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
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Bob Craig
posted this comment on January 28, 2020Hi A1 riders.
I’m feeling a bit under the weather and don’t think I can make tomorrows ride.
Can anyone take over my lead duties for the ride to the North Pole at Wateringbury. Sorry to be a pain.
Thanks Bob Craig
Barry Barlow
posted this comment on January 28, 2020I will do It Bob,
do you have a route in mind?
Bob Craig
posted this comment on January 28, 2020Many thanks Barry. Much appreciated. I must have some virus or other but just feel really woosey.
My route was Ship Ln down Devon up School Ln Crowhurst Billett Hill down Pease and up Ridley just passing Hodsell St. Along the A227 to Harvel and down to Birling and through West Malling past the Rising Sun and right in E Malling along the Wateringbury Rd to the N Pole. About 22 miles.
Thanks again
Bob
Bob Craig
posted this comment on January 27, 2020A1 ride Sat 25th Jan. 5 Joined me at Speedgate on another grey and murky day. Riders were Martin Howe, Dave Binks, Danny Eagles, Ray Hardinge and Richard Bingham. The route went via West Kingsdown, Heaverham, Stone Street and Poult Wood to the arts and craft café in Hadlow. Ray peeled off early leaving the 5 of us to enjoy a good lunch in warm and pleasant surroundings.
rosemary wakefield
posted this comment on January 25, 2020AWAYDAYS in 2020
Hello
It is great to look forward to the warmer, brighter weather when we can cycle out for longer days
When you are looking at your diaries to offer to lead an AWAYDAY ride please note Wednesday 3rd June
is the coffee morning at the Chipstead Lake Cheshire home, the summer party is 15th July and The Holland trip is 20th to 27th June.
We look forward to hearing from you with trips old and new.
Rosemary and Michael Wakefield
Peter Hawker
posted this comment on January 24, 2020Thank you Paul, for leading the B2’s so nicely on Wednesday.
A claggy day, but an enjoyable one.
Peter Jones
posted this comment on January 23, 2020A2 22 January. Tony lead the group to the Walthamstow Wetlands. We left The Nenes cafe in Chislehurst at 10.00 and went through Eltham, Woolwich, Woolwich Foot Tunnel, up to the Greenway, Stratford, Hackney Marshes into the Wetlands stopping at the old pumping station for coffee. We returned the same way until Stratford where we diverted through Three Mile Island, Limehouse Cut, Millwall and through the Greenwich Foot Tunnel. Safetly back in ‘south London’ we stopped at the Dog and Bell in Deptford for lunch. The pub was lovely and the service, food and price were excellent. We did have 2 punctures, Tony had to repair his but Chris’s was slow enough to keep reflating to get him home. Riders were: Tony Beaumont, Peter Pembery, Paul McDonnell, Rick Green, Danny Gazzi, Chris Brett, Frank Hunter and myself. Dave Sims rode with us from the start to the Woolwich Foot Tunnel.
Peter Jones
John Baker
posted this comment on January 23, 2020Five Prems set off from Dunton Green on a grim day to The Chequers at Laddingford. The route took us via Sundridge, Ide Hill, Leigh and East Peckham – 27 miles. Martin G was feeling a bit under the weather so dropped off and made his own way to the pub. The remaining four carried on at a fairly brisk pace, arriving well before 1pm and no dramas to report. Food and service was excellent as always.
The riders out were Richard Bingham, Colin Kane, Martin Gill and John Baker plus a second special guest appearance by Phil Glanfield. (Chris S will be hoping for a boost to club funds fairly soon I imagine.)
Ray Hardinge
posted this comment on January 22, 2020Today’s A1 ride had one highlight – no real climbs. Otherwise it was a damp, traffic heavy, chilly pedal through Wrotham, Trottiscliffe, Wateringbury, Yalding and finishing at the Chequers in Laddigngford. We were Steve B. who peeled off in Kemsing, Tony R. who went “straight” to the pub (via Halfords), Barry B., Martin H., Danny E, Dave B., Dom H. and myself. IMPORTANT to note that of today’s two punctures, one took a 2 minute stop to add some air (tubeless) and the other a good 20 mins. of inner tube changing. Result: Tubeless 1 – 0 Clincher.
