The SCC Night Ride

The May, almost full ‘flower’ moon, over-saw the advent of the Southgate Cycling Clubs night ride to Southend. What an incredible experience! Just before midnight,16 riders rocked up at Enfield’s Cafe Nero. Seen off by our chairman John Hepburn, a roll-call and group photo started the night off, followed closely by a solo picture of Costas - was he really there?

We headed out of London via Cheshunt and Hoddeston, with shouts of support and surprise from revellers returning from their night out. The route was swift, mainly flat, or downhill. We moved without incident through familiar roads of Hertfordshire — cruising smoothly through Ware and Much Hadham. As we headed into Essex, the temperature began to drop. By 2am, as the cold numbed our bodies and hands, many of us were regretting our choice of layers. The temperature dropping to a chilling 6 degrees at it’s lowest point.

A brief dismount was necessary at Sawbridgeworth. We narrowly avoided the need to carry our bikes and traipse across a metal railway bridge. A night worker saw the size of the group and momentarily halted work to allow our pass. The chatter became less avid as we approached Chelmsford, determinedly spurred on by visions of the promised 24 hour garage. At one point, Andy J nipped into a closed garage forecourt - mocking us with its dark interior - to inventively utilise the rustling polythene gloves in an attempt to create some insulation for his extremities.

A wrong turn had us circling back in search of the petrol station we all yearned for, and Yaw’s cheers of jubilation were felt within the group as we all pulled into the welcoming light.

17 hot beverages were ordered from the bemused checkout attendant in what can only be imagined as the busiest night shift they had ever experienced; they definitely worked for their money that night! Snacks were passed around and layers added whilst the riders allowed the drinks to thaw their hands and make use of the facilities (ie. a bush round the corner).

Refreshed, the ride continued with a renewed sense of purpose. A slight feeling of deja-vu ensued as we passed certain Chelmsford landmarks for the third time, before finally joining the open road once again. Clear skies afforded us uninterrupted views of the bright moon. Spring scents filled our nostrils as we passed from fields, and through Writtle, into the arched trees of the Swan Wood and onwards, passing through Stock.

As the sun rose to renew our vigour we soaked up the views of Hanningfield reservoir and the stunning Battlesbridge; our peloton advancing towards its destination. The lack of mechanicals prevailed. We rejoined civilisation with the most challenging, but actually quite reasonable climb of the night at Rayleigh. For the sole purpose of generating heat during the colder hours never have so many cyclists bemoaned the lack of inclines so much (most vocally, Ian!).

Approaching 6am, we passed through Hadleigh and marvelled at the controversial Olympic sculpture, a throwback from the 2012 Olympic legacy. Unable to resist a photo opportunity, ride Captain James Leek set about trying to construct a makeshift ‘tripod’ out of his helmet and cycle cap with mixed results.

Onwards, through the picturesque Leigh-on-Sea where low-tide presented us with early morning cockle pickers in the distance, we arrived in Southend with 45 minutes to kill before anywhere was open for the much needed breakfast. The time was spent amusing ourselves by the seafront with banter, picture taking, and a near disastrous shoulder mounting incident as Andreas wobbled precariously on James shoulders. It was a miracle he didn’t end up falling backwards over the sea wall, for a ‘proof we were there’ photo. Meanwhile, Costas managed to obtain his own proof of his presence.

The plan intended for the Utopia Cafe was rapidly amended when it transpired that only coffee was available, switching instead to the decidedly less utopic Wetherspoons. After a skilful negotiation by Mike about the storage of our bikes, we settled down to an array of The Last Posts Full English, Eggs Benedicts’, and more coffee (with a distinct lack of milk). Including the unusual Miners Benedict which, I might add, was not made by minors… Staff present were very tolerant and accommodating of our unexpected onslaught. Nick Tye ‘patiently’ waiting til last.

Refuelled and replenished the group split into trainers and non-‘trainers’. Or should that be trainers and trainees… By this point, the lack of sleep was making all sensible thought and conversation difficult! Seven riders rode back and the rest made their way to the train station.

Special mention should go to Thomas Anthony for his epic Audax effort prior to the night ride, totting up an impressive distance of close to 275 miles - chapeau!! All in all, a fantastically organised event by El Capitan, James. Hats off to you for yet another superbly organised almost annual SCC night ride.