CYHA NEWS

A group of cyclists were stranded in blistering heat with punctures and other catastrophic failures. They claim to have been saved by "Bicycle Repair Man", the boiler-suited, cycle-mechanic superhero. There have been unconfirmed sightings of Bicycle Repair Man throughout the Essex area since the 20th of June.

-REUTERS.

The five cyclists set out from Chelmsford on Saturday morning on the first weekend of a rather belated summer. Heat and hunger forced refreshment stops at the Leather Bottle in Blackmore, and the Blue Boar in Abridge where we took out second-mortgages to pay for our drinks. We then spent an hour crashed-out in the forest before arriving at the hostel via an ice-cream stop.

The hostel was well placed; two minutes from a pub which served good food which was a good job as any food would have been cooked in our bags en-route. Lynn surprised everyone by knowing about the Macc Ladds (a partcularly riské Doncaster based band). The wasps in the forest were EEC approved (huge great inch-long Messerschmidt man-eaters), unlike the chocolate we had.

On Sunday we were now six, Lorna having had a lift so she could ride back. We started with a breakfast fit for a truck-driver before moving on to Greensted via Epping. I finally visited the unique church, constructed of split logs, after having passed by it many times while rat-running home from Stansted. We arrived in Chelmsford late afternoon via pubs in Moreton and Roxwell, and tea at Lynn's.

I think the Daves and Tom are just about able to walk again, although in Tom's case, a vindaloo before a weekend's cycling was, with hindsight (sic), a bit risky.

It was a change to see attractive country side without having to drive anywhere; even Essex has hidden charm, even if it is very well hidden in parts. Thanks to everyone for participating, and to Alison and George for delivering breakfast and Lorna.

A gorgeous balmy evening in Woodham Walter strolling across the fields and down the lanes of this gorgeous part of Essex. After successfully completing the 3¾ mile walk round the village environs we stopped for some well-earned drinks at the beautiful 16^th century pub, The Cats. Thanks to Dave for guiding the walk after Trudi's last minute change of plan and to all those who came along. Steve and Caroline are particularly noteworthy in their dedication, for taking a break from the planning of their nuptials especially to join us.

Clive and Gary sauntered to the Royal Albert Hall and were joined by Lorna hot foot off the train from Chelmsford. The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment (!) played some Hayden and Gluck very delicately. After the interval we heard Beethoven's rousing and gorgeous Eroica symphony. Returning home towards the Tube, we strolled through Hyde Park looking in vain for shooting stars from a decaying comet. Apologies to Marie Metcalf, whom we were supposed to meet and ended up high in the gods looking down on us!

See Gareth and Karen's account of their recent Trip to Peru.