Author Topic: Gently guided rides (Witham, Essex)  (Read 7028 times)

Oscar's dad

  • aka Septimus Fitzwilliam Beauregard Partridge
Gently guided rides (Witham, Essex)
« on: 11 May, 2010, 04:58:44 pm »
As some may know, I am a Sustrans National Cycle Network Ranger.  Essex County Council have paid for me to train as a Ride Leader on the understanding I lead rides for new and infrequent cyclists, especially families.  These rides have to be publicly advertised.

Therefore I would like to publicly advertise the rides here - hope you don't mind.

So if you would like to join in or know someone who might be interested here are the details:

As mentioned the rides are aimed at families, new or infrequent cyclists.  We will be exploring the beautifully quiet Essex lanes for a couple of hours at a gentle pace.  The rides will be led by experienced leaders and supported by Essex County Council, Braintree District Council, Witham Town Council and Sustrans.

Meet by the duck pond on the River Walk, Witham

Dates and times:
Sunday 16th May – noon (sorry about the short notice)
Sunday 20th June – 11am
Wednesday 30th June – 6pm (longer, faster ride, bring lights)
Sunday 18th July – 11am
Sunday 12th September – 11am
Sunday 17th October – 11am
Sunday 21st November – 11am

Because the rides are aimed at inexperienced riders we are asking that those taking part ensure their bicycle is in good condition. Bring drinks, waterproofs, a mobile phone and spare inner tubes.  Cycling can be strenuous so check with a doctor if there are health concerns. Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.  Helmets are advisable.  

We have a Facebook page so interested parties can join our group, simply search for "Witham Cycling"

Some experienced cyclists would be most welcome to help out so please come along if you can.

Thanks.

Re: Gently guided rides (Witham, Essex)
« Reply #1 on: 11 May, 2010, 05:07:40 pm »
Good work, OD. I'll see if I can get one of the girls at work interested - she's pretty local, and has talked of putting her neglected bike to use some time...

Regulator

  • That's Councillor Regulator to you...
Re: Gently guided rides (Witham, Essex)
« Reply #2 on: 11 May, 2010, 05:19:36 pm »
I shall see if I can make a ride or two.  Always happy to help out as a TEC or traffic stopper.
Quote from: clarion
I completely agree with Reg.

Green Party Councillor

Auntie Helen

  • 6 Wheels in Germany
Re: Gently guided rides (Witham, Essex)
« Reply #3 on: 11 May, 2010, 05:56:34 pm »
I'd like to come along to these but Sundays can be difficult (I sing in a choir Sunday mornings). However I'll see if I can make one of them in due course.
My blog on cycling in Germany and eating German cake – http://www.auntiehelen.co.uk


Oscar's dad

  • aka Septimus Fitzwilliam Beauregard Partridge
Re: Gently guided rides (Witham, Essex)
« Reply #4 on: 11 May, 2010, 06:38:18 pm »
I've knocked up a simple A4 poster. If you'd like one PM me an e-mail address and I'll send it over so you can print it out.

Oaky

  • ACME Fire Safety Officer
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Re: Gently guided rides (Witham, Essex)
« Reply #5 on: 11 May, 2010, 09:11:06 pm »
is your Wed 30th June one going anywhere near the Walnut Tree in Broads Green? ;)
You are in a maze of twisty flat droves, all alike.

85.4 miles from Marsh Gibbon

Audax Club Mid-Essex Fire Safety Officer
http://acme.bike

Oscar's dad

  • aka Septimus Fitzwilliam Beauregard Partridge
Re: Gently guided rides (Witham, Essex)
« Reply #6 on: 11 May, 2010, 09:21:59 pm »
Possibly not!

Re: Gently guided rides (Witham, Essex)
« Reply #7 on: 12 May, 2010, 01:33:35 pm »
I think I've just got you two riders for this Sunday, OD. Twin sisters in fact.* I've directed them to your Facebook page, and also passed on your mobile phone number - hope this is OK.

*Not the Cheeky Girls though, sorry... ;)

Oaky

  • ACME Fire Safety Officer
  • Audax Club Mid-Essex
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Re: Gently guided rides (Witham, Essex)
« Reply #8 on: 12 May, 2010, 01:45:44 pm »
I think I've just got you two riders for this Sunday, OD. Twin sisters in fact.* I've directed them to your Facebook page, and also passed on your mobile phone number - hope this is OK.

*Not the Cheeky Girls though, sorry... ;)

I hope you warned them about him!
You are in a maze of twisty flat droves, all alike.

85.4 miles from Marsh Gibbon

Audax Club Mid-Essex Fire Safety Officer
http://acme.bike

Oscar's dad

  • aka Septimus Fitzwilliam Beauregard Partridge
Re: Gently guided rides (Witham, Essex)
« Reply #9 on: 12 May, 2010, 02:30:49 pm »
I think I've just got you two riders for this Sunday, OD. Twin sisters in fact.* I've directed them to your Facebook page, and also passed on your mobile phone number - hope this is OK.

*Not the Cheeky Girls though, sorry... ;)

Fantastic!  Many thanks.

Oaky - you coming to help out?

Edit: are her initials NG?

Oaky

  • ACME Fire Safety Officer
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Re: Gently guided rides (Witham, Essex)
« Reply #10 on: 12 May, 2010, 02:32:46 pm »
I think I've just got you two riders for this Sunday, OD. Twin sisters in fact.* I've directed them to your Facebook page, and also passed on your mobile phone number - hope this is OK.

*Not the Cheeky Girls though, sorry... ;)

Fantastic!  Many thanks.

Oaky - you coming to help out?

Quite possibly - depends when our house guests head home.  I'll keep you posted.

How far are you taking them?
You are in a maze of twisty flat droves, all alike.

