A note from the ride leaders for the Cam to Coast training ride. meet 9.00am at Priory Park Bandstand
This week’s ride will be a four hour ride enabling riders to, once warmed up, ride at their own pace along a fifteen mile route. The route stretches from Leigh station in the west to Shoebury Common Road Car Park (Uncle Toms) in the east. Two groups will set off from Priory Park and head to the Leigh Station area and then head back to the seafront. Once on the seafront riders will able to ride at their own pace along the seafront to Shoebury Common Road Car Park (Uncle Toms). Riders can go round the route as many times as they like in the four hours. Ride leaders will also be riding the route to offer encouragement and any assistance. The part of the route between Chalkwell and Leigh Stations is quite hilly so will give riders a chance to practice using their low gears on the ups and have some recovery time on the downs. There are plenty of cafes and toilets along the seafront.
The part on the route along the seafront is along the cyclepath. Please keep a look out for other riders from both directions, pedestrians who wonder onto the path or cross without looking, skateboarders and parked cars. Faster riders may wish to consider using the road if they feel the footpath alongside the cyclepath is becoming busy with Sunday morning walkers and family groups. Part of the cyclepath is through the shared space along Marine Parade; riders are asked to ride with caution and courtesy through this section. Again faster riders may wish to use the road.
The two groups to start: one group at an easy pace for novice and leisure riders and one group for those looking for a slightly quicker pace. Riders wanting to ride at a fast pace will be welcome to join us at the start and make their own way round a route of their choice. When riding in a group please keep an eye on the person behind you, especially when turning off the main route, they may not know the way.
We are looking forward to seeing you in Priory Park on Sunday morning. If the weather is looking bad we will post a message on Facebook by 0800 on Sunday morning to advise if the ride has been cancelled.
Please remember to check over your bike on Saturday to make sure everything is okay, that the brakes work properly and that the tyres are pumped up. Also remember to bring one, or even two, spare inner tubes and the correct size spanner to remove your wheels in case you get a puncture. It is also advisable to bring some food and drink with you.
We will be travelling on roads and paved/firm cycle paths only.
If you have any questions please contact Cycle Southend
See you on Sunday
Peter, Skippy, Caroline and Niall
