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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Entries to the Blog can only be made by club members who are logged in to the site.
Peter Jones
posted this comment on June 17, 2019A2 riders. Due to the adverse the weather forecast for Wednesday, Rick has changed the ride and we are now lunching at the Greyhound in Lingfield.
Ken Dean
posted this comment on June 14, 2019John had a great time at Gouda cheese market
Peter Jones
posted this comment on June 13, 2019A2 riders. We need leaders from 26 June onwards. The 26 June is from the Leonard Cheshire Home to The George in Trottiscliffe. The 3 July is from The Rose and Crown, the ride on 10 July is from The Olympic to Farningham Cricket Club for the club summer lunch.
Please let me know which ride you would like to lead!
Peter
David Sims
posted this comment on June 13, 2019Peter Hi,
Happy to lead on the 3rd July The Rising Sun East Malling . same destination as the A1,s Karh has always coped with big groups in the past so shouldn’t be a problem,
Cheers
Christopher H Brett
posted this comment on June 13, 2019Hi Englanders. Greetings from Gouda. Good day today after horrendously wet one yesterday. We’re all having fun Gouda after horrendously wet day yesterday. Hopefully walking in Rotterdam tomorrow.
All the best. Chris Brett
Paul Godfrey
posted this comment on June 12, 2019Limited numbers and a poor weather forecast meant that 6 combined B’s set off from Coolings on a circular ride ending at Tatsfield. At least we missed the worst of the rain and had a decent ride. Joining me were Brian Weekes, Richard Bush, Peter Woods and Roy Cheeseman.
Richard Bingham
posted this comment on June 12, 2019Prems ride Wed 12 June: Only 3 riders today with a few members put off by the adverse weather forecast. Not wanting to push our luck,Dave suggested a shorter ride to Kingdom at Penshurst. Martin hadn’t been there since it’d changed hands and I’d not been there at all. Nice bright, dry ride via Ide Hill, Chiddingstone and Hoath . Warm welcome and good food at the Kingdom clubhouse which is all glass with panoramic views. Light mizzle on the way back via Bayley’s Hill. I had 42 miles with 3,200ft and pleased I went out. The 3 were Dave Hickman, Martin Gill and me.
Martin Pickett
posted this comment on June 12, 2019Spin bike free to a good home, you’ll have to collect from Sutton at Hone and its rather heavy!
Functional but has no electrics so you’ll have to hum or sing to yourself whilst counting down the minutes!
Also have a women’s Raleigh mountain bike suitable for a 5ft ‘ish rider. Again functional but no carbon in sight and possibly heavier than me but also free on collection, could bring along to a Wednesday ride for you to take away…
Martin
Peter Jones
posted this comment on June 12, 201912 June. The planned ride for the A2 Group was for Tony B to lead us to the Isle of Grain. Unperturbed by the forecast 9 riders (Peters Boden, Pembery and Jones, Tony Beaumont, John Wilkes, Bob Stock, Ken Strange, Dave Sims and Rick Green) set off through Halstead, Eynsford, South Darenth and Longfield. However as we approached Southfields and the heavens opened we decided that discretion is the better part of valour and we stopped at the Ship Inn. For reasons unbeknown to the rest of the group Tony B and Peter B decided to do a loop to the Cyclopark! Meanwhile the remainder of the group enjoyed good food, good service and warmth in The Ship who were very accommodating especially as they were not expecting us. Tony and Peter eventually did rejoining us.
Peter Jones
Paul Godfrey
posted this comment on June 11, 2019B2 riders The forecast does not look particularly good for tomorrow, if as predicted I will probably lead a local ride rather than head out to Edenbridge.
Chris Simms
posted this comment on June 9, 2019Saturday 8th June:
Three brave souls met at Polhill on a very blustery day – Danny Eagles, Bob Craig and myself. Danny decided to go straight home so Bob and I set off on the ride expecting a substantially dry day. The heavens opened halfway up Ide Hill and after hiding in the bus shelter at the top for ten minutes we decided to make for home ourselves. I seem to be getting wet rather a lot recently,
Ken Dean
posted this comment on June 8, 2019For Sale & Wanted
Stephen Hardy is the first person to put up an item for sale on the new ‘For Sale & Wanted’ page. Have a look and put any items you might want to sell (or even give away)
Ken Dean
posted this comment on June 8, 2019Dutch Trip; Day Trip to Rotterdam Fri 14th
The more observant will have noticed that an option on Fri 14th is to take a day trip to Rotterdam by boat. The even more observant may have seen that Heather has posted a note with some ideas as to what to do in Rotterdam once we are there. For the less observant this is a link to Heather’s note that you might like to print and take with you.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VJL2HypdDIrbeUrrFTRvllUOK5hIo7Ux/view
Ken Dean
posted this comment on June 8, 2019Transferring Routes from Mobile to Garmin Edge without a cable
I normally transfer routes to the Garmin using my PC and a cable. In preparing for the Dutch tour I thought I’d see if there is way of transferring routes from my mobile to the Garmin using the bluetooth connection – and it can be done.