85.4 miles from Marsh Gibbon

Audax Club Mid-Essex Fire Safety Officer
http://acme.bike

Oscar's dad

  • aka Septimus Fitzwilliam Beauregard Partridge
Re: Gently guided rides (Witham, Essex)
« Reply #11 on: 12 May, 2010, 02:33:46 pm »
10 to 15 miles.  I aim to be back by 3pm at the latest.  I'm hoping to buy some 2 way radios!

Oaky

  • ACME Fire Safety Officer
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Re: Gently guided rides (Witham, Essex)
« Reply #12 on: 12 May, 2010, 02:48:46 pm »
10 to 15 miles.  I aim to be back by 3pm at the latest.  I'm hoping to buy some 2 way radios!

Would've been useful on the FYBO "Breaker OD, Got your ears on?  What's your 10-20 good buddy?"
You are in a maze of twisty flat droves, all alike.

85.4 miles from Marsh Gibbon

Audax Club Mid-Essex Fire Safety Officer
http://acme.bike

Re: Gently guided rides (Witham, Essex)
« Reply #13 on: 12 May, 2010, 02:50:22 pm »
NG - that's her, a work colleague of mine.  Has a little used mountain type bike in the garage. I advised her to check it out before the weekend to make sure it's a goer.

bloomers100

  • ACME's Head of Sexual Health and Family Planning
Re: Gently guided rides (Witham, Essex)
« Reply #14 on: 12 May, 2010, 10:12:59 pm »
OD my Mrs was on your ride leader course, I'm doing mine this weekend. Small world innit. If I pass  :facepalm: I should be able to help you out.

Oscar's dad

  • aka Septimus Fitzwilliam Beauregard Partridge
Re: Gently guided rides (Witham, Essex)
« Reply #15 on: 12 May, 2010, 11:37:56 pm »
OD my Mrs was on your ride leader course, I'm doing mine this weekend. Small world innit. If I pass  :facepalm: I should be able to help you out.

Wicked! Small world indeed. All help appreciated!

Oaky

  • ACME Fire Safety Officer
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Re: Gently guided rides (Witham, Essex)
« Reply #16 on: 17 May, 2010, 09:11:51 am »
Very pleasant outing on sunday.

That walkie-talkie certainly proved its worth. "Red Fox to Ride Leader: Can you pick up some crisps while you're at the bar please.  Over.
You are in a maze of twisty flat droves, all alike.

85.4 miles from Marsh Gibbon

Audax Club Mid-Essex Fire Safety Officer
http://acme.bike

Re: Gently guided rides (Witham, Essex)
« Reply #17 on: 17 May, 2010, 09:14:40 am »
Did you get many punters? Did NG make it along?

Oaky

  • ACME Fire Safety Officer
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Re: Gently guided rides (Witham, Essex)
« Reply #18 on: 17 May, 2010, 09:18:17 am »
Did you get many punters? Did NG make it along?

There was only one legitimate punter turned up in the end - chap called Nigel from Witham.
You are in a maze of twisty flat droves, all alike.

85.4 miles from Marsh Gibbon

Audax Club Mid-Essex Fire Safety Officer
http://acme.bike

Oscar's dad

  • aka Septimus Fitzwilliam Beauregard Partridge
Re: Gently guided rides (Witham, Essex)
« Reply #19 on: 17 May, 2010, 09:33:30 am »
It was indeed smashing.

Nigel showed exactly what can be achieved.  He had bought a MTB from a car boot sale a few weeks ago for £20 and before yesterday had never cycled more than 5 miles.

Now he's done 15 miles, discovered the joyous lanes of mid-Essex, picked up a few cycling tips and had a pint of nice beer.  He said he enjoyed himself and hopefully we'll see him again. 

As this ride was a bit short notice and the weather looked a bit naff I wasn't surprised by the low turn out.  However, it all went very smoothly so it was a good experience all round.  And as Mr O points out, the walkie talkie radios were very useful, I must take them on every pub visit  ;D

Oscar's dad

  • aka Septimus Fitzwilliam Beauregard Partridge
Re: Gently guided rides (Witham, Essex)
« Reply #20 on: 21 May, 2010, 03:07:38 pm »
The next ride is going to be Sunday 20th June.  Meet by the duck pond on the River Walk at 11am (not noon like the last ride).

At present I'm thinking of a trip down to The Cats at Woodham Walter via Hoe Mill lock.

Re: Gently guided rides (Witham, Essex)
« Reply #21 on: 21 May, 2010, 03:09:21 pm »
Have you checked that The Cat's will be open? Very erratic IIRC.

Oaky

  • ACME Fire Safety Officer
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    • MEMWNS Map
Re: Gently guided rides (Witham, Essex)
« Reply #22 on: 21 May, 2010, 03:11:59 pm »
Have you checked that The Cat's will be open? Very erratic IIRC.

I can report that OD was doing painstaking research of this very matter on Tuesday evening.
You are in a maze of twisty flat droves, all alike.

85.4 miles from Marsh Gibbon

Audax Club Mid-Essex Fire Safety Officer
http://acme.bike

Oscar's dad

  • aka Septimus Fitzwilliam Beauregard Partridge
Re: Gently guided rides (Witham, Essex)
« Reply #23 on: 21 May, 2010, 03:14:29 pm »
Have you checked that The Cat's will be open? Very erratic IIRC.

Was chatting with Wally on Tuesday evening.  He is confident he will open at noon every Sunday.  

I love the way you have to stand at the bar for 5+ minutes waiting for him to suddenly appear like the shopkeeper in Mr Ben.  Both Wally and his pub are delightfully idiosyncratic - love it.

Re: Gently guided rides (Witham, Essex)
« Reply #24 on: 21 May, 2010, 03:35:19 pm »
Proper ride leader :thumbsup: