Author Topic: Essex Friday Night Ride to the Pub  (Read 134755 times)

Oscar's dad

  • aka Septimus Fitzwilliam Beauregard Partridge
Re: Essex Friday Night Ride to the Pub
« Reply #625 on: 05 July, 2013, 02:01:13 pm »
7.15 at the Albert tonight?

Yes indeedy  :thumbsup:

Auntie Helen

  • 6 Wheels in Germany
Re: Essex Friday Night Ride to the Pub
« Reply #626 on: 05 July, 2013, 02:17:10 pm »
Monday has so far failed to excite my interest and as I am working from home some forward planning has taken place.

I propose our target unvisited (by me) Good Beer Guide pubs are:

The Fat Cat (65 Butt Road, CO3 3BZ) - "Well established free house with guest ales mainly from East Anglia ... well chosen Belgian specialities"

The New Inn (36 Chapel Street South, CO2 7AX) - "Traditional two-bar back street local that has been transformed into a free house, offering mainly ales from local micros and a fine selection of malt whiskies ... a library  :o ... dogs welcome in the public bar"

In a few days time, once I have a handle on numbers, I will phone the Victoria Inn to ensure they are aware we would like to eat curry and drink (lots of) beer, plus possible pots of tea, in their lovely pub (as endorsed by me and Huggy).

I also have a proposed route from Witham.  It largely follows NCN1 including the slightly muddy bike path round the back of the zoo.  This is the section shown as a straight line.  There are alternatives.  For the return journey we can either jump on a train or follow the A12 cycle lane or do something entirely different.

What do we think?
I see you're doing the really bonkers NCN1 bit through the woodland/nettly path between Layer de la Haye and Maldon Road, Colchester. If I ride the other way to see you I'll take the main road bit as the NCN is hopeless at that point. I may have to confer by phone to make sure I don't miss you on that short diversion!
My blog on cycling in Germany and eating German cake – http://www.auntiehelen.co.uk


Oscar's dad

  • aka Septimus Fitzwilliam Beauregard Partridge
Re: Essex Friday Night Ride to the Pub
« Reply #627 on: 05 July, 2013, 02:39:42 pm »
^^^  Sadly  :'(  I think my companions have vetoed the fun bit on the NCN that you describe in far too much detail. 

Oaky

  • ACME Fire Safety Officer
  • Audax Club Mid-Essex
    • MEMWNS Map
Re: Essex Friday Night Ride to the Pub
« Reply #628 on: 05 July, 2013, 02:51:08 pm »
I have already once had the pleasure of the relevant NCN section.

I will not be taking any of my ROAD bikes anywhere near it!
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: Essex Friday Night Ride to the Pub
« Reply #629 on: 05 July, 2013, 02:52:09 pm »
I have already once had the pleasure of the relevant NCN section.

I will not be taking any of my ROAD bikes anywhere near it!

I remember we once had an empire.  Now we don't.  Wonder why???   ::-)   ;D

Auntie Helen

  • 6 Wheels in Germany
Re: Essex Friday Night Ride to the Pub
« Reply #630 on: 05 July, 2013, 03:15:40 pm »
I've only just noticed mention of a curry.

When is this? Is it after the pubs? Before?

I might be up for a curry!!
My blog on cycling in Germany and eating German cake – http://www.auntiehelen.co.uk


Oscar's dad

  • aka Septimus Fitzwilliam Beauregard Partridge
Re: Essex Friday Night Ride to the Pub
« Reply #631 on: 05 July, 2013, 03:17:38 pm »
I've only just noticed mention of a curry.

When is this? Is it after the pubs? Before?

I might be up for a curry!!

Dear me, you've not been paying attention have you ...?

I need cheering up (5hit day at work) so my thoughts have turned to forward planning ...

Friday 5th July.

Who fancies joining me on a ride around Colchester ticking off some pubs in the Good Beer Guide?  And, as me and Huggy can attest, those nice people at The Victoria Inn let you bring takeaways (ample local choice)  into their boozer.  They even provide crockery and cutlery on the understanding you'll be sinking lots of beer (other drinks are available).  If there's going to be a few of us they asked that we phone them beforehand, which I'm happy to do.

Thoughts?

Oaky

  • ACME Fire Safety Officer
  • Audax Club Mid-Essex
    • MEMWNS Map
Re: Essex Friday Night Ride to the Pub
« Reply #632 on: 05 July, 2013, 03:17:54 pm »
I believe the idea is to visit two pubs, then purchase take-away CURRY to eat in a third pub which apparently welcomes such behaviour.
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

Oaky

  • ACME Fire Safety Officer
  • Audax Club Mid-Essex
    • MEMWNS Map
Re: Essex Friday Night Ride to the Pub
« Reply #633 on: 05 July, 2013, 03:19:42 pm »
BTW - I have gone from being a doubtful 50/50 for tonight to my attendance being more likely than not :)

I'm guessing that it might be prudent to bring a proper lock tonight?
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: Essex Friday Night Ride to the Pub
« Reply #634 on: 05 July, 2013, 03:24:32 pm »
Excellent.  I would suggest the following is required to ensure the evening is one of resounding success:

1. Yourself
2.  A decent lock
3.  A sense of adventure

Re: Essex Friday Night Ride to the Pub
« Reply #635 on: 05 July, 2013, 03:37:11 pm »
Excellent.  I would suggest the following is required to ensure the evening is one of resounding success:

1. Yourself
2.  A decent lock
3.  A sense of adventure

I'll bring a lock. One out of three ain't bad.