1. Load the Garmin IQ app “gimporter” onto the Garmin
2. Load the mobile app “gexporter” onto your mobile
3. Put relevant gpx files into the download folder on the mobile (eg by saving an attachment from an email)
4. Ensure Garmin and Mobile are connected by bluetooth.
5. Start gimporter on the garmin and the route will appear in your Courses folder.
For further details see
https://apps.garmin.com/en-US/apps/fac50ef3-77b2-466c-9f4f-4dcb2feb49a3#0
Malcolm McIntyre
posted this comment on June 10, 2019Android only.
emrys wilson
posted this comment on June 7, 2019Just to let people know that Bernie and I are taking a track pump to Holland, plus a few tools.
brian weekes
posted this comment on June 7, 2019With alternative rides and a looming holiday on the list,it was no surprise to find a less than usual gathering of members at Swanley Olympic on the 5th June.However three made up the b2 group Davids Parker and Collier and Brian Weekes rode via South Darenth Bean Southfleet Istead Rise and Ifield to rejoin the b1 group with lunch in the garden of the Leather Bottle in Cobham on a pleasant but occasionally windy day.
Richard Bingham
posted this comment on June 6, 2019Prems Wed 5 June. Only 5 riders at The Olympic and with the scheduled leader away we decided on a makeshift ride to The Plough at Leigh. With good progress through Farningham, Knatts valley and Ightham, we decided to go via Mill Lane to Basted where one of us punctured on the appalling surface. The puncture proved awkward to locate and fix so with time ticking on we decided to shorten the ride and lunch at old favourite The Swan on the Green, West Peckham. The welcome, service and food were the usual high standard. Very nice day to be out and I finished with 44 miles and 3000ft of up. The five were: Martin Gill, Peter Gray, Dave Hickman, Colin Kane and me
Ray Hardinge
posted this comment on June 6, 2019Peter,
From Polehill to the pub, I registered 58 miles at an everage of 14.6mph.
Thanks for the ride Tony – enjoyable trip to the seaside.
On the way back I lead Ken ann Guy on the long-way-round, hilly route (apoligies lads) via Tenterden and Hawkhurst. After 115 miles I gave up at Paddock Wood and caught the train. Guy and Ken continued onto Borough Green still going strong.
Puzzle: Can it be that the A2’s ride faster and further than the A1″s?
Ray.
Christopher H Brett
posted this comment on June 6, 2019I can top 115 miles!! My sat-nav recorded 128miles back to home with a max speed of 96 mph!!!
This was due of course because my sat-nav didn’t switch off when on the train back I did 73 miles – my record for this year. Thanks Tony for a great ride in ideal conditions.
Peter Jones
posted this comment on June 6, 20195 June A2 group ride to Hythe. Tony B led 6 riders (Peters Boden, Pembery, Jones, Ray Hardinge and Chris Brett) for an early start from Polhill through Otford and Seal to Plaxtol where we met Ken Strange, Bob Stock and guest rider Guy Dudman. We continued through East Peckham, Yalding, Headcorn, Bethersden, Stubbs Green, Shadoxhurst, Bilsington and across the marshes to the Bolophins Bridge Inn where both the food and service was very good. After lunch Ray, Ken and Guy headed home by bike while the remaining 6 riders rode on to Hythe and Folkestone where we had a more sedate journey home by train! An interesting and excellent route which was relatively flat – which makes a change Tony! I’m not sure of the distance from Polhill to the lunch stop but I recorded a 135km return ride from home. Thanks Tony.
Peter Jones
rosemary wakefield
posted this comment on June 5, 2019Wed. 5th June Romney Marsh Ride
After coffee at Costa Ashford Station with Mike W leading Heather Cathy Tricia Rosemary Paul D John B Martin P Peter W Richard B Chris B and John T who thankfully acted as Rear Marshall. Arrived dead on 1pm for a good lunch with quick service at the Star Inn St Mary in the Marsh. Very little traffic on Sustrans route and other small lanes and roads. The wind pushed us back to Ashford Station where there was only a short wait for trains home.
