Members’ Blog
This Blog is intended for entries relating to
This Blog is intended for entries relating to- Weekly rides, including names of riders, including surnames, in the group (needed to satisfy our 3rd party insurers)
- Changes to timetabled events
- Comments on pubs / venues
- Discussion relating to Holidays and Social Events
These entries will not only be posted onto the web site – they are also circulated to the bulk of the membership by email. Try to restrict your comments to items of general interest.
Questions for the attention of your group ride coordinator can be sent direct using
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David Parker
posted this comment on February 21, 2019Wednesday 20th February. As there were a lot of B riders at the Olympic and only 1 leader, so I volunteered to take some riders as a separate group. We all ended up in Stansted at about the same time. With me were Paul Godfrey, John Broadfoot,Ken Dean, Chris brett, Paul McAteer, and Guest Jeff Drummond.
Barry Barlow
posted this comment on February 21, 2019Wednesday 13th February Rather belated ride report. We set off from the Rose ad Crown through Chipstead and up Back Lane. WE rode through Plaxtol and on to Laddingford where the food was good and still cheap.
Those riding with me were John Bull, Ron Castle Steve Birkin, Bob Craig ( suffering from an excess of holiday and left at Ivy Hatch) Alethea Lowles, Ray Hardinge, David Binks, Jill(surname unknown) and myself.
Brian Wood
posted this comment on February 20, 2019B2 ride to The Black Horse at Stansted.
Riders included Bernie Fiske, Emerys Wilson,
Ken Mould, Peter Woods, Di Outram,
Ann, Linda Kemp, Eric McNally,
Eric O’conner and me Brian Wood.
I don’t think I missed anyone.
I put in a few hills to keep Di happy.
Martin Gill
posted this comment on February 20, 2019The Premiers ride to the See Ho went via the Gravesend Linear Park, Jeskyns Country Park (crowded with families enjoying the half term sunshine) and the Shorne Ifield Road a stretch of which was covered in mud. Those,out were Keith C, Richard B, Paul G, Peter G and me.
Steve Birkin
posted this comment on February 20, 2019A! ride to the Rose and Crown at Halstead. The 8 riders were: Ron Castle,Barry Barlow, Dave Binks, Roland Courtenay, Ray Hardinge, Rosemary Gray, Chris Simms and me. We had a round about route which included Knatts Valley, Bitchett Green, Seal, Shoreham and Shacklands (for a last treat). Although there were no major hills we still managed 2,100 feet of climbing. The service and the food were excellent at the pub.
Ray Hardinge
posted this comment on February 20, 2019If anyone needs a bike bag for transporting their bike (e.g. by plane, train) I have one in my garage which any club member can borrow. Just give me a call or email or I’m happy to lend it to you. Ray.
Paul Dean
posted this comment on February 18, 2019The new kit order has arrived from Gear Club. If you have ordered an item of new kit, I can either bring it along to the Wednesday 27 February start at Coolings, Rushmore Hill or the Wednesday 13 March start from Polhill Garden Centre. Alternatively, you can collect your order from my home in Hayes, Bromley at a mutually convenient time. Please let me know via the club website email facility or pauljdean52@gmail.com, how you would like to collect your new kit order. Many thanks. Paul Dean
Steve Birkin
posted this comment on February 17, 2019I’ll lead the ride Bob, no worries.
Steve
Bob Craig
posted this comment on February 18, 2019Thanks Steve
Ive contacted the pub and they are expecting you.
Cheers Bob
Bob Craig
posted this comment on February 17, 2019Help !!
A1 ride this Wednesday to The Rose and Crown at Halstead. Can anyone take over leading from me as half-term grandfathering duties mean I cannot do it.
Thanks Bob Craig
Diana Outram
posted this comment on February 16, 201913th February 2019 B2 ride from Dunton Green to the Little Brown Jug at Chiddingstone via some very hilly terrain to Ide Hill and Toys Hill , through Hever and Chiddingstone to Chiddingstone Causeway and a very welcoming pub. We rode along a lane that most of us had never travelled near the bottom of Toys Hill linking to Four Elms. Riding were Di,Dave Collier,Peter Woods electrically with Derek and Peter as companions, Eric,Cliff,Paul Hills and Paul Godfrey who peeled off to Brasted. Apologies for planning such a tough route and many thanks for not complaining (within my hearing)and joining in so enthusiastically!
