10 of us got onto the 10.14am to Manningtree. 4 go for the price of two so £9 return. Another record: 4 brand new bikes. A couple of folding Birdys from wonderful Bikefix, an excellent value Orbit tourer, and a Marin hybrid built from the frame up by the proud owner. Brand new Seattle Londoner. The Stour estuary fascinates me. We left Essex almost as soon as we got off the train and crossed the Stour bridge into Suffolk (and there beaking the low tide mud was indeed a snowwhite egret. Grinning.) and a quick detour to Flatford Mill that looks just like it did around 1820 when Constable Haywained. Ice about. But no cars. Then through lovely voluptous lanes to Alton Water. Suffolk undulates to Essex's flatness. Lots of short sharp little bumps. We got to the Bristol Arms at Shotley Gate at 1.50pm. Last lunch orders are at 2pm. I'd been fretting. Shotley Gate sits right on the estuary with Harwich opposite and the massive container-lifters of Felixstowe next door. Summer ferries stitch that lot together and we must try them as soon as they start at Easter. Meat balls wasn't the best choice off the specials board. Sound pub though. Then beautiful rolling lanes west and through the manicured Royal Hospital School (moved from our very own Greenwich in the 1930's) with its huge tower visible for miles back to Manningtree station (and the best buffet/cafe/bar on the network). No time to explore. 35 miles against the 30 advertised.