Bob Craig
posted this comment on January 23, 2020Must be a first.
Paul Godfrey
posted this comment on January 22, 2020B2 ride from Dunton Green to Oxted via Pilgrims Way and Limpsfield Chart. Good turnout given the dreary weather, unfortunatley Cliff Bell found a wheel had punctured at the start so didn’t join the ride. Ken Dean, Trish, Linda kemp, Brian Weekes,Mike Yeo, Roy Cheesman, Peter Woods, Peter Hawker, Diana and David Collier set off David leaving us on route. Thanks to all for the company.
Chris Simms
posted this comment on January 18, 2020Saturday 18th January:
Seven met at the Pondview Café in Otford. Bob Craig went straight home as his rear cassette was loose and Danny Eagles got a puncture somewhere between his house and the café (about 200 yards) so he also went home. The remnants rode along the Pilgrims Way and up to Bitchet Green then all the way along to Ide Hill. We lost Ray Hardinge somewhere along Penn Lane before dropping down into Brasted and then climbing Westerham Hill to the Spinning Wheel (I don’t think we’ll be doing that again) then on to Halstead for lunch. The Rose and Crown was lovely and warm and a sandwich and a pint was under a tenner. Those that made it to the pub were Dave Binks, Martin Howe, Steve Birkin and myself. A lovely day for a ride with hardly a cloud in the sky.
Peter Jones
posted this comment on January 17, 2020A2 riders, next Wednesday Tony is leading us to the Dog and Bell in Deptford via the Walthamstow Wetlands. Please note that we are starting from The Nene Cafe, 111 High Street Chislehurst BR7 5AG at 10.00 so make sure you get an early night on Tuesday and set your alarms! Look forward to seeing you all.
Peter
Barry Barlow
posted this comment on January 16, 2020A1 ride Wednesday 15th January Quite a good turnout today in spite of the weather. Although the forecast did say it would improve, this did not materialise until about 12:30 when it eventually stopped raining. Most of the roads were like rivers and in several places completely flooded. Those brave enough to join me were:- David Binks, Chris Simms, Ray Hardinge, Martin Howe and two premiers, Richard Bingham and Martin Gill. In spite of several negative comments which were like water off a ducks back (ha!ha!), I had nice dry legs due to my new bright chaps.
The greyhound at Hever was very welcoming as usual and the service was excellent.
Ray Hardinge
posted this comment on January 14, 2020A1 Riders: Please note that the ride tomorrow is to the Greyhound at Hever and not to the Spotted Dog. (The Spotted Dog now asks for a deposit to be paid to reserve a table for 6 or more).
Barry Barlow
posted this comment on January 12, 2020Holland Trip; Sat 20th to Sat 27th June 2020
All, We still have two single cabins available for the ferry and rooms at the hotel. The ferry cost is £200 and the room costs £320(cheaper if you share). Making a total of £520 for seven nights half board and ferry crossing!! We have 33 people coming at the moment and you can see who they are by going to the holiday page.
You will need to pay £100 deposit, but that is fully refundable until the beginning of April.
Barry Barlow
posted this comment on January 9, 2020A1 ride Wednesday 8th January 2020 New year, New decade – still the same faces. Well maybe not!!
Seven set out from Lullingstone, David Keith, David Binks, Danny Eagles, Bob Craig, Dom Haslam, Chris Simms and myself and then there were eight, Nick Leng-Smith deserted from the A2s to join us (I think it was actually a case of mistaken identity).
David Keith left at the Pilgrim’s Way to do some urgent job at home, so we were back to seven again. Relatively easy ride apart from the drag up Long Mill Lane from Plaxtol.
