And by the way, I have been underwhelmed by responses to my post regarding plans for the Christmas do.
Well, Sir. I can change all that!!
Today, in my lunch 3 hours, I did a reconnaissance mission.
Option 1 was a kind of Chelmsford to Shenfield type thing (obviously people can start from wherever they like) but:
Chelmsford station to The Viper: @ 7 miles.
They never have served food in the evening, but I asked the guy behind the bar if they would be for xmas. He didn't know and Land Lord and Lady were out. I doubt very much they will.
I managed to squeeze in a coffee before they shut.
On to The Cricketers : @ 7.5 miles.
The were just closing up, so I couldn't really go in and hassle them, but they did have a board outside saying "Now taking Christmas bookings" The food is good there, if a little pricey. Nice pub too. It's an option.
The Woolpack @ 8miles. Never open. Never been in there.
Wanged it down the hill into Ingatestone @ 9 miles
The Nirvana curry house is barely 50 yards on the right.
It looks pretty nice. Obviously it was shut, so I peered in and could see lots of (mostly round) tables laid out. Looked a bit posh. Or rather poncey. Had a look at the menu and it looked very nice. A little more pricey than your average cuzza. Also loads of stuff on the menu I'd never heard of. Read poncey.
It's certainly an option.
EDIT: It's right on the High Street - no idea where bikes could be left securely.
I couldn't be arsed to carry on to Shenfield, so I went down the hill towards Margaretting and crossed over the A12. For a laugh, I thought I'd take a bit of a detour to see what Furze Hill had to offer
They are indeed offering Christmas stuff, but I think that may be going a little over the top!!
So I carried on that road and ended up near The Viper again before thrashing down the hill. As I was passing through Loves Green I suddenly had another thought!!!!
What about The Duck at Newney Green?!! They do great food!
Start at Shenfield and do it in reverse. This would also suit people further out who don't live near a main line station.
Start at Shenfield and ride to The Viper. Pint.
Roll down the hill and turn left towards Newney Green just passed the church.
Fox and Hounds (I think?). Pint.
Shimmy across the A414 whizz down to the Duck. (It's pretty much downhill all the way from The Viper) EAT. DRINK.
People can do what ever they like to get back. Ride off into the night, ride back to Shenfield or ride to Chelmsford which is about 4 miles away - much of it on traffic free cycle path (for those feeling a bit wobbly)
Anyway. I intend to do more research over the coming days....
Are you still feeling underwhelmed?
Edit: That was one of the most enjoyable solo rides I have ever done