Steve Birkin
posted this comment on February 16, 20196 of us – me, Roland Courtney, Chris Simms, Ray Hardinge, Bob Craig and Dave Binks – met at Lullingstone on a dreary misty morning. The weather didn’t cheer up all day and my choice of a summer bike didn’t look too smart. Our destination was to have been The Swan on the Green, but we changed our mind (as the drinkers weren’t with us) and instead went to a cafe in a shabby chic shop in Hadlow. The food was good and the service cheerful. En route, Ray Bob and Chris peeled off. Hope your chest infection clears up Chris.
Roland Courtney
posted this comment on February 15, 2019A friend of mine is offering two electric bikes for sale and I thought this might be of interest to a member. Please contact me for contact details. Here is the description he provided:
Although both bikes were purchased in October 2016, they have not even covered 1 mile each on the road, and are therefore in excellent condition.
The first bike is a Specialized Levo. Motor is custom Specialized motor Shimano SLX 10 speed. Shimano hydraulic disc brakes and Rock Shox suspension.
The 2nd bike is A Cube Reaction Pro 17”.
Shimano Devore 10 speed.
Motor is a Bosch Performance CX
Shimano hydraulic disc brakes
When new in 2016, the Cube bike cost £2,000 and the Specialized £2,500.
Would be looking to get £2,200 for the pair.
Peter Hawker
posted this comment on February 15, 2019Reputable makes. But the batteries are probably out of warranty (usually two years) – expensive items, batteries, and if they haven’t been looked after, regularly charged even when unused, they could be suspect. But the proof of the pudding . . . fully charge them and see how long they hold it. And, of course, ride them, bearing in mind that it takes a while to get used to an ebike.
A bit difficult to appreciate on a short ride, particularly if you’re an ‘unassisted’ rider.
But good luck to your friend with the sale.
Peter Hawker
posted this comment on February 15, 2019PS: On reflection,it would be prudent to assume that new batteries will be required.
Peter Hawker
posted this comment on February 15, 2019B2 ride:
Ha!Ha1Ha1 Hee!Hee!Hee! (Little Brown Jug etc,) Diana led a hilly ride, but that’s ok by me!
And shoud’ve been for Peter Woods, but because of his dvt he rode an ebike which had a small battery (and a noisy motor),
and he was worried that it wouldn’t last home. But when I left him at Pratts Bottom he was still going strong, with no serious hills to come. Let that be a lesson – don’t buy a cheap electric bike!
Thank you Diana for that cardio-vascular exercise – good weather, good pub, convivial companions.
Pete Pembery
posted this comment on February 14, 2019On a change of venue, 9 A2 riders left Dunton Green on route to Redhill Aerodrome which was via Knockholt,Tatsfield, Woldingham, and along Halloloo Valley Rd where Ken had a mechanical with a broken chain, after fixing, we headed through Woldingham Girls school down Gangers to the A25, where because of the delay, we decided to leave going to the aerodrome and find lunch somewhere local, at this point Pete J left to head home, and the rest of us cycling along the A25 found Flower Farm which has a small cafeteria with friendly staff, who eventually were able to cater for our needs. With me Pete,Ken, Malcome, Dom, Bob, Mick, Rick, and Mick.
Ken Dean
posted this comment on February 13, 2019Wed 31/2: B1 Ride Dunton Green to Little Brown Jug
A grey morning which gradually morphed into a pleasant sunny afternoon.
Nine riders: myself, John Thompson, David Morgan, John Broadfoot, David Parker, Mike Yeo, Martin Peckett, Chris Brett and Paul McAteer.
20 miles via Ide Hill, Hever station and Chiddingstone. Pleasant atmosphere and reasonable food/service at the Little Brown Jug – albeit a little pricey.