As we arrived at the pub, Ray Hardinge joined us having suffered a broken gear cable shortly after starting out. A great and very speedy lunch if a bit expensive.
I won’t mention the journey home except to say we were delayed somewhat.
Very warm weather and a nice day to by cycling – just got home before the rain and dark.
Pete Pembery
posted this comment on January 9, 2020A2 ride to The Rising Sun East Malling was from Lullingstone through to Shoreham, Otford, Wrotham, Trottiscliffe,Ryash, West anad East Malling, where we had the best priced food and good banter.
with me Dave Sims, who left at Shoreham, Tony Beaumont, who headed back home from West Malling Danny Gazzi, Chris Brett,Bob Stock, John Wilks, Paul Mc Donnell,Malcolm McIntyre,Frank Hunter, Pete Jones, Rob Bunce.
Martin Pickett
posted this comment on January 9, 2020These tubeless repair kits are allegedly quite effective; touch wood I’ve never had to use any type of repair kit so far but there’s also an instructional video on the link, may be worth a go?
https://thecycleclinic.co.uk/collections/tubeless-bits-and-bobs/products/maxalami-tubeless-repair-tube
Ray Hardinge
posted this comment on January 9, 2020Martin
I see that Stans now sell a repair kit which is easier to use than the worms and claims to do a better job of repairing cuts in the tyre.
Not cheap but better than spending time on the roadside in the cold, wet and wind.
It’s called “Stans NoTubes Dart – Tubeless Tyre Repair Tool”. Online shops such as Tredz have it for £25.
Ray
Richard Bingham
posted this comment on January 8, 2020Wedns 8 Jan: Prems Ride Report;
We decided The Scared Crow should be our first destination of the year, not least because strangely we omitted to go there in 2019. We visited 29 different pubs last year so it was surprising we missed this old fave. The 28 mile (with 1,800ft)route from Lullingstone took us via Bower Lane, Cotmans, Ivy Hatch, East Peckham, Yalding and Mereworth
We were not disappointed. The welcome, service and food were excellent. Also the coffee included a digestive biscuit each which was a nice touch.
Riders joining me were John Baker, Colin Kane, Paul Geradine, Martin Gill and 2 guest riders Pete Glanfield and Patrick Brown
John Baker
posted this comment on January 8, 2020Ray,
I’d be interested to know how you managed to repair your tubeless tyre? I had a deep sidewall cut today that I couldn’t repair. I stuffed in about three anchovies but they were useless. I also tried Giant tubeless repair patches which held for a mile or so before giving up. Cheers John
Ray Hardinge
posted this comment on January 9, 2020John,
To get me home, we put a normal inner tube inside the tyre (that’s easier said than done though).
I’ve now stuck a normal patch to the inside of the tyre and, fingers crossed, that will fix it.
And if that doesn’t hold I’ll be ordering a new tyre.
I’ve not tried the anchovy solution, but my son has, and he wasn’t impressed either.
Ray.
Ray Hardinge
posted this comment on January 8, 2020Many thanks to today’s A1 riders who showed such patience and gave cheerful suggestions to both Chris and Barry while they struggled to repair my tubeless puncture. And especially to Barry for his technical expertise and total determination to show that, however difficult (and this one was a real ****er), tubless tyres can be repaired (I was all for calling out the breakdown service ….again).
I really hope that you all arrived home safely before it got dark.
Ray.
Chris Simms
posted this comment on January 5, 2020Saturday 4th January:
First ride of the New Year and everyone felt a bit sluggish after too much food and drink and little exercise. We rode from Coolings via Biggin Hill, Tatsfield and Crockham Hill to Old Oxted for lunch. The Crown was a bit slow and we didn’t leave until nearly 2.30. A sunny ride home though until the sun set. Those riding today were myself, Danny Eagles, Ray Hardinge, Dave Binks and Ron Castle, who turned for home just before Crockham Hill.