Oaky

  • ACME Fire Safety Officer
  • Audax Club Mid-Essex
    • MEMWNS Map
Re: Essex Friday Night Ride to the Pub
« Reply #636 on: 05 July, 2013, 03:42:08 pm »
I will bring

1. self
2. somewhere between 1.5 and 2.5 kg of Mr Abus's Finest German Steel
3. a route that uses roads
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

Auntie Helen

  • 6 Wheels in Germany
Re: Essex Friday Night Ride to the Pub
« Reply #637 on: 05 July, 2013, 03:50:56 pm »
I will bring

1. Me & Alfie
2. An empty stomach
3. A Garmin with your route which I can ride in reverse.

Am I to assume you're going to go through Layer-de-la-Haye if you're not doing the NCN1 off-road bit, or are you taking the other, main road through Heckfordbridge (not as nice)?
My blog on cycling in Germany and eating German cake – http://www.auntiehelen.co.uk


Oscar's dad

  • aka Septimus Fitzwilliam Beauregard Partridge
Re: Essex Friday Night Ride to the Pub
« Reply #638 on: 05 July, 2013, 04:02:14 pm »
Am I to assume you're going to go through Layer-de-la-Haye if you're not doing the NCN1 off-road bit, or are you taking the other, main road through Heckfordbridge (not as nice)?

I have no idea, I think a bloodless (thus far) coup d'état has taken place and I am no longer responsible for route selection.

Oaky

  • ACME Fire Safety Officer
  • Audax Club Mid-Essex
    • MEMWNS Map
Re: Essex Friday Night Ride to the Pub
« Reply #639 on: 05 July, 2013, 04:03:03 pm »
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

Oaky

  • ACME Fire Safety Officer
  • Audax Club Mid-Essex
    • MEMWNS Map
Re: Essex Friday Night Ride to the Pub
« Reply #640 on: 05 July, 2013, 04:05:01 pm »
BTW - I kept in the little leg around the roundabout near the end, even though bikeroutetoaster thinks we can go straight on.  I don't know if that was deliberate routing based on local knowledge, or just your normal route mangling methods at play ;)
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

Auntie Helen

  • 6 Wheels in Germany
Re: Essex Friday Night Ride to the Pub
« Reply #641 on: 05 July, 2013, 04:05:07 pm »
Yep, that's the Layer route I was thinking of. Good oh!

I reckon I'll probably meet you either in Colchester or just in Layer, I probably haven't got the energy to ride further!

My cycling chum Mark might also bump into us in one of the pubs.
My blog on cycling in Germany and eating German cake – http://www.auntiehelen.co.uk


Auntie Helen

  • 6 Wheels in Germany
Re: Essex Friday Night Ride to the Pub
« Reply #642 on: 06 July, 2013, 12:20:37 am »
A good fun evening.

Here are some images for your delectation.

English tapas at the Fat Cat, Butt Road


And a nice pot 'o tea


Parking the bikes outside the Old New Inn


Three pints


Oscar's Dad relaxes into his shorts


Chicken biryani in a pub with live music!
My blog on cycling in Germany and eating German cake – http://www.auntiehelen.co.uk


Oscar's dad

  • aka Septimus Fitzwilliam Beauregard Partridge
Re: Essex Friday Night Ride to the Pub
« Reply #643 on: 06 July, 2013, 09:44:38 am »
An epic night. Fell off on the A12 cyclepath during return journey. Got home at about 2:15am. Somewhat hungover this morning.

Re: Essex Friday Night Ride to the Pub
« Reply #644 on: 06 July, 2013, 10:23:46 am »
Great night out. My first in a while. Good pubs, great scotch egg and one of the hottest currys I've ever had. Can still taste it this morning. OD got his wish for a spot of comedy off roading together with lots of beer and even a live band for good measure.
OD finished the night sprawled across the A12 cycle path to the delight of myself and Oaky. Feeling it this morning.

Oaky

  • ACME Fire Safety Officer
  • Audax Club Mid-Essex
    • MEMWNS Map
Re: Essex Friday Night Ride to the Pub
« Reply #645 on: 06 July, 2013, 10:29:26 am »
Very good night out and although OD dragged us down Pennsylvania Lane (A Sustrans special ;)), most of the comedy off-roading potential was avoided.

Several decent beers and ciders and a Madras in the pub with live music.
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

Oaky

  • ACME Fire Safety Officer
  • Audax Club Mid-Essex
    • MEMWNS Map
Re: Essex Friday Night Ride to the Pub
« Reply #646 on: 06 July, 2013, 11:35:34 am »
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: Essex Friday Night Ride to the Pub
« Reply #647 on: 06 July, 2013, 02:04:12 pm »
as per one part of the discussion last night: http://www.thepoke.co.uk/2013/07/03/chickens-that-look-like-andy-murray/

Yes, very witty  ::-) (you had to be there!)

Anyhow, I'm feeling a bit better now, thus far most of the day has been somewhat hazy  ;D

Some photos ...



Claud ready for some comedy off-roading that largely never happened



AH's backside



The Queen driving AH to drink



The live band at The Victoria Inn (which is quickly becoming one of my favourite pubs)



I have no idea what this event is about but I think we should consider taking part.

It was an epic night.  Thanks to AH, Oaky and Christophe  :-*

PS - about 38 miles, got home at 2:15am

Oscar's dad

  • aka Septimus Fitzwilliam Beauregard Partridge
Re: Essex Friday Night Ride to the Pub
« Reply #648 on: 06 July, 2013, 02:18:09 pm »
By the way, we've still got 6 Colchester GBG pubs to go  ;D

Re: Essex Friday Night Ride to the Pub
« Reply #649 on: 06 July, 2013, 02:36:55 pm »
Looks like you had a good evening!

I assume you are aware that this coming week is the Chelmsford Summer Beer & Cider Festival 2013?
Those wonderful norks are never far from my thoughts, oh yeah!