It seems like ages ago now, but on Friday, 5th September, I embarked on the last official nocturnal group ride of the season to Maldon. Well, almost Maldon, hence the question mark in the blog title. More on that later though.
My ride to the start, which was conveniently located as usual not far from the London Eye, didn’t take too long - remarkably so, as the roads were unusually quiet for London. Perhaps everyone was tucked away watching reality television, blissfully unaware of the nocturnal escapades unfolding just outside their doors. As I arrived, I recognised a few familiar faces, and glad to see Geoff. He greeted me with a delightful surprise: a map of Brutalist London. I must admit, I will definitely be using that in the near future.
After a safety briefing that included tips on not colliding with bollards, we set off into the night, almost bang on midnight.
As we glided over Southwark Bridge, I couldn’t help but marvel at how stunning London looked in its nighttime attire. The city twinkled like a thousand tiny fairy lights, if you squinted hard enough. We breezed past Bank, Aldgate, and Whitechapel, and I paused metaphorically in Bethnal Green to ponder how the area has evolved over the years. Now it’s all hip and trendy. (Notice that the choice of those words is neither hip nor trendy)! Two things crossed my mind as I cycled through: first, I was rather pleased to be on a bicycle rather than walking, and second, I was grateful I didn’t actually live there, lest I end up wearing a beanie and speaking in hashtags. (If that is what the hip and trendy do)?
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park came into view on our right, and we continued past Stratford and Ilford, enjoying the transform of urban life into something a bit less frantic. Soon, the thrum of the city faded behind us, replaced by the gentle whispers of nature. The night was still and mild, offering delightful cycling conditions - perfect for a night ride.
As we pedalled further into the depths of the night, the group caught up with one another, sharing tales of past rides, what we had been up to and spotting two additional Brompton riders, much to my delight.
After approximately 25 miles, we reached our sanctuary: Doddinghurst Scout Hut. It appeared like an oasis in the desert, and we were treated to a veritable feast. I mean, who doesn’t love a generous repast of sandwiches and cakes at 03:00in the am? However, after a couple of cups of tea, I began to struggle to stay awake. Had I slipped into the danger zone of closing my eyes, I fancy I would have let out a few snores worthy of a freight train and dribbled like a toddler. Thankfully, I was able to keep those perilously close eyelids at bay, and about ten minutes before we set off again, I felt revitalised.
As we exited the scout hut, the temperature had dipped slightly, prompting me to don a light waterproof jacket.
Not long after departing the hut, the next 20 or so miles were among the finest I have ever enjoyed on a night ride to the coast. The sun began to make its appearance, casting incredible, vivid colours across the sky. Light beams stretched outward through the clouds, and gentle mist hugged the ground, creating a painterly tableau that should have come with a warning: "Caution: Extreme Beauty Ahead." Many participants slowed to capture the scene - and most did not even have a Brompton!
Our Ride Leader, Nick, who knows me well, had forewarned me days in advance that there was a possible exit point at the 50-mile mark. Knowing my penchant for a swift return to London. This ride required another eight-ish miles to the end and possibly another six to seven miles to the nearest train station. A quick detour could take me to a station just two miles away.
As we hit the 50-mile mark, we regrouped, and I bid farewell to Geoff, offering my thanks to Nick, before cycling along an empty road to Hatfield Peverel station. Miraculously, my train arrived shortly after, and I found myself back in London at Liverpool Street Station not long after 8:15am. Home was beckoning, and I arrived there not long after, thoroughly pleased by the adventure.
The actual ride was almost 52 miles and in all I cycled about 62, taking into account my ride to and from the start and the end at Liverpool Street station.
A massive thank you to Nick for leading the ride. It was truly a splendid route that I hope to see back on next year’s list. In fact, it was so good, I might consider recreating it as one of my nocturnal rides.
While this was indeed the last ride of the season, let’s hope there might be an opportunity for one final adventure before winter takes hold…
Until next time, stay safe out there, people!
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