Any rides for beginners?

Mappias, surely?

I meant to come back to this thread when I was at a proper computer with a minute. I very much agree with this:

the scenario you sketch Pete of getting out the scissors and sticky-backed plastic to plot a route seems in keeping with the ethos of cycling. Something about that level of crude devotion suits the egalitarian nature of riding a bike. It's appropriate. But surely a pain in the ass.

Unfortunately the pain in the ass bit made me buy a Garmin, but the traditional method is an enjoyable process if you have the time.

I also really like this:

I think routes needs to be passed on from rider to rider . That way you dont need garmin and can rely on chap nav and instinct. Eventually, a cyclist becomes like a migratory birds that always know the way.

I like the idea of shared cultural knowledge and it being passed on from generation to generation, a bit like the shared fireside folklore of ancient tribes. Or something.

Although I didn't actually come on the joy of Essex ride, I stole the route and did it on my own shortly afterwards and that was the start of learning a reasonable portion of Essex. I reckon I could now ride to as far away and exotic places as Kelvedon Hatch, possibly even Ingatestone, on chap nav alone, which is pleasing...