Good ride home interrupted by the climb up Hubbards Hill
emrys wilson
posted this comment on February 11, 2019I am due to lead the B2s on 27 February to Oxted. I should have checked my diary before committing as I found out that I will be in Portugal on that date. Would someone be willing to take this over please.
Chris Simms
posted this comment on February 11, 2019I’m due to lead the A1 group this Wednesday but seem to have come back from my foreign travels with a severe chest infection. I won’t be out on Wednesday so could someone else take over please. Thanks, Chris.
Barry Barlow
posted this comment on February 11, 2019No problem Chris,
I will lead the ride. Hope you are better soon.
Peter Jones
posted this comment on February 11, 2019A2 Group. Thanks for the message Steve and I wish you a speedy recovery. Peter P has kindly stepped in to lead Wednesdays ride but the destination has changed to Redhill Airport.
Stephen Daniel
posted this comment on February 10, 2019I’m due to lead A2 ride this Wednesday (13th). Due to a dose of flu, I don’t think I will be fit enough. Any takers please?
Steve.
Steve Pratt
posted this comment on February 10, 2019As a member residing outside your immediate area, not from the South East, with no internal map of back lanes or good routes – subjected to the lone vagaries of Garmin maps, and being unable (at the moment) to have free Wednesdays to meet up with the club, I just wanted to say thanks for your generous initiative in providing a rides library. Steve P
Paul Godfrey
posted this comment on February 10, 2019Many thanks for the comments Steve. Hopefully we can build the library into a useful resource. Ken in particular has put a good deal of effort into the finished product.
Paul Godfrey
posted this comment on February 8, 2019Tri Vets the 100 mile Essex event takes place on Sunday July 21. I know several club members took part on the last time it was held and enjoyed it. Details are on the CTC website. I have expressed an interest.
Peter Hawker
posted this comment on February 8, 2019Storm Eric.
I was on two wheels today, Friday, and blown all over the road at times.
If our two Erics, O’Connor and McNally have any metrological influence,
would they please ease orf those imoderate gusts.
from Fragile Pete.
Peter Hawker
posted this comment on February 9, 2019Storm Eric.
to our Two Erics:
A bit better today – I’m sure that you’ve done your best.
Ken Dean
posted this comment on February 7, 2019New Runs Library
Paul Godfrey and I have developed a new Runs Library facility. This enables members to
1. Display and download rides that are stored in the library
2. Upload your own rides to the library for the benefit of other club members.
Rides are classified by ‘Group’ (eg. Prems, A2 etc) and by type (eg. Car assiosted, Holland etc)
Have a look and see what you think – it’s shown on the top menu.
Ken Dean
posted this comment on February 7, 2019Seasonal Cheer
Steve Birkin’s grandson, Ben Tulett, has just won the Men Juniors race at the 2019 UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships in Denmark – see link on RH side.
Peter Gray
posted this comment on February 7, 20196 February 2019…..Prems Ride…..Only 5 Prems were out today on our ride from Polhill to The Rising Sun at East Malling where the welcome and service was as warm and friendly as ever. We had an unsettling close-pass in Bower Lane as we climbed out from Eynsford. This seems to be becoming an all too regular occurrence these days!…..The riders with me were Keith Cooper, John Baker, Martin Gill and Richard Bingham.
Paul Godfrey
posted this comment on February 7, 2019B2 ride – leaving Polhill with me on the ride to Tonbridge were John Broadfoot, Emrys. Di, Trish, Paul Hills, Linda Kemp, Peter Woods, Derek Hunter and Rosemary. Very pleasant conditions for the time of year.
rosemary wakefield
posted this comment on February 7, 2019Notice to B1 Riders
There is no leader for 20th February Olympic to Black Horse Stansted. Please will somebody volunteer and past a notice on the blog. I will be away, hence I am not able to fill in the gap.
Mike W
Pete Pembery
posted this comment on February 6, 2019After 2 Wednesday’s without a ride, 9 A2 riders left Pole Hill Garden Centre on route to Oxted, our route was, Downe, Nash, up to Layhams, through to Limpsfield Rd, The Ridge, down Gangers to the A25 , Barrow Green Rd, and weaved our way to the Oxted Inn (Weatherspoons) for a cheap lunch., with me Rick G. Malcolm M. John W. Ken S.(thanks for being back marker) Bob S. Paul M. Pete J. and Tony B, who left us on the Limpsfield Rd.