Mike Wakefield
Malcolm McIntyre
posted this comment on June 5, 2019Nine B1s rode off into the badlands of NW Kent, and meandered their way to the more refined territories around Cobham. At the Leather Bottle we enjoyed pleasant surroundings, and breathtakingly overpriced sandwiches.
A few newer members joined the group today, and some showed they had already absorbed the ways of the club by moaning about the hills on the route.
Steve D took a tumble on the way home, but lived to tell the tale.
We were; Trevor Sim, Paul McAteer, Roy Cheeseman, Steve Daniel, Ian Doughty, Jeff Drummond, Martin Howe, and gold star for back marker Mick Cleary.
Robert Stock
posted this comment on June 4, 2019Hi Peter
Can Ken & I meet you on the way to Folkestone tomorrow at say Offham or near-by at about 10.15?
Many thanks
Bob
David Sims
posted this comment on June 4, 2019The route out is the same as the Sutton Valence rife the other week,
So Kemsing, Seal, Ivy Hatch, Plaxtol,
Hope this helps
Cheers
Peter Jones
posted this comment on June 4, 2019A2 riders. Reminder that we are meeting at Polhill tomorrow at 9.00 for a 9.30 start. The ride is to Folkestone led by Tony. One or two are planning to ride back however trains are available! Peter
Heather Sim
posted this comment on June 3, 2019It is nearly time to Party!
The Meridian Summer party will take place on Wednesday 10th July at Farningham Cricket Club. It will follow the same format as last year, it will start at 12.30 for 1pm following the morning ride from the Olympic in Swanley. The committee have agreed to subsidise the event. Tickets will only cost £5.00 this will cover a salad main course – please chose Ham, Salmon or vegetarian, a desert – please choose between lemon or chocolate roulade or Strawberries and cream. Your first drink is also included – choose between beer, wine – red or white or San Pellegrino, lemon or orange. It will also include tea and cake in the afternoon. We will have games, rounders, bat & trap and boules as before and indoor games if it rains! Or simply enjoy good company and food.
Please complete the online booking form and pay by bank transfer or cash or cheque to us (- Heather or Cathy). If you prefer you can also verbally inform us, including your choices and those of your guests. Entrance will only be by ticket, which will have your choices listed, so please come prepared when you purchase your tickets. Tickets will be available from Wednesday, and you can book on line now!
David Parker
posted this comment on June 2, 2019I have reviewed the proposed timing for this route to Harwich, as we would have arrived in Harwich too early.
Revised plan is as follows.
Meet at Liverpool Street at 12:15.
There are 2 suitable trains to Witham 12:38 and 12:48.
Leave Witham about 13:30 plan to arrive in Colchester (about 20 miles) about 15:30, where we can stop for a late lunch or early tea break.
Leave Colchester by 16:30 an plan to arrive in Harwich (about another 20 miles) about 18:30.
Route is mainly following National Cycle Route 51, about 40 miles from Witham to Harwich.
This will be B1/B2 paced ride.
Please let me know if you plan to come with me.
Chris Simms
posted this comment on June 2, 2019A Ride – Saturday 1st June:
Five of us met at Lullingstone – Danny Eagles, Dave Binks, Bob Craig, Ray Hardinge and myself. We rode up to the top of Ide Hill, where Bob and Ray left us, then continued via Four Elms, Hever, Markbeech and Penshurst to the Little Brown Jug where we had lunch. A lovely sunny day.
rosemary wakefield
posted this comment on June 2, 2019B1 RIDE 5TH JUNE ROMNEY MARSH
By popular request after the last Romney Marsh ride there will be another on Wednesday with a different route and another pub for lunch.
We meet at Costa Coffee cafe on the domestic side of Ashford Station at 1030 for 1100 start to ride out on the Sustrans route 18 through Victoria Park and on to the villages of Shadorhurst, Woodchurch and Appledore heading through the Marsh to lunch at St Mary in the Marsh with return to Ashford. 40 mile ride- no hills!!
Train times Orpington 0931 Sevenoaks 0941 Tonbridge 0952 and hopefully we all arrive at Ashford at 1030. There is a train from Bromley and Swanley arriving at Ashford at 1041.
If anyone wishes to travel from Sevenoaks they may leave their car in our drive at 81a Bradbourne Park Road TN13 3LQ.
