 2019, 11:31:53 am
I won't be able to make it this time, family stuff before going Dutch this weekend.
Title: Re: Resurrecting the WARTY?
Post by: JenM on 11 September, 2019, 01:05:52 pm
Is kick off still 10.22 @ Witham? Still planning to be there.
Title: Re: Resurrecting the WARTY?
Post by: Wowbagger on 11 September, 2019, 02:10:29 pm
That's when my train is scheduled to arrive, so yes. It will be good to see you!

Looks like Canardly, JenM & me at the moment.
Title: Re: Resurrecting the WARTY?
Post by: Canardly on 11 September, 2019, 03:30:12 pm
Will have to set my alarm clock. A rare thing these days.
Title: Re: Resurrecting the WARTY?
Post by: Marco Stefano on 17 September, 2019, 03:47:37 pm
Bugger - doing other things and missed this. Will pay more attention in future. Hope you had a nice bimble about.
Title: Re: Resurrecting the WARTY?
Post by: Canardly on 27 October, 2019, 10:41:42 pm
I had a little surprise in the post the other day. A fifty quid fine for NOT paying the parking fee at Witham Station. We met at Witham train station for our WARTY. In common with most human beans I parked the car and looked for a cash machine. I paid the fee for 24 hours and stuck the ticket in the windscreen holder provided by most Skoda vehicles. The Subsequent parking fine photos show no ticket before and the presence of a ticket after photos. I threw the ticket away a day or two later of course.

However,

There are TWO car park operators at Witham so beware and these at different price points.! No signage or colour coding to make you aware and no provision on NCP website to complain. They must be making a frigging fortune from out of towners. And TBH it smacks a bit of conspiracy or at best ineptitude.