Roland Courtney
posted this comment on February 6, 2019Today the rain stayed away and six A1 riders enjoyed some Kentish hills and ended up at the George at Trottiscliffe where we had the usual warm welcome and very efficient service. We were myself, Steve Birkin, Ron Castle, Dave Binks, Barry Barlow, and Ray Hardinge. We were joined for lunch by Peter Nutall (hope I go tthe surname right) who had made his own way to the George. The route from Polhill was Shacklands, Shoreham, Fackenden Hill (by popular request), Cotmans Ash, Ivy Hatch, Plaxtol, up Roughway (to whoops of delight), Crouch, Comp, Offham, Trottiscliffe. I hope everyone enjoyed the ride as much as I did.
Peter Hawker
posted this comment on January 31, 2019Well done. It was a lovely day for walking.
rosemary wakefield
posted this comment on January 30, 2019The Lullingstone circular walk led by Mike W was greatly enjoyed by Diana, Dave Binks ,Danny Eagles and Paul Mcateer despite the snow , ice and mud. Paul, the only one to arrive on two wheels, abandoned his bike at the centre and walked round proudly in Meridian gear. Lunch was in the centre where we all sampled the soup.
Sorry for the short notice of the walk. I woke up in the middle of the night and had the inspiration.
Mike W
Peter Hawker
posted this comment on January 30, 2019A message from the ‘C’s : “Brrrh!”
Chris Simms
posted this comment on January 30, 2019Lovely day – but I won’t be cycling.
I don’t advise anyone to come near the North Downs on a bike!
rosemary wakefield
posted this comment on January 30, 2019As rides have been cancelled I am willing to lead a circular ramble at Lullingstone today. 4/ 5 miles
Interested in coming then we will leave Centre at 11am,
Mike Wakefield
Christopher H Brett
posted this comment on January 30, 2019B1 Riders. Sorry but I won’t be leading the ride this morning due to the icy conditions. My garage roof is sheet ice just now and I guess many of the lanes will be similar. Chris
Ken Dean
posted this comment on January 30, 2019B2 Riders
I consider conditions too dangerous to cycle; I shall not be leading today’s B2 ride.
Eric Oconnor
posted this comment on January 30, 2019Thanks for the early warning Ken .Suggest BBC Parliament 232. or later Second World War film on 15 .YI Cycling.
Bob Hazell
posted this comment on January 30, 2019Glad I’m not the only sad soul glued to the Parliament channel Eric! Mind you I don’t have a lot of choice. Together with Sky news it’s pretty much the only TV we can get in the current gales. Providing me with engaging TV is about the only thing I can thank Brexit for. That and improving our Spanish trying to follow the debates on the local news! See yer.
Peter Jones
posted this comment on January 30, 2019A2 riders. Due to the risk of black ice todays ride is cancelled.
ronald castle
posted this comment on January 29, 2019For all Al Riders….
I am down to lead tomorrow’s ride but as the forecast is not good I won’t be out. Safe riding to anyone who decides to go out tomorrow.
Peter Jones
posted this comment on January 29, 2019A2 Riders: As you have seen from the earlier blogs (B1 and 2) the forecast is not good for tomorrow. Bob (leading the ride to The Blue Anchor) and I will make the decision if the ride is to go ahead tomorrow and post it on the blog early. Please remember to check before you set off! Peter
Christopher H Brett
posted this comment on January 29, 2019B1 Riders
I’ve seen Ken’s Blog about the B2’s ride tomorrow and I have looked at the forecast which seems slightly better than what I saw last night. There is only a small risk of overnight snow but it will be a frosty start to the morning so I too am in doubt about leading you B1’s tomorrow as much of my ride is on likely untreated roads. The forecast is cold (2-3Deg C) with a light westerly wind and only about 6% chance of precipitation.
