| Archive for rcslcycling.myfastforum.org The almost unofficial RCSL Cycling Section Forum |
| John Small |
London to Southend Bike Ride: 15/07/2007London to Southend Bike RideSunday 15 July 2007 This ride is for the benefit of the very worthy British Heart Foundation. Though it has been a number of years since I last rode the East-end to Southend I suspect the route has little changed. It still starts from Victoria Park in London and winds it's way East till it gets to Priory Park here in Southend. The travel formalities are well covered by the Railway stations that aren't too far from either the start or finish. You can book the rail tickets when you register for the ride itself. The distance is a reasonable 60ish miles, this is a good distance for anyone to go under their own steam and gives your sponsors the requisite 'wow' factor. That said you will see the more 'pro' riders cycling back to London before you've made it halfway! There are four designated breaks en route: Stapleford Abbotts, Mountnessing, East Hanningfield and Hullbridge that most will use to refuel and enjoy the atmosphere. There is mechanical help available at certain stops too (Mountnessing always used to have a mechanics van). The weather is generally good though even in July it can't be guaranteed. All in all I can recommend this ride toughly (very convenient if you live in either London or Southend as you only have to take public transport one way). Offical details: http://www.bike-events.com/new/rides.php?id=17 A 2005 Ride Report: http://blogs.warwick.ac.uk/jarvism/entry/bike_ride_done |
| shazraz |
My partner and I did the London to Southend and had a great day. My proudest achievement was not getting off my bike to get up any of the hills!!  Who said Essex was a flat county!
It was well organised and all fellow cyclists I met along the way were incredibly friendly.  It was rather tempting to stop at all the lovely pubs en route,  but we opted for a picnic lunch on a lovely village green instead.
For our first 'organised' cycle event I think we did brilliantly in a very respectable time for beginners. We left home at 5.30 am, started at 9am and finshed at 15.00, with a few stops along the way for refreshments and lunch and half a cider! By the end of the day - with all the added on cycle miles getting to station and start and cyling  - we had done 70 miles!
We did lots of training, getting up to 40 & 50 miles in before the event, and got in plenty of hills too, which was wise as getting up Ashingdon hill after about 56 miles was a tough challenge. I also did lots of varied exercise and I think this is why I was suprisingly ache free on Monday morning. Other half suffered from riders bottom  but was ok apart from that!
We raised about £250 for BHF too - so even more reason to be pleased with ourselves!  I am wearing my 'bling bling' medal with pride!
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