See you on train or at Ashford.
Mike Wakefield
Ray Hardinge
posted this comment on June 1, 2019A1 Riders:
Please note that, due to popular demand, next Wednesday’s ride (5th June) has been redirected to the Chequers in Laddigford. Bob C will be leading.
Also, there are no scheduled rides for the week after (Wed 12th and Sat. 15th) since many A1 riders will be in Holland. Please feel free to join one of the other groups on those dates.
Richard Bingham
posted this comment on May 31, 2019Wed 29 May- 5 riders for the Prems ride of 29 miles to The Hare & Hounds, Godstone. The route took us up Ide and through Hever and Markbeech where David Hickman turned for home. The remaining four Peter Gray, Martin Gill, Prems debutant Claire Watson and I pressed on through Cowden, Lingfield, up Tilburstow and down to Godstone. A friendly reception and prompt service at the pub although we did seem to be the only customers. A damp ride back but the early Gangers ascent warmed us up. I had 57miles with 3,600ft at 15’s
Daniel Eagles
posted this comment on May 30, 2019Heather, is that for the week or day?
Barry Barlow
posted this comment on May 31, 2019Danny et al, the 3.5 euros is the price for a set of towels. If you want another set halfway through the week, you will have to pay again.
Ray Hardinge
posted this comment on May 30, 20196 determined A1s set of for a longer than usual ride to Frittenden. Mick C suffered a terminal mechanical early on and set off home, while the rest of us took the flat, fast route through Plaxtol, Marden and Staplehurst to the Bell and Jorrocks. Service and lunch were good, as usual. Then the rain set in, so Steve H. left us at Frittenden to take the train, while Tony R. peeled off at Hadlow. Danny E., Ron C. and I continued home despite a grazed knee, Ron’s 2 punctures and lots of rain. A “challenging” 60+ mile ride at a fast pace on a soggy day.
Daniel Eagles
posted this comment on May 30, 2019I’ve been told that we need to take towels
on our Holland trip, is that right?
Danny
Heather Sim
posted this comment on May 30, 2019Thank you for your message as it allows me to let everyone traveling to know the answer. Towels are not automatically included, however you can hire for 3.5 Euros – this includes a large and a small towel. You do not need to book this in advance. (Bedding is included!) Please let me know if you have anymore questions and I will try and find the answers.
Heather Sim
posted this comment on May 30, 201913 B1 riders set off for Aylesford; unlucky for one as the leader fell off after 500 metres but no matter thanks to the assiduous back marking of Paul Dean all 13 arrived safely at Aylesford. Many thank to Paul.
Ken Dean
posted this comment on May 29, 2019Wed 29/5 B2 Ride to Aylesford Priory
Big turnout for coffee at the Rose & Crown – not sure how everybody squeezed in the pub!
9 B2 riders went on a relatively flat ride via Otford, Wrotham, Trottiscliffe, Snodland and the new Medway bridge.
Pleasant lunch outside but turned wet and cold for the last part of the journey home. In addition to myself, riders were; Dave Collier, Dave Parker, Cliff B, Linda Kemp, Trisch, Brian Weekes, Bernie and John Ropkins.
Ray Hardinge
posted this comment on May 29, 2019A1 Riders:
We need a leader for next Wednesday’s ride (5th June) from the Olympic to Greenwich. Any volunteers?
Ray.
rosemary wakefield
posted this comment on May 29, 2019B1 VOLUNTEER RIDE LEADERS WANTED FOR NEXT QUARTER
Vacancies to be filled are 3rd, 10th July and 4th September.
Also, 17th July, 14thAugust, 28th August and 11th September. On these 4 dates there are Car/Train alternative rides so do not volunteer for any of these if you intend to do the alternative rides.
See Runs List for starts and destinations.
Please phone or email me.
Mike Wakefield
Paul McDonnell
posted this comment on May 29, 2019A2 Ride to Markbeech (Kentish Horse) 29 May 2019
15 riders set out from Dunton Green, joining me were : D.Sims, P.Pembery, T.Beaumont, P.Boden, C.Brett, S.Daniel, D.Gazzi, I.Walker, D.Haslam, J.Haslam, J.Wilkes, R.Stock, K.Strange and N.Leng-Smith. Four departed en-route leaving 11 of us at the Kentish Horse. There was some rain in the forecast,however I think it held off long enough for most of us to get back home in the dry.
