Early Bird Rides
It’s true that life itself gets in the way of many things – cycling included. Jobs, families, partners and all sorts of circumstances can easily limit the time we have to enjoy the personal things we like. Sometimes it’s just not possible to work around our responsibilities and commitments no matter how hard we try. At Essex Roads this is not something new – a number of our members have lots of experience in trying to juggling their lives in this way. So, what’s the answer if you want to ride with others? Whilst we provide novice, club and training rides, these all start at 9.00 a.m. on Sunday mornings which might be a little late for some. So, we now regularly run our Sunday Early Bird Rides. The ‘early bird catches the worm’ as the saying goes, and our rides are no different. These rides start on Sundays at 07.00 a.m. and finish around 09:00 a.m. two hours later. The meeting point is at the Gooseberry Green roundabout located at the end of Radford Way in Billericay. Radford Way is the Road in which Billericay Railway Station is situated. Just pass the station on your left hand side when travelling south. See the map below to locate it.
The Early Bird Rides are not at the moment featured within our Events Calendar although they are likely to do so in the future. For now, if you want to find out if a ride is on then simply Email peterm@essexroads.com. The point of these early rides is for club members with family or other Sunday commitments, to get as many miles in as possible before 09:00; so please note that there is no scheduled tea stop.
It’s not a novice ride, so rider speed is a fairly brisk 17 – 20 mph average depending on the company and prevailing weather conditions.
There’s some added value to these rides too. If you want to get some serious mileage in on a Sunday then why not do the Early Bird first as a warm-up, followed by our Club or Training Ride later. It makes great sense to try both if you’re serious.
As far as suitable bikes are concerned we recommend the use of a road-bike with 700c wheels. We also recommend that you wear something more suitable to cycle sport like proprietary cycle wear and definitely wear a cycle helmet - all of our riders do.
Early Bird rides are suitable for all ages and sexes. Quiet roads are used over undulating terrain and no big hills. As with all other rides we do we go at the pace of the slowest rider, and if you drop back we all wait for you to recover/ catch up. And don’t worry – you won’t be left.
Here are some questions and answers about Early Bird Rides: -
I’m not a member of Essex Roads. Do I have to join in order to ride?
No, we welcome all cyclists. You don’t have to be a member, but if you want to ride regularly we would of course provide you with every incentive to come and join our very friendly club.
I want to join a ride with you. Do I have to be superfit to join in?
No, If you can ride at least 30 miles or so in under two hours you should be fit enough.
What if I can't keep up because I'm slow?
Don’t worry. We always ride at the speed of the slowest rider and if you get dropped, we stop and wait for you!
What time do you start?
We set off at 07:00, but please arrive a few minutes before and allow yourself time to set up if you’re driving.
Where do you start from?
We start from the Gooseberry Green at the southern end of Radford Way, Billericay.
When do the rides take place?
Always on a Sunday, but email to be sure.
Can I park my car somewhere near the start?
Yes, you can park at the start point in the car park next to the roundabout in Gooseberry Green or in Billericay High Street where the ride finishes. There are two car parks in Billericay High Street. The entrances are next to ‘New Look’ (the council car park), and next to Peter Murray Solicitors (the Waitrose car park). Both are free on a Sunday. Just ride to the start point from the High Street, Billericay.
Where do you finish?
We finish back at the starting point.
How long do the rides last for?
About two hours, depending on distance, weather conditions, abilities and stops.
How many might attend the Early Bird Rides?
Probably between five and twenty riders, possibly a lot more.
Do you stop for refreshments?
No, these rides are two hours long so there is little time for stopping.
Should I eat before the ride?
Definitely yes! It’s good to have some food inside you before hand. So have a hearty breakfast.
What sort of bike do I need?
As indicated - we recommend the use of a road-bike with 700 c wheels or a hybrid with smooth tyres.
You are advised however, to make provisions for punctures, your protection against the elements, and you might find it useful to fit some mudguards during the winter to prevent other riders being soaked with dirty road spray, and to avoid getting your bottom wet!
What sort of clothing do I need?
It all depends on the expected weather conditions, so please have a look at the weather forecast beforehand. Some proprietary cycle clothing is recommended. Don’t forget your sun cream if it’s going to be hot – liberally applied to arms, legs, face, ears and neck.
When don’t you go out?
When it’s very windy, during heavy rain or when, during winter it’s likely to be slippery.
Do you ride on main roads only?
We try and get on to country lanes as much as possible. Our riders tend to know where they are going, so stick to the smoothest, nicest and prettiest routes available.
Do I have to cycle up inclines?
Yes, unfortunately, although this is Essex it’s not entirely flat, but essentially gently undulating. We will keep the hills to the minimum.
OK, what do I do next?
Email peterm@essexroads.com in timely advance to check that an Early Bird Ride is scheduled, and then just turn up at the Gooseberry Green Roundabout for 07:00 a.m. We look forward to seeing you there!