9 CycAlers set off from Colchester Station, train bound for Chelmsford and Keith's Chelmo Special. Postponed from last year due to engineering works, with Keith leading we knew i) there would be maps ii) there would be no off road riding whatsoever iii) a slightly higher-pub-to-mileage ratio was guaranteed. We weren't disappointed on any point - some photos from the day.
The intrepid team set off from Chelmsford railway station a bit earlier than planned as we managed to get an early train. We even had a coffee stop on Chelmsford station before departure! Unfortunately our route to the cycle track was obstructed by a "big hole in the ground" near the station. No not a pothole, a building site! Pushing our bikes the wrong way up Viaduct Road, we reached the underpass to take us to the cycle track to Writtle. It was cycle track almost all the the way to The Wheatsheaf. The Oscar Wilde is always good there! On to The Duck at Newney Green. It was only 12 o'clock but this was a designated food stop. The food was good and we ate outside as a constant flow of Triumph vintage cars went by. Obviously a rally somewhere.
Pub number three was The Chequers at Roxwell. This beautiful old place has been struggling to keep going for some time, so I am glad we visited it. Then a longer ride to the Viper at Mill Green.
Everyone made it across the A414. Colin decided it was time for bangers and mash as he did not eat at The Duck. Great selection of beers at this distinctive pub. Onward through Ingatestone and Stock to the White Hart at Margaretting Tye. Then back towards Chelmsford with an optional extra at Galleywood. We decide to try The Horse and Groom, conveniently located in Horse and Groom Lane. This was a good pub and in a well hidden location. Beer selection was reasonable!
Back into Chelmsford to The Queen's Head in Lower Anchor Street. A great selection of beer here. A short ride back to Viaduct Road and The Ale House under the arches. Our last pub of the ride. Thanks to everyone who came along and enjoyed the camaraderie of a Cycale ride.
Keith