Paul Godfrey
posted this comment on May 27, 2019B2 riders. We do not have a leader for the ride from The Olympic to The Leather Bottle at Cobham and I am not able to do that ride. If anyone is able to lead the ride could you please let me know.
David Binks
posted this comment on May 25, 2019A1 ride – Wednesday 22nd May. A fine sunny day saw nine of us set off from Polhill to Markbeech, travelling via Otford, Kemsing, Ivy Hatch (where Danny joined us) River Hill, Bayley’s Hill, Bough Beech and Hoath Corner. Food and hospitality were as usual, very good at the Kentish Horse, setting us up for Ide Hill and home. The intrepid ten were Richard Jones, Dominic Haslam, David Keith, Barry Barlow, Ron Castle, Danny Eagles, Tony Reeve, Ray Hardinge, Mick Cleary and myself.
Ken Dean
posted this comment on May 25, 2019Emergency Kevlar Spoke
Whilst away from home I broke a spoke on my Ebike. It was under a lot of stress as
1. Ebikes weigh more (the original bike was not an Ebike)
2. Carrying panniers
3. Disc brakes put more stress on the spokes
Fortunately I was carrying a Kevlar spoke which I fitted and which lasted 200 miles before returning home. Had I been carrying a spare metal spoke it wouldn’t have been much use as the Disc had to be removed in order to fit it to the hub. Well worth considering for your trip to Holland?
See
https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/spokes/fiber-fix-emergency-replacement-spoke/
Ken Dean
posted this comment on May 25, 2019DT Alpine iii Spokes
I forgot to add – I have subsequently rebuilt the wheel using triple butted spokes which are extra strong with no weight penalty. The only downside is the cost and the need for the hub to be drilled to accept 13g spokes.
Bob Hazell
posted this comment on May 25, 2019I recall Dave Sims using a Kevlar “spoke” to repair another rider’s bike on our End to End ride some years ago. I was mightily impressed both by the spoke and by Dave’s skill fitting it. It’s about time I got one so thanks for the info Ken.
Valerie
posted this comment on May 24, 2019You may, or may not, already know that a first ever is happening in Kew Gardens on the Thursday 20th June between 7.30 and 9.30 p.m. :-
CYCLING ALLOWED IN KEW GARDENS!!
Entry is via Elizabeth Gate
Fee is 18GBP for non-members, 15GBP for members and 4.50GBP for children
No glass houses will be open during the event.
See details at https://www.kew.org/kew-gardens/whats-on/summer-cycle read all the information because no walkers are allowed at this event.
Posted on behalf of Valerie
Martin Gill
posted this comment on May 23, 2019Ps Wednesday 22nd May. John Baker, Richard Bingham, Paul.Gerridine, Peter Gray and I met up at Ivy Hatch for a ride to the coast and back in perfect weather. Keeping to,lanes as far as practicable meant that it was a very hilly century ride which we rode at a brisk pace. The succession of hills was relieved by crossing the low Weald and the cycle route by the sea from Bexhill to Hastings. Approaching Bexhill we overtook Martin Cleaveland who rode with us for a while until our routes diverged.
Paul Godfrey
posted this comment on May 23, 2019Trivets-2019-Ride-Information.doc
Tri Vets West Kent
Rob Seall the organiser of the Tri Vets event has sent out further information which is in the attached document. If you are interested send him an email, he will be sending out entry forms shortly.
Paul Godfrey
posted this comment on May 23, 2019Led by Cliff Bell, Bernie, Emrys, Brian Weekes, Mike Howe, Trish, Di, Cathy, Linda Kemp, Derek Hunter, John Ropkin, Peter Hawker and myself left Polhil heading for Tonbridge. On route Bernie, Peter and Mike left us leaving the remainder to ride through the paths to the Humphrey Bean.
David Sims
posted this comment on May 23, 2019A2 Wednesday 22nd May
Usual suspects to Sutton Valence, Kings Head
Beer £3.60 Sandwich £4.50 almost worth riding 30 miles to get there. Lovely day but you all know that, great route only the two climbs up from Seal and then Chart Hill at the end Returned via Coxheath, Teston, Mereworth, Plaxtol Rosemary had neck pain, Danny bailed out when we met the A1’s Peter Boden had s mirror to fix, Danny Gazzi, Steve Daniels didn’t fancy it. And Ken Strange punctured again
Tony B is going to lead a ride to Folkestone in a couple of weeks Should be fun!!!!
rosemary wakefield
posted this comment on May 22, 2019B1 Ride Wed.22nd
Must be a record 18 riders – too many to list wonderful ride to Chafford Arm Fordcombe Good food served to us in their garden. Had the wind behind us for return – quite a help up Ide Hill. Anyone seen Red Kites in Kent? Some of us spotted up to 3 near Weller`s Town. Great to have a new member thanks to Clive who met him that morning on the train and persuaded him to join us.
