Leigh-on-Sea 2026: Ride Report

Being my first time leading a Fridays’ ride, I tried to get to Fridays’ Central in plenty of time, only to find a handful of riders already there waiting.

We had some 40 riders registered for the ride, but 10 were unable to attend. So having welcomed the newbies, I gave the mandatory briefing, including the introductions of my Wing (Claire), All Upper / TEC (Martin), Assistant All Upper / TECs (Peter and Josh), and explained the roles of Waymarkers.

At midnight we rolled away, but by the first set of traffic lights I’d caused confusion since I intended turning left and not the Friday’s normal straight on. At least the waymarker got everyone going in the correct direction. Crossing the Thames at Southwark Bridge, we soon joined CS3 heading east. Passing the unlit Tower of London, we continued following CS3 towards Limehouse. Maybe I should have told riders just to follow CS3 out of London.

At St. James Gardens we stopped to regroup and it allowed Claire to start taking photos. Something she would do at every opportunity! From Poplar High Street we turned north, before arriving at the 24hr Bow McDonalds to allow riders a comfort break before continuing towards Stratford and Ilford.

Just before Ilford, we regrouped again, giving me a chance to advise on the next junction into Ilford High Street and beyond. 

By 25km we started the first climb, but not the last one of the ride, into Havering-atte-Bower, where by its village green we regrouped again. We also had left the lights of London behind at this point.

Arriving at Tipps Cross Remembrance Hall at 03:14, 14 mins late, we were welcomed by Kevin the caretaker who had set up the tables and chairs and more importantly got the urn on to make tea and coffees. Cakes and other supplies I had arranged to be delivered that morning. I now have a better idea what to order ready for next year as there were plenty of leftovers.

Leaving the hall, after an hour’s break, we were soon back in the dark riding through the Essex countryside.

One of the constants of the ride was Claire and myself calling out the road hazards we encountered. The roads are in places in such a poor state, and with night riding a good set of lights is a must.

Just before Buttsbury we regrouped again and I told the riders that no one should ride through the ford we would soon approach. At the ford I also parked my bike across the road, forcing riders to dismount and use the footbridge. I didn’t want anyone to come off and delay the group in this year's very deep ford water. It was shallow last year!

By Stock I decided to remove one of my extra delaying loops, thus avoiding another poor road surface and hill. 

Soon we arrived at Hanningfield Reservoir. Unfortunately no sunrise photo opportunity this year, unlike last year.

I’d introduced a new loop so we could circumnavigate the reservoir, to help delay our arrival in Leigh-on-Sea, and maybe see more of the sunrise. Still too early and still no sunrise. 🙁

We now continued heading south, through Rettondon, Battlebridge and Rayleigh, where a couple of riders decided to bail out. After Hadleigh we soon entered Old Leigh-on-Sea, and continued past its cockle sheds, to arrive at our breakfast stop at Sara Tea Gardens at 07:50, 10 mins early. 

The welcome, service and food was first rate, and based on riders comments appreciated by everyone. I’ll certainly use this venue again for next year's ride.

So, the ride facts, 89.40km distance covered with 695m of climbing. Not a single mechanical malfunction, no one got lost, and no one fell off.

Thank you to everyone who came on the ride and especially Claire my Wing, Martin the “All Upper”, assisted by Peter and Josh, and special mention to all the waymarkers that make all Friday’s rides such a success.

- Anton