A plan hatched by the Mid-Essex crew to do a tour of the county this summer - open to anyone. The date isn't set in stone yet, but the first weekend of July seems to fit in with most of us. [August everyone's away-the FRENCH ride, for instance in my case and September is a long way off - note to forum, keep weekend 17/18 Sept free for the Tour of Britain, Bury St Eds-Sandringham and London stages] I may have at least one offspring in tow as exams will be finished by then.
A proper holiday-mode bit of touring, with my favourite cafe/pub stops and a bit of sightseeing too, so a moderate 50-60 miles each day, quite WARTY-esque, in fact. The option of camping or B&B, still very much in the planning stage, as I look at building a route. The two pubs I know of with campsites are the 'Stranger's Home' at Bradfield near Manningtree and the 'Huntsman & Hounds' at Althorne, between Maldon and Burnham I'd be interested to hear of any other recommendations. We could of course, cross the border and revisit the excellent 'White Horse' at Edwardstone.
I thought of starting from Witham, as its fairly central to the county, accessible by train, and a number of forumites live there too. Ones day's ride would probably be up to the Stour valley and 'Constable Country', the other along the coast. I'm hoping to include a ferry trip to/from East Mersea.
All suggestions gratefully received and to reiterate: ALL WELCOME, for one or both days or whatever.