2013-08-04 - Going Nuclear - Part 2 - Foulness

After the disaster that was the Sizewell ride that didn't happen, Going Nuclear Part 2 will now be to the former Atomic Weapons Research Establishment at Foulness.

For this second ride we will visit the heritage centre in the village of Churchend, on the island of Foulness. After failing to do so in 2011 due to some slightly unclear advice from QinetiQ, I am them determined to follow the byway on to the village of Courtsend, subject to the red flags not flying.

Lovely pictures from last time courtesy of youramericanlover, I've presumed he won't mind me reposting them. Link to his Flickr account here.

Er, so why are we going to a heritage centre? Good question...

Foulness is a top secret military island (shh..). It's covered by the Official Secrets Act and controlled by shady quasi-military privatised enterprise QinetiQ (pronounced 'kinetic'). Entry to the island requires a special pass. You used to be able to get this by phoning ahead to the George and Dragon pub (pictured above), but unfortunately it closed in 2007. The island's population has been in decline for a while and QinetiQ haven't made it easy for the residents - jacking up rents and being difficult with the passes and so on.

So... Mr and Mrs Carr, who run the heritage centre, are kindly sponsoring our trip onto the island. As they've been so kind, we'd better look interested!

I've spoken to Mrs Carr this morning, and this August Southend and District Classic Car Club will also be in attendance, so the Heritage Centre may be quite busy, but we will get to ogle some lovely old cars (they seem to have some very nice Morris Minor's, Minis and even an E-type Jag).

The usual rules will follow later, but there are a few special ones/things to note:

When we get to Foulness, do not stray from the road, unless you fancy being blown up by an unexploded ordnance. Seriously, it's a really bad idea. I will know where I'm going, so follow me! We didn't see anything last time, but you may see stuff like this, if you do, don't panic:

Rules of engagement

1. The ride is capped at 20 riders. To be honest it's harder to lead a ride much bigger than that, plus I agreed a maximum of 20 with QinetiQ last time.
   
2. We may be followed or approached by military police while on the island. We weren't last time, but as I want to explore a little more this year they may become interested. Please follow their direction if requested.
   
3. The route distance has been declassified as a propaganda measure. It is 60 miles precisely to the Heritage Centre.
   
4. The route remains classified for operational reasons.
   
5. Bring plenty of food, there may not be time for a pub stop.
   
6. Small print: You are being permitted to use the private spine road by the MoD to travel directly to and from the Heritage Centre and must not divert from this route, other than down a designated Public Right of Way (PROW). PROWs are only open to the public when the Red Flags are lowered and the Range is not active. You do not need permission to use the PROWs but must not attempt to access them when the Red Flags are flying. You should also be aware of the provisions of the Wildlife and Countryside Act and the requirement not to disturb certain species of nesting bird, by photography or any other activity.
   
   

(They may be killers, but they're caring killers. Apparently there are bird boxes on top of the watch towers).

Meet at Look Mum no Hands at 8.15am for a prompt 8.30am departure.

We need to get onto the island by 3.45pm latest, earlier is better...

1. Fox
   

I definitely want to do this, I remember seeing the thread for the last one.

1. Fox
   
2. shinkuu kiss
   

Grrrrr same day as Ride London 100

1. Fox
   
2. shinkuu kiss
   
3. Katy
   
   

No way I'm going to miss all 3 of these, though have a bit of re-jigging to do to make sure I'm back in London in time for this.

1. Fox
   
2. shinkuu kiss
   
3. Katy
   
4. bothwell
   
   

IN. Mr and Mrs Carr are legends.

sounds like fun..

If non of you came back with 3 testicles, or a extra or missing limb...or zombie...I'm in next year.

Everyone returned last time with no extra testicles or missing limbs, but some people came back with Foulness mugs and nearly everyone came back full of delicious homemade cake :)

1. Fox
   
2. shinkuu kiss
   
3. Katy
   
4. bothwell
   
5. Howard
   

I'm away this time.... Great ride out, and plenty of top photo opportunities.... No tanks, for example!
I rode a heavy CX bike last time.... No need.

Nope, I will be doing it on my tarck bike with 23mm tyres as usual :)

Likewise, remember missing this last time and it sounding pretty cool

1. Fox
   
2. shinkuu kiss
   
3. Katy
   
4. bothwell
   
5. Howard
   
6. Branwen
   

looks great, can't make it.
don't forget the A12 is closed.

What's the nearest train station?

Ha, don't worry this does not go down the A12! I don't like A roads, I've not got the route to hand right now but I'm pretty sure it's A road free apart from the usual unavoidable drag out via Lea Bridge...

Good point bearfoot, I forgot that bit. Trains back from Shoeburyness, which head into Fenchurch St. I've checked they are running on the 4th. It's about a 5/6 mile ride from the Heritage Centre back to the station.

A groupsave for 4 people works out as £5.85 each so I'll try to group everyone up as much as possible.

Got to miss this ride again as have family do in Bristol that weekend. Booo.

^^ I wasn't expecting you to ride down it but in case you needed to cross it...

We'll be crossing it with a bridge!

BUMP - would have thought there would be more interest in this, lots of people have asked me about it since the first one?

Try and get more east's people in?
Also the slave slide is the day before...

I hadn't noticed this, and would have loved to come along but am busy.. Fox gimme a heads up by pm next time if you're doing another this year :)

I could be up for this if the weather improves on what it is today....
If you'll have me with gears, that is - rear rim on the Pompino went off with a loud bang last Sunday - I have new rims but am awaiting hubs from BETD.
I've done the round Foulness charity cycle ride for Shoeburyness Round Table (or somesuch) a couple of years ago, btw.
It is a weird and fascinating place

@benjam - will do!

Gears are welcome, as long as you don't mind riding at fixed pace :)

I'd love to do this! will have to see what my work arrangements are!

[QUOTE=Fox;3740118......

Gears are welcome, as long as you don't mind riding at fixed pace :)[/QUOTE]

I'll do my level best to keep up ;)

I'm away, so I'm missing this ride again. Have a good one!