Mike Wakefield
Heather Sim
posted this comment on May 22, 2019To all possible B1 riders in Holland
Plans are coming together for the holiday, options for the route to Harwich are listed on the website (this is being constantly being updated and if you wish to add anything please email Ken or Barry). Cathy and I have coordinated with Barry and Ken regarding rides in Holland, a number which we feel are suitable for B1 pace are available on the rides library ready to load on your Garmins. We anticipate some overlap between groups, so choices can be made on the day and weather dependant, however we would like to put a name to each route. Several of you have volunteered to lead a ride please can you let me know the ride you would prefer.
Tuesday – We plan to ride straight to the hotel on the arrival day, then use the afternoon to explore locally – Route 31
Sunday – Return to ferry route is via Delft – Route 12
Route 52 – return to Gouda
Route 51 – Route along Bergse Mass
Route 11 – Loop to Heeusbeen
Cathy’s route South
We also have a non cycling day idea for those who may wish to have a break, ideally mid trip but day to be decided nearer the time, weather dependant. The details of this will be posted on the blog in the next few days but it will be to Rotterdam.
Ray Hardinge
posted this comment on May 22, 2019Trip to Holland,
A riders: I’ll lead the ride to Delft which is a round trip via Rotterdam on the way out and Rhoon on the return.
It’s 68 miles and an impressive (for Holland) 1,100 elevation gain.
Wednesday 12th would be fine by me.
Ray.
Joe McClenaghan
posted this comment on May 27, 2019Heather, I am happy to lead a B1 ride to Gouda on the Holland trip. Will chat to you on Wed about the route. Joe
Barry Barlow
posted this comment on May 21, 2019Monday 20th June
Eleven Riders, Steve Hardy, Chris Brett, Ron Castle, Mick Cleary, Trevor Sim, Ray Hardinge, Danny Eagles, Clive Adams, Dom Haslam, Zoran Almuli and I had a good day trip to Essex. Apart from one small detour due to the bridge over the railway at Tilbury being closed the trip was uneventful. We had very good weather and everybody enjoyed the ferry rides. The pub was good with friendly and prompt service. We will be using this pub for lunch on our trip to Harwich on the 10th June.
ronald castle
posted this comment on May 19, 2019Wednesday 15th May 2019 A1 ride.
Barry Barlow, Steve Birkin, Chris Simms, David Keith, Bob Craig, Mike Cleary and Ray Hardinge joined me on a ride from Lullingstone Vistors Centre to Rochester. We went via Knatts Valley up Tinker Pot to Fairseat, then through Vigo and down Birling Hill to Snodland and then went across Peter’s Bridge to Rochester. We had good food and service at the Arrow Pub and did 24 miles in the sunshine.
Steve Birkin
posted this comment on May 19, 2019Just the 4 of us on Saturday, me, Dave Binks, Rosemary Gray and Ron Castle. We had an undulating 26 mile ride to Hadlow via Knatts Valley, Ightham, Basted, and Crouch. Had some food at the “Weathered and Worn” (such an apt name for Meridian members) cafe and returned via Plaxtol. We escaped the forecast showers so the cool weather was good for cycling.
David Sims
posted this comment on May 19, 2019Giro d Italia today stage 9 Riccoine to San Marino watch on sky or highlights on Quest, should bring back memories for a quite a few Meridian members
Tricia Hewlett
posted this comment on May 17, 2019Sometimes you get very lucky with the weather when you’re leading and 8 happy B2s set off from Lullingstone to East Malling, losing Linda early on but gaining 2xB1s having mechanicals (Heather and Clive (Adams)). A few ups and downs till we reached Crouch then plain sailing to West Malling where we said goodbye to another 4 who needed to get back early (Ken D, Cliff Bell, Di & Chris Barnes). Only 4 made it to the pub in East Malling only to find our Kath on holiday. Can still vouch for the cheesey chips. The remaining riders who joined me were Emrys and Brian Weekes (apologies to anyone if left out) but a very enjoyable day, despite being the first of the season’s longer rides. Trish
Peter Jones
posted this comment on May 16, 2019A2 ride 15.05.2019. Tony B led eleven riders to the ascent of Boxhill on a glorious day for cycling. The route took us through Shoreham, along Pilgrims to Oxsted, Godstone, Bletchingley, Nutfield, Redhill, Reigate, Buckland, Pixham and Boxhill. The group split for lunch to the Denham Vineyard and Ryka’s Cafe, both proving good venues for hungry cyclists! We then re-grouped at the top of Boxhill. Riders were Tony B, Peter P, Peter B, Rosie G, Ray S, Dave S (who left us at Godstone), Steve D (who left us at Bletchingley), Bob S, Ken S, John W and myself. Another great ride – thanks Tony!