As it is at present I intend to ride to Lullingstone VC and see what the group feeling is once there.
I too give an update before I set out tomorrow for the meet so watch this space!
Chris
ps I’m really disappointed that I may not be leading/riding having got my all-clear to ride healthwise and put in a practice ride (not on tomorrows route) to be sure I could cope with it.
Ken Dean
posted this comment on January 29, 2019B2 Ride Wed 30th Jan.
Yesterday and today there were icy conditions. If it’s like that tomorrow I shall not be leading the B2 ride to Kemsing.
I’ll check the top of the car and the bird bath at breakfast time and post my intentions on the Blog by 8am.
I will not be deterred if it’s just cold.
Ken
Chris Simms
posted this comment on January 27, 2019Saturday 26th January: Six of us at Polhill but Bob Craig went straight home after coffee. The rest of us rode up through Knockholt, down Hogtrough, through Westerham (where Ray Hardinge left us) and up past Chartwell to Four Elms and Edenbridge. We arrived at Markbeech for lunch only to find it absolutely packed so we dropped down the hill to the Greyhound where Caroline made us very welcome and provided us with an excellent lunch accompanied by complimentary chips. I don’t think it helped the climb up Ide Hill afterwards. Those who made it all the way were Ron Castle, Danny Eagles, Dave Binks and myself.
Diana Outram
posted this comment on January 24, 201923rd January 2019 B ride. 3 brave souls set out from Coolings on a cold and frosty morning and made it to Westerham to the little Italian cafe on the corner of the Biggin Hill road where excellent soup was served. The return trip in the sunshine was marred slightly by an awkward puncture and everyone freezing to death. That apart the riders were Cliff Bell, Paul Macateer and Di.
David Parker
posted this comment on January 22, 2019For all B1 riders, with the forecast of ice for tomorrow, I won’t be riding tomorrow.
I suggest cancelling tomorrows ride.
Ray Hardinge
posted this comment on January 22, 2019For All A1 riders – sorry lads but it’s not looking good for tomorrow. The Met office have an ice warning out.
So I’d rather cancel the ride than be pulling us and our bikes out of the hedgerows.
So NO A1 ride tomorrow.
Ray
Barry Barlow
posted this comment on January 22, 2019I agree with Steve, is it worth cancelling?
Steve Birkin
posted this comment on January 22, 2019A1s Tomorrow – if the roads are anything like they were this morning – lots of black ice – I won’t be coming out to play.
Steve
Peter Jones
posted this comment on January 22, 2019A2 riders – the forecast is not good for tomorrow with below zero temperatures overnight and forecast to remain low during the day, -2 in Kemsing at 12.00. With the roads likely to be very icy I feel it is safer to cancel tomorrows ride to The Bull in Kemsing. If anyone wishes to go to The Bull please contact them directly with time and numbers.
Heather Sim
posted this comment on January 21, 2019Please hold the date! We plan to hold a Summer Party on the 10th July, lunch to aprox. 5pm at Farningham Cricket Club – similar format to last year. More information during May.
Paul Godfrey
posted this comment on January 21, 2019B2 riders – no nominated leader for the ride on Wednesday from Coolings to Ightham and unfortunately I am not able to cover this one. If anyone can cover please let me know.
Chris Simms
posted this comment on January 19, 2019Saturday 19th January: Six brave souls met at Hawley Garden Centre despite the temperature only being about 2 Deg C. We rode via Ash, Shipley Hills, Dean Lane and Birling before arriving at the Blue Anchor, Platt for lunch. The pub was warm and welcoming as usual. Riders were Dave Binks, Ron Castle, Steve Birkin, Ray Hardinge (who left us at Harvel), Bob Craig (who skipped lunch) and myself. It wasn’t much warmer after lunch but at least we didn’t get wet today.
Kenneth Mould
posted this comment on January 18, 2019Wed 16th Jan.
I led the B2 ride to The Bricklayers Arms at Chipstead . On an overcast, rain threatening morning I led my loyal band of fellow Meridians, out of the Olympic car park. The group was 12 plus. The ride took us via South Swanley, through Crockenhill , down to Wellhill then onto Halstead and Knockout Pound.
