Essex County
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Norfolk Stage 10 – Braintree to Broxbourne 53 Km (Sat 14 May 2022)
Weather: 10⁰C min – 21⁰C max, mostly sunny
“As long as there is coffee in the world, how bad could things be?” ~ Cassandra Clare
I enjoyed my stay last night at Ross House in Black Notley (near Braintree) and also my meal in the beer garden at the nearby St Julius pub. Braintree had no suitable accommodation left so luckily I ended up in this much more attractive residential area.
Setting off from there at about 8 am this morning, I was determined to savour my penultimate day of riding. The weather was sunny, and an excellent bike path took me out of town through lovely parklands, already popular with joggers, walkers and dogs on this perfect Saturday morning. And my bicycle was gliding smoothly and silently after having a new chain and cassette fitted. This is going to be a better day than yesterday!
For much of the way I followed NCN50 which guided me along delightful lanes and country roads that were even smoother, flatter and easier for riding than my friend NCN1. It was no surprise therefore to see so many cyclists out enjoying their Saturday morning ride, some in groups and some solo like myself. All acknowledged my “g’day” with a cheerful “hello”, a wave or at least a nod. Of course they were going much faster than me because they weren’t riding a steel-frame touring bicycle carrying two heavy pannier bags (and they weren’t 76 yo).
Essex is even lusher and greener than the other counties I have been through and somehow the villages seem to be more immaculate, with quaint names such as “Good Easter”. Black barns, red brick walls, and flint-walled churches were plentiful, as they were in Norfolk and Suffolk.
Don’t believe what you may have heard about the insect population around the world dropping by up to 70% … they have all moved to Essex! Clouds of black insects bombarded my face and, after consuming a couple of them, I learned to keep my mouth shut. That didn’t stop one though from buzzing around in my ear until he found the exit.
After 35 km I came to a cafe in Old Harlow Town, not before time because all I had for breakfast was a cup of English breakfast tea and some nibbles. The coffee, panini and almond croissant tasted good!
With only 15 km to go I calculated that I would arrive at Broxbourne much too early to check in, so what better way to kill time but to watch a live cricket game while at the same time watching on my phone the last quarter of the Sydney Swans thrashing the Essendon Bombers.
Broxbourne was a real surprise, with a town centre much bigger and more attractive than I was expecting. What’s more there are lots of food options for tonight, which will top off a perfect day in Essex.
Haha – insects are meant to be very nutritious and a great source of protein – way to power up for your ride! I love the wild irises and the wisteria.
Studies around the globe have shown that insects are declining alarmingly. Scientists fear that if the decline is not halted, ecosystems will collapse, with profound consequences for human wellbeing. We have to love the little creatures.
Definitely don’t eat the bees or the butterflies! Just the black flies (larvae of which are now a novel protein source for allergy-prone dogs and/or environmentally conscious owners: https://www.australiandoglover.com/2021/10/feed-for-thought-insect-protein-dog-food.html – haven’t gotten the little gourmand to sample it yet, though…).
Not as good for him as duck or venison though 🙂