David Parker
posted this comment on May 15, 2019Wednesday 15th May B1
11 cyclists set out to ride to East Malling, with me were Rosemary and Mike Wakefield, Heather and Trevor Sim, Cathy Sharman, Clive Adams, Mike Yeo, Malcolm Mcintyre, John Ropkins and Paul Dean.
Clive had a mechanical problem and Heather stopped to help, then there were 9.
Trevor stopped to wait for them, then there were 8.
Malcolm went back to see what was happening, then there were 7.
Mike peeled of to return home, then there were 6.
We arrived at the Rising Sun to be joined by the 4 lost cyclists.
Barry Barlow
posted this comment on May 13, 2019Complete Change of Plan
Anyone interested,
I am going to lead a ride into Essex on Monday the 20th May. I have loaded the route into the Runs Library under Holland. The plan now is to catch the Gravesend to Tilbury ferry at 11:00 am. It leaves fairly promptly so you will need to be on time. I will be having a cup of tea (and probably a bacon sandwich) until 10:45 at the Sizzling Café just up the High Street from the ferry terminal. https://goo.gl/maps/9ydyn2hBcuwKovXN8
We will be having lunch at The King’s Head, Southend Road, Billericay, Essex. CM11 2PS https://www.vintageinn.co.uk/restaurants/east/thekingsheadbillericay
which is the pub I intend to use for the ride to Harwich.
As you can see from the route, this is fairly a flat ride, so I imagine that it will be suitable for B+ riders.
It will be possible to meet Ron Castle at the Olympic and he will then join me on the way to Gravesend. You could then leave your car at the Olympic if this suits you. Please let me know if you would want this option
Please let me know if you are interested. The weather looks half decent, so I will be doing the ride, but I will need to let the pub know how many to expect.
Any questions contact me.
I will be sending an e-mal to those who have responded already and those I think interested.
Daniel Eagles
posted this comment on May 13, 2019Hi Barry, I would like to be on your ride
next Monday, hope to meet Ron Castle
at the roundabout before Hawley garden
centre, don’t know what time yet?
Danny
Chris Simms
posted this comment on May 11, 201911th May Saturday A Ride: Three of us at Polhill this morning – Steve Birkin, Dave Binks and myself. The rain came down during coffee and it didn’t look too good at 11.00am so Steve decided to ride nearer to home. Dave and myself headed up to Knockholt and down to the Pilgrim’s Way by which time, miraculously, the sun was out and the sky was blue.
We continued via Westerham, Four Elms and Dormansland to The Star at Lingfield without so much as a drop of rain. There was a heavy shower during lunch but dry again for the ride home. A good ride in the end.
Peter Jones
posted this comment on May 9, 20196 May, A2 Group. Four riders (Tony B, Dave S, Rick G and myself) arrived at Coolings (by bike) but in view of the bad weather we decided to cancel the ride. Dave’s ride to Sutton Valance has been re-scheduled for 22 May.
David Sims
posted this comment on May 9, 2019A2 ride that didn’t happen. 4 tough tenacious riders turned up at Coolings, wet bedraggled. They were me Tony Beaumont Rick Green, Peter Jones, after coffee and with the rain not easing we all headed for home, and would you Adam and Eve it after I got home , dried out had a cup of tea and then the sun came out life is just not fair
David Keith
posted this comment on May 9, 2019Sadly rain stopped play for the A1 ride to Hollingbourne yesterday.