Unfortunately by the time we descended Star Hill our numbers were greatly reduced due to bad weather conditions and other commitments. We arrived at the pub with only about 8 wet souls. The pub was very good with quick service and great beer. A very enjoyable January ride. Riders were Cliff B, Peter H, Rosemary W, Paul H, Brian W, Tricia, Ian D, and Jeff D, Dave C, Mike Y, and Eric.
Sorry for the ones I missed
.
Peter Hawker
posted this comment on January 21, 2019Ken didn’t mention the two ‘C’ riders who tagged onto the back of the ‘B2’s’ on their ebikes, Derek and Peter,
sheperded by the indomitable Dave Collier.
Or the fiendish Badgers Mount roundabout he circumnavigated to test our cycle competence.
We all passed!
Bob Craig
posted this comment on January 17, 2019A1 Ride Wed 16 Jan. 8 of us left the Olympic on a grey and damp day and rode a slightly shortened route to The Bell at Kemsing as the weather started to take a turn for the worse. We went via South Darenth, Speedgate, Ash and Stansted. The reception in the pub was excellent and very efficient.
Riders were John Ball, Chris Simms, Ron Castle, Barry Barlow, Ray Hardinge, Stephen Hardy, Dave Binks and me.
I got home just before the downpour and I hope everybody else did.
Bob.
Peter Jones
posted this comment on January 16, 2019Tony B led the A2 group on an excellent route to The Ship in Southfleet via the Cycloparc, Lower Higham and Shorne. The Riders were: Tony Beaumont, Peter Pembery, Bob Stock, Ken Savage, Paul McDonnell, Rick Green and myself, Peter Jones. A special ‘welcome back’ to Rick as this was his first ride with Meridian for over a year!
rosemary wakefield
posted this comment on January 14, 2019Volunteer needed to lead B1 ride 20 th Feb. Olympic to Black Horse Stansted.
This is the only one in the list up end of March where there is no leader. Please will someone have a go at this one. I will be away so a volunteer is essential.
Volunteer identify yourself on Wednesday please.
Mike Wakefield
Steve Birkin
posted this comment on January 12, 201912th January, 7 of us met at Coolings – me, Chris Simms, Ron Castle, Dave Binks, Danny Eagles, Ray Hardinge and Bob Craig. Ray and Bob left us before our destination which was The Plough at Leigh. Our route took us up Fackenden Lane (back for 2019 by popular demand) and down Carters Hill. Unfortunately The Plough was closed for a week so we rode on to the Fleur de Lys at Leigh. The food was above average and the prices below average so we’ll be going there again. Came home via Ightham Mote.
ronald castle
posted this comment on January 10, 2019Wednesday 9th January 2019 ‘A1’ ride to East Malling.
Joining me were Chris Simms, Steve Birkin, Dave Binks, Barry Barlow, John Ball, David Keith, Ray Hardinge, Steve Hardy and Richard Jones. It was a nice sunny day which was great considering that it’s January. Food at the Rose and Crown in East Malling was good and very reasonably priced.
Ken Dean
posted this comment on January 9, 2019Wed 9th Jan: Rose & Crown @ Dunton Green
A cold but dry morning attracted a good number of riders for coffee.
8 B2 riders set off for the George at Trottiscliffe; a few spots of rain were felt early on, but those soon cleared to give very pleasant conditions for the rest of the day. Apart from myself, the group comprised: Linda Kemp, Brian Weekes, Dave Collier, Paul Hills, Trish, Trevor Sim and Paul Godfrey as back marker.
At the George we met the B1s; as always, service and food was excellent.
Peter Hawker
posted this comment on January 9, 2019Wednesday, the 9th, the ‘C’s, Derek Hunter & me, went to the Blue Anchor.
Cycled all the way, albeit assisted – “Crisp ‘n Bright, the Day Was Alright”!
