Description
A slightly wet but warm Saturday morning saw about 30 of us meet at the Ace Cafe for Breakfast - a few wet lids but on the whole dry and happy to be on the first big blast of the year. The strange thing was - when we arrived in Clacton - there were 40 of us!
After we'd re-arranged the furniture at the Ace, we got down to some serious breakfasts, most opting for the simple bacon sandwich, but some, like myself, going for a big breakfast (I suspected there'd be nothing open at Clacton!).
As we gathered for the first group shot outside the sky cleared and left large chunks of blue, the sun was warm on our faces as we negotiated the north circular ready to strike out of London - and that's where the first wrong turn happened, there were only two on the day, but the first was quite stupid - never trust your Tom Tom over your instincts.
The route took us along the old roads to Clacton, avoiding as much as possible the A12 and 414 - this would have been perfect if we didn't seem to get caught behind every slow moving vehicle in Essex. When the roads were clear however, great fun was had as we used appropriate speed along nice sections on windy A road.
Once in Clacton we descended on the local pub, and rather than disturb the locals watching the football match (where was the rugby!?) we all sat outside. Several went for a wander down the pier in search of fish and chips and several more found the local KFC.
After an hour or so the first group shot off home, leaving the old guard defending the pier against the Sheepshaggers Tour 2007.
Great day had by all - definitely worth risking the weather - and definitely worth doing again. Thanks to Jim for being tail end charley and to everyone else who helped out :-)
