Friday into Saturday morning was the last group night ride of 2026. This one was to Burnham-on-Crouch. However, with a commitment that might have made me too late to get to the start, it was going to be touch and go as to whether I would make it at all.
Thankfully, the timings just about worked out, and I made it to the start not far from the London Eye. On my way, I saw and heard many cyclists (some with various types of music blaring) out who had attended a Critical Mass gathering. I think I attended one of these many years ago, although I haven’t been to any since that vague recollection.
At the start, I saw many familiar faces, including Ian J on his G-Line, all the way from Sheffield. It was good to see him and catch up while on the ride. A little later, Dr John arrived, but sadly Geoff couldn’t make this one.
After the briefing from our ride leader, Tea, we got ourselves ready to the beat of various tunes coming from the impressive bike-mounted sound systems of those who had attended Critical Mass. We were still enjoying the general vibe of it all.
The weather was kind and the conditions were near perfect. Not hot and certainly not cold. There was no forecast of wet weather, and not a drop was felt all night.
I decided to take my G-Line again, as it felt only fitting that I bring it out to play after the Brighton run a couple of weeks ago. My G-Line is my most comfortable Brompton. This is perhaps due in part to its riding position, the size of its tyres, and the fact that it just copes incredibly well with some of the worst and most questionable London street surfaces.
On the stroke of midnight, we set off into the night. It didn’t take long for us to reach the outside of the City of London as we headed east. I like cycling through parts of London that I only ever see on a group cycle ride, as I rarely head east myself by choice.
We skirted around the Olympic Park, which reminded me of the Brompton World Championships that took place at the start of September. We also passed by the City of London Cemetery, where I think the ashes of the late Sir Bobby Moore were placed.
The ride was a mix of greenery and housing for the first half, but a large deer that strutted across our path, from a field on the left towards the front gardens of the houses on the right, reminded us that the urban environment was slowly being left behind.
At just over 25 miles, we reached our halfway stop at Tipps Cross Remembrance Hall - although it was technically less than halfway, if we’re being picky. There, we were treated to hot drinks, cake, biscuits and a friendly welcome.
About an hour later, we emerged from our sanctuary and, like the Brighton ride a couple of weeks ago, I initially dismissed the idea of putting on an extra layer. With a sudden onslaught of cold, however, my rolled-up waterproof was quickly put on, making me feel a great deal better!
The next few miles were lovely. There were the usual occasions when I found myself cycling along on my own quite happily, with a distant taillight to aim for. This induces a feeling of calm and tranquillity and is, for me, one of the appeals of these nocturnal adventures.
Sunrise was on its way and the views were spectacular. One cloud formation seemed to explode in all directions. Another, glowing orange and red, induced many of us to stop and take a photo.
As we had made excellent time, Tea stopped at a petrol station. Some made use of the facilities, while others bought a tea or coffee. Some of us remarked on the footwear choice of the early-morning customers. The flip-flop and Croc seemed universally popular!
One gentleman rolled in with his old-school RS 2000 Ford Escort. It reminded me straight away of one of my favourite television programmes of yesteryear, The Professionals. We had a quick chat, and he said that he works on it in his spare time. The things you see on a night ride!
We cycled on some busy roads and set off in little pelotons of four. We took care to leave gaps so that cars could overtake and pull in if needed. It worked well. It was on one of these sections that I saw Burnham-on-Crouch station, so I shouted my goodbyes to Claire, leader of the Cambridge to King’s Lynn ride, and said that I was off. At the station, Dr John joined me, and we arrived at Liverpool Street station just before 09:30. I headed towards Barbican, while Dr John made his way to King’s Cross.
This was sadly the last ride of this type for 2026. The next time we do this will be late March or early April 2027, and I already look forward to it. Our ride leader, Tea, did a wonderful job, as did the team who took on the role of tail-end Charlie.
As always, I say that these rides have an addictive quality. They must do, because the reaction from the vast majority of people you talk to about them is usually one of shock, disbelief and incredulity.
Until next time, stay safe out there, people.
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