Chris Simms
posted this comment on January 8, 2019Belated Ride report for Saturday 5th January: Dave Binks, Ron Castle and myself met at Lullingstone on a very chilly morning. We rode via Bower Lane, Tinkerpot Lane, Stansted, Vigo, Harvel and Shipley Hills before arriving at The Ship in Southfleet. Our first time there and it was warm and welcoming. We should go again.
rosemary wakefield
posted this comment on January 6, 2019CAR/TRAIN ASSISTED RIDES FOR 2019
Looking ahead to April and the beginning of longer days it is time to plan for day rides which take us further afield.
The committee has asked that you try to miss planning these rides on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month so that the club can have some Wednesdays when we all meet to-gether. Also a special day on 26th June is planned for Peter’s 90th birthday and our annual visit to Chipstead Cheshire home to support their ongoing work.
Please let me know where you want to meet, time and for which groups your ride is planned. Details of coffee stops and lunch venues can be forwarded now or after you have done further research.
Looking forward to hearing from you with some old favourites and maybe with some new routes
Rosemary Wakefield
Barry Barlow
posted this comment on January 4, 2019A1 ride 2nd January nine of us set out from Polhill to the Green Man at Hodsall Street.
We climbed Chelsfield Hill and Well Hill then headed for Knatts valley via Crockenhill.
Bob Craig left us at Framingham (he had heard the rumour that we were to climb Knatts Lane) actually he was going to the dentist. After Knatts Lane, we climbed St Claire Hill to Terry’s Lodge where Tony Reeve left us for his long journey home to Edenbridge. The rest of us Ron Castle, Richard Jones, David Binks, Ray Hardinge, David Keith, Steve Hardy and I, continued up Stansted hill and Haven Hill to the Green Man where the food was excellent, but quite slow service.
Happy New Year to One and All
Danny Gazzi
posted this comment on January 2, 2019A2 ride from Polhill to Chipstead. A gentle ride for the first one of the year, via Shoreham, Otford, the Pilgrims Way, Heaverham, Seal, Knole Park, Sevenoaks, and Dunton Green. Thanks to back marker Nick Leng-Smith, the same 10 who set out made it to lunch at the Bricklayers Arms, where the pub was slow to take our orders but quick to supply the food. The other 9 were Dom Haslam, Paul McDonnell, Bob Stock, Richard Bush, Ken Strange, Fi West, Peters Pembery and Jones, and myself.
Richard Bingham
posted this comment on January 2, 2019Wednesday 2 Jan: 7 riders for the Prems ride to The Greyhound, Hever. A gently undulating 27 miles with 1,600ft of up taking in Knockholt, Limpsfield, Crowhurst, Dormansland and Cowden. Usual warm welcome and great service at the pub. The riders were John Baker, Keith Cooper, Paul Geradine, Martin Gill, Peter Gray, Dave Hickman and me
Mike Howe
posted this comment on January 2, 2019I wasn’t on the ride today Paul. I am forty miles away in Hertfordshire
Paul Godfrey
posted this comment on January 2, 2019Good turnout at Polhill today for the first ride of the year. Joining me on a chilly but pleasant B2 ride were Ken Dean, Rosemary, Ken Mould, Emrys, Brian Weeks, Linda Kemp left us at Otford and MIke Howe and Trish left at Borough Green. Also with us was Robert Butt joining as a guest.
Paul Godfrey
posted this comment on January 2, 2019Apologies to Mike Yeo it was he who was with us today and not Mike Howe
Peter Hawker
posted this comment on January 3, 2019As the only representative of the ‘C’s I joined the group in the Blue Anchor.
Both the landlord and the group were v, hospitable.
Paul Dean
posted this comment on January 1, 2019Dear All, I am taking orders for our next delivery of club kit. Prices are unchanged and you now have the option to pay by BACS transfer. Details of how to order, including the order form and sizing chart, are provided on the website and the deadline for orders is Wednesday 16 January 2019. Please contact me if you have any questions. Regards, Paul Dean
Steve Birkin
posted this comment on January 1, 2019A few weeks ago I blogged that I’d found a good cafe called Kingdom at Penshurst. I take it all back – the cafe has had a change of management and the new arrangements are very expensive (£6.00 for a smoothie!!!) along with a much reduced range of choices on the menu.