Easy Riding into April 02/04/2025

We’ve been a busy group over the last couple of weeks. I’m pleased to say plenty of our first aiders turned up for training at the church hall recently and we all passed, having demonstrated our competence at resuscitation etc. I should let you know that I was the only Easy Rider who dropped points for over-inflating the lungs of the dummy, and unlike last time when we were training, I was more or less on time for the pace of chest compressions. Last time I was racing along at about double speed! Thanks to all participants for being such a sterling team!

Over the last few weeks, mercifully the weather has mellowed. It has progressed from dull grey and cold, to milder, brighter and sunnier, even if still a bit cold due to an easterly wind. We have noticed magnolia, daffodils, primroses and cowslips, and also have seen hares, buzzards, kites and brimstone and peacock butterflies. Such a relief after the long grey winter.

This week’s health and safety tip is more of a reflection and a question. When riding correctly on the road to meet the Easy Riders, one of our riders was knocked off his bike, by a car departing from a drive on a front garden. Our rider fortunately only grazed their knees, and the bike took the brunt of the impact. The driver tried to blame the rider, even though rider was riding correctly (ie not on the pavement), was wearing a visible colour, and the driver should have had visibility before joining the road. No further action taken or required. But it brings to mind my reason for not using the cycle path from the Prince Louis pub in Great Notley, to Great Notley Approach, where it meets London Road. The cycle path is a shared pedestrian/cycle path, running along 6’ high boundary walls and hedges, with residential drive entrances all the way along.

Any vehicle entering or departing these properties has poor visibility of the shared use path and cannot see cyclists or pedestrians easily. For this reason, I’d rather lead my groups on the road, where we are more clearly visible to car traffic. I’d also reiterate my liking for fluorescent clothing. Does anyone have a view on this – which route is safer for all parties?

Having said all that, Ann led 17 of us on a fabulous ride to The Snug. We split the group as usual, so we could pace the groups appropriately. Bill B did a sterling job of bringing up the rear, making sure no-one dropped off the back of the group. Returning home, we took a couple of different routes, some returning up the hill via Hartford End and Cock Green; others rode from Hartford End up to Littley Green (where the hill peaks at 6%) and onwards home. It was a fab day for a bike ride.

We are aware Easy Riders have some riders unable to participate due to various aches and pains (oh, the joys of getting older!) but please remember you’re always welcome to meet us at our café stops. We still want to hear your news and for you to be part of our group.

23 miles, average 9 mph

Cathy MacTaggart