David Parker
posted this comment on December 31, 2019I need leaders for the following rides, 15th Jan Polhill to The Old Jail Biggin Hill and 29th Jan Swanley to The Ship Inn Southfleet.
Please let me know if you are able to lead either of these rides.
Thanks
David
Robert Stock
posted this comment on December 31, 2019Hi Paul
I paid for my new top on 19th December.
Happy New Year
Bob
Paul Dean
posted this comment on December 31, 2019Dear All, Just to remind you that the deadline for ordering new kit is tomorrow, Wednesday 1 January 2020. Details of how to order are given on the website and you can pay by bank transfer. Best wishes and happy riding in 2020. Paul Dean
Steve Birkin
posted this comment on December 28, 2019Saturday 28th December: A great turnout for an end of the year ride. 10 of us met at Polhill, ready to follow Ray Hardinge to the Blackbird and Thrush. Unfortunately Rays’s tubeless tyre decided to burst about a mile from the start and he had to call it a day and the rest of us found our way to the pub via Knatts Valley, Stone Street and Plaxtol. It was dry day but the roads still had the debris left by the recent heavy rain.
The pub was busy but still managed to accommodate the 7 who made it albeit with a restricted menu.
The 10 starters were: Ray Hardinge, Bob Craig, Roland Courtney, Chris Simms Dave Binks, Danny Eagles, Martin Howe, Martin Gill, Richard Bingham and me. Roland and Bob left the group en route.
The tubeless tyre incident confirmed to a few of us the wisdom of being a Luddite and sticking (no pun intended) to tube technology.
Chris Simms
posted this comment on December 22, 2019Saturday 21st December:
I was joined for coffee by Dave Binks, Tony Reeve, Bob Craig and Danny Eagles. Bob went straight home and Danny had forgotten his bike so the remaining three headed off for Back Lane and Ide Hill. Then down to Hever, up to Markbeech, along to Penshurst and arriving at the Fleur de Lis in Leigh for lunch. We had some rain just before lunch but the rest of the day was dry – although the roads were awash and we had to navigate through some deep puddles on the way home.
Pete Pembery
posted this comment on December 20, 2019A2 ride High Elms Golf Club and return, took us through Biggin Hill with a couple of loops and back to.the club, with me Paul M,who went to the lunch, Ray S who went home, myself, Pete J, Steve D, and Frank H, went to the Rose and Crown Halstead, where we we joined by Dave S, and Tony B.
Merry Christmas to all.
Tricia Hewlett
posted this comment on December 19, 2019B2 ride High Elms to High Elms consisted of Ken Dean, Di, Peter Hawker + myself and planned purely on the basis of keeping my bike as pristine as possible (failed dismally). A shortish ride (thank you Peter for perfect timing) but decided at the 11th hour to throw in Old Hill to build up appetite for lunch, having spared them any real lumps earlier. A nice little ride followed by an equally nice lunch (thank you Heather for organising).
Colin Kane
posted this comment on December 19, 2019Prems Christmas lunch ride.
Things didn’t get of to the best start. Unlocking the bikes after coffee Richard discovered he had a flat, so having got that sorted and hands cleaned we headed off for a short but lumpy spin.
Paul also had a slow, but as he’s running tubeless, he pushed on with sealant occasionally spraying in all directions.
We crossed Downe Valley twice then up Berry’s green Rd to The Spinning Wheel then to Knockholt village and down Star hill and back to High Elms via the A21 where we were joined by the injured Dave Hickmam. Those on the road with me were Richard B, Paul G, Julian H and Martin (my overshoes won’t stay on) Gill.
Merry Christmas to all Meridian riders and looking forward to another year of adventures.
Thanks also to all those who helped to organise the Christmas lunch.
