The Woodman's Daughter 50km: starts 09:00 from St Mary's Centre, Churchend, Dunmow CM6 2AE. With any luck the bluebells will be out in the Forest.
Light refreshments at the start, cream tea at the finish, included in the fee. Route options of: on-road [bonus kms] or off-road [ok with care on a road bike, if dry], out via Hatfield Forest to Sawbridgeworth Maltings [choice of several cafes, from greasy spoon to the rather lovely 'Shed', by The Moorings on the Stort Navigation]. 8.3kph minimum speed so very much beginner/leisure rider friendly - you've got [almost] all day!
The Woodman 100km: ECE friendly 10:00 start, refreshments as above. Via Sawbridgeworth, Ingatestone to Danbury and Witham - good choice of cafes and pubs en-route. A great little tour of Mid-Essex: Hatfield Forest, Galleywood and Danbury Commons and many other arboreal delights.
Both have a £9 entry fee, route sheet is on AUKweb, gps tracks coming soon...