Paul Dean
posted this comment on May 8, 2019Wednesday 8 May B1 ride. A few brave riders cycled to Coolings for coffee and in view of the bad weather it was decided to cancel the B1 ride. Paul Mc Ateer, David Parker and Peter Woods were the brave riders. Hoping for better weather next week. Paul Dean
Peter Jones
posted this comment on May 7, 2019A2 riders. We do not have a leader for tomorrow and the weather looks very ‘damp’! I shall endeavour to be at Coolings for the meeting and we can then ‘play by ear’ as to a possible ride route. Peter
Ken Dean
posted this comment on May 7, 2019B Rides; Wed 8th May: Pembury via A21 Cycleway
Due to adverse weather forecast, this project is cancelled.
For anybody/group still wanting to proceed; see Route 9 in the runs library.
David Keith
posted this comment on May 6, 2019A message for A1s regarding Wednesday’s ride to Hollingbourne. Assuming rain does no stop play I would like to set off from Otford, at 09.45, not 10.00, to give us a little contingency time. I’m keeping an eye on the weather forecast and I’ve put the Dirty Habit on warning that we may cancel, or postpone, the reservation at short notice. Fingers crossed it is not a case of deja vu, thinking of the first attempt to ride to Mundy Bois last year.
David
Barry Barlow
posted this comment on May 7, 2019David,
I have decided not to ride tomorrow
David Sims
posted this comment on May 6, 2019Apologies to A2 riders, but I am really not fit enough yet to lead the ride to Sutton Valence on Wednesday, pretty sure I could get there, but absolutely sure I wouldn’t get back
Ken Dean
posted this comment on May 4, 2019B Rides; Wed 8th May: Pembury via A21 Cycleway
The B2’s are leaving Otford Pond at 10.00am. The B1’s may decide to leave at say 10.15?
Morning Coffee at Hilden Golf Centre (below Hildenborough station).
Lunch at the Black Horse, Pembury.
The route is on the runs list.
Please check the blog on Tuesday evening – the ride will be cancelled in the event of bad weather.
Peter Jones
posted this comment on May 3, 2019Belated report for the A2 Group from 1 May. Tony B led 14 riders from The Olympic through South Darenth, Fawkham Green where ‘returning to fitness’ Dave Sims left us, on to Terrys Lodge Road, Fairseat, Vigo, Harvel, Luddesdown and Shorne with Rick Green leaving us just before at Chobham. We had lunch at the Rose and Crown which was very welcoming with generous servings of good food. Riders were: Tony B, Peter Pembery, Ken Strange, Bob Stock, Danny Gazzi, Paul McDonnell, Ray Smith, John Wilks, Steve Daniels, Chris Brett, Nick and myself.
An excellent ride – thanks Tony!
Peter Gray
posted this comment on May 2, 2019Pinch Punch, first of the Month! 1 May 2019…..Prems Ride – Duke of Wellington at Ryarsh….. Starting out from Swanley, where do they get those extra small coffee cups from? No, I’m not talking about espresso cups, just very small cups! Anyway, back to the ride report!…This week, we were Prems-lite, with Richard Bingham, John Baker, Martin Gill, Dave Hickman, Danny Eagles and myself. Other group members were either away due to family commitments or convalescing. …..A steady paced ride with only one climb (Cote de Long Mill lane) as a significant climb……A warm welcome and great service by the staff at The Duke of Welli. Lunch inside as it was still a bit cool in the garden albeit warmish sunshine out of the cool shade. ……. A great ride, guys, thanks for your company!
Peter Woods
posted this comment on May 2, 2019Wednesday 1 May
7 B1.5s,(Distance OK but slow for some),rode to the George ,Trottiscliffe via Eynsford, Romney Street, Wrotham, Plat, Offham, West Malling, Leybourne’s new housing estate, because the lane to Birling said no entry. A quick ride via Birling and Ryarsh brought us to The George, where Rosemary Gray, Richard Bush, Paul Dean, Tim McCaffrey,(welcome back to our club),Joe McClenaghan, Dave Parker and I enjoyed lunch. Thanks for your company and for telling me where to go(!) when uncertain of my exact position on my old OS map.
Barry Barlow
posted this comment on May 1, 2019Wednesday 1st May Six set off for the George at Old Oxted. Steve Hardy, Chris Simms, Ray Hardinge, David Keith, Mick Cleary and myself. Steve who is recovering from a back problem left us as we passed by his road in Orpington. The rest of us took a particularly flat route to the Pub where the landlord had kindly pinned a note to the door addressed to Ray telling us that the kitchen was closed and that we should go to the Crown instead. The Crown was very welcoming and did a bargain drink and lunch for £9.95. Just as we arrived Tony Reeve turned up to enjoy a convivial lunch. Apparently he had some trouble with his alarm!!