Barry Barlow
posted this comment on December 18, 2019A1 ride 18thDecember 2019 Three joined me, Chris Simms, David Binks and Martin Howe for my traditional (2nd year) Christmas ride. We did three significant hills Jewels Hill, Col du Skelly( Beddlestead lane) and Hogstrough Hill and felt much nobler for it!!
Paul Dean
posted this comment on December 18, 2019Wednesday 18 December B1 Ride. A small group of us headed up to Down(e) and thence to Hawleys Corner for a quick loop around Tatsfield before returning to High Elms via Cudham. The Christmas Lunch at High Elms was excellent and many thanks to Heather for organising it. The B1’s were Paul McAteer, Mike Yeo and myself.
Peter Hawker
posted this comment on December 18, 2019Thank you Trish, for leading the B2’s on a lovely pre-club lunch morning ride, when the sun shone on us.
And to Heather’s free lunch offer. I’m sure it went well. (Super frock!)
From a grateful ‘C’.
Daniel Eagles
posted this comment on December 17, 2019The roads are so bad that I think I will drive straight to the Christmas do and give the ride a miss
Danny
Barry Barlow
posted this comment on December 16, 2019All A1 riders who are intending to join me on the Christmas ride 18th December.
To make sure we are back well before 13:00, I intend to leave at 10:45 sharp.
Be there or be left behind!! The route has been published.
brian weekes
posted this comment on December 13, 2019Wednesday 11 December B2 ride to Tonbridge via Shoreham Otford Kemsing Stone St.Carters hill Hildenborough Powder Mills,and the much improved area to the west of the town[ask Cliff Bell]. joining me on the ride,Rosemary and Mike Wakefield,Trish Hewlett,Linda Kemp,Paul Hills.We also enjoyed the company of Diana Outram , Paul Godfrey,and Eric Oconner,who opted for a shorter ride on this bright but chilly day.Brian Weekes.
Heather Sim
posted this comment on December 13, 2019The Christmas Lunch is next Wednesday at High Elms Golf Club. Please arrive by 12.30pm we will be eating at 1pm.
I have just heard that one of our colleagues is not well and he is happy for someone to eat the meal he has paid for! So if you would like a free lunch of Soup, Turkey and Chocolate Truffle desert please let me know by return. First come, first served. Best wishes
Peter Jones
posted this comment on December 12, 201911.12.2019 the A2 group were lead by Tony Beaumont to Southfleet via Eynford, Wrotham, Fairseat, Harvel, Luddesdown, Istead Rise and Southfleet – a really good route. Unfortunately on arrival at The Ship it was extremely busy and the co-ordinator had forgotten to confirm (that’s me – sorry!). As it was already 1.40 the group decided to go our separate ways according to home addresses. 7 of us made it to The Bull in Horton Kirby where the food and service was excellent.
Riders were: Tony Beaumont, Peter Pembery, Frank Hunter, Paul McDonnell, Steve Daniels, Danny Gazzi, Ken Strange, Bob Stock, Rob (?), Nick Leng-Smith and myself.
Peter Jones
John Baker
posted this comment on December 12, 2019Wednesday 11 December, 5 Prems departed from Lullingstone to The Windmill in Weald Village. A rather wiggly route took us up Mussenden, down Old Terry’s, Ivy Hatch and Plaxtol before the final run into Weald. Overall 30 miles on wet and often very mucky roads. Surprisingly no punctures or other dramas. Good food and service at the The Windmill before the trudge home up Hubbards in fading light and drizzle. Those out were Richard Bingham, Paul Geradine, Colin Kane, Martin Gill and John Baker.
Paul Dean
posted this comment on December 12, 2019Wednesday 11 December B1 Ride. Our route to Spoons in Oxted took us through Sundridge, Ide Hill and down through Puddledock, Pootings and across Itchingwood Common. The pub was quieter than usual and the food was good and served very quickly. It began raining on the ride home. The riders today were Trevor Sim, Paul McAteer, Roy Cheesman and myself.
