Mud Biking/Bishop Shortford

Great weekend, visiting friends, mud biking and Bridgette's family heritage.

Saturday we jumped on the tube and headed out to Epping. Beautiful day, lots of sunshine. So much so, we almost didn't pack the rain coats. First stop was Sawbridgeworth where my father grew up. Visited his old house, the church where my grandparents are buried and walked around the river Stort. Those who have seen Hot Fuzz, may appreciate the small town feel of Sawbridgeworth. I am sure those ladies fundraising for daffodil day were hiding semi-automatics under the daffodil selling trays. Stopped off at a cafe that was run by the equivalent of the CWA, a bikers paradise of baked goods!

Then off to Hatfield Broad Oak to visit James, Kym and wee Hazel who is only 4 weeks old! This took us through some beautiful English scenery. We went off to Bishop's Stortford for a game of ten pin bowling in which Pete starred. He finally admitted at the end to being a closet bowling fanatic from his youth not surprising considering his heritage (Moonah boy!). We then had a beautiful dinner which was a dual performance of fish cakes (Kym) and flourless chocolate and prune cake (James).

The next day, slightly bleary eyed we headed off in the drizzle to Olgar which came recommend by Lonely planet for mountain biking. The drizzle progressed so after finding the site of the SECRET nuclear bunker we decided to head back to a bakery for some warmth. Then off to explore Epping forest which was impressive. Lots of single track joined by formed walking tracks.

Lots of mud, lots of rain, lots of fun. We then headed back home feeling slightly weary and cleaned everything we owned in our wee bathroom.

To see the complete route that we took, follow this link to our bikely site.

Bridgette