Steve Birkin
posted this comment on December 11, 201911th December, A1 ride to The Greyhound at Charcott. We had a sunny, if cool ride for the first for the first part and then Ron had a troublesome puncture in Stone Street and after that the weather was colder and damp. The Charcott Greyhound had been confused with the pub of the same name in Hever so they weren’t expecting us. Nevertheless they were happy to accommodate. The food and drinks were of a high standard and reasonably priced. We started back in the rain which mercifully didn’t last. Some came back via Baileys and others via Ightham Mote.
The riders were: Dom Haslam, Barry Barlow, Chris Simms, Ron Castle, Danny Eagles, Ray Hardinge, Dave Binks and me.
David Binks
posted this comment on December 9, 2019Re: A1 ride on 4th Dec. Apologies for the omitting you Chris. I knew you were with us but had a bout of amnesia when writing up, from which I have now recovered from.
David Binks
posted this comment on December 6, 2019A1 ride Wednesday 4th Dec. A sunny but cold and frosty start to the ride from Coolings GC to Weald via Cudham, Hawleys Cnr, Clacket La, Limpsfield Chart, Crockham Hill, Four Elms, Bough Beech, Bowzell Farm and the Windmill pub. Bar staff and grub were up to scratch but those that required a caffeine stimulant to get them home via Hubbard’s were disappointed (no machine). Accompanying me were Roland C; Danny E; David K; Barry B; Ray H and Bert and Agnes H. Tony Reeves joined us for lunch and David Keith left us to continue up Ide Hill and return home early.
Chris Simms
posted this comment on December 6, 2019How could you forget me, Dave?
Richard Bingham
posted this comment on December 5, 2019Prems ride report, Weds 4 Dec: Four riders at Coolings but unfortunately John Baker had forgotten his cycling shoes so only Paul Geradine, Dave Hickman and I headed off for a Meridian favourite The Greyhound at Hever. The 25 mile route took us along the Ridge, down Gangers, up Tilburstow followed by a loop around Crowhurst and Edenbridge. Turned out to be a cracking sunny and scenic ride. Met up with club members Martin Gill and Julian Hutchins at the pub where the welcome, food and service were excellent as usual
Rick Green
posted this comment on December 5, 2019Wednesday 4 December, A2 ride. A cold and frosty day and the road conditions were poor so we delayed our start until 11.30. At that time 15 set out on loop that would bring us back to more or less the same point: Halstead – Dunton Green – Otford – Eynsford – Farningham – Crockenhill – Well Hill – Halstead; just over the 20 miles, and arriving at The Rose and Crown just before 1.30. In some places the roads had dried off, in more shadowy places we were cautious, and it seemed that most of the time we were riding into the sun, which was blinding as well as warming. Riders were: Malcolm M, Dom and Jane H, Dave S, Danny G, Chris B, Steve D, Nick L-S, Paul McD, Ken S, Bob S, Peters J and P, Frank H, and myself; a good turnout given the conditions. Peter J suffered a puncture as we approached Shoreham station and Frank and Peter P stayed with him; they joined us in the pub later. Dave S and Paul McD peeled off before we arrived at the pub, and Ken and Bob felt that it would be more sensible to get back to their Borough Green territory for lunch before the temperature plunged. In the pub we found Tony B enjoying his lunch; he had made a delayed start because of the conditions and gone more or less straight to the pub. The Rose and Crown was as good as ever; it’s a firm favourite.
Bob Craig
posted this comment on December 4, 2019A belated report for the A1 ride on Sat 30 Nov.
Me Martin Howe, Dave Binks, Chris Simms, Ray Hardinge and a special guest appearance by Richard Bingham on a serious looking off road bike. We set off from Speedgate on a very cold and frosty morning and carefully made our way to Aylesford by way of Ash, Hodsell Street, Vigo and West and East Malling.
Ray and Richard both had to peel off early.
A very warm welcome from the staff at The Chequers and a decent baguette.
Then back out into the cold for the journey home.