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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Peter Hawker
posted this comment on November 24, 2020Still keepin’ outta Mischief now.
Probably do the same circuit tomorrow, or perhaps Thursday
it’ll be drier. The advantage of solo rides – more flexible.
I’ll wave if I see you on the road.
Peter Hawker
posted this comment on November 11, 2020“Keepin’ Outa Mischief Now” Fats Waller 1945
11th November ’20 during 2nd Lockdown.
Representing the ‘C’ group I cycled a circuit from
Skibbs Lane(Chelsfield Village), Birchwood, Swanley
Village, South Darenth,, Horton Kirby, Speedgate
(unlike the first lockdown, Brands Hatch was noisy).
Portabello, Woodlands, Shoreham & home.
26& a half miles. Home for lunch. Weather overcast,
light s. breeze. Met Danny Eagles as I started.
Ken Dean
posted this comment on November 7, 2020Bike Repairs, Wheel Building & Wheel Sales
For some time I’ve had recurring problems with my hydraulic disc brakes. Today I sought the help of Jono from http://www.Kemsingbikes.com who (hopefully) has resolved the problem. He is helpful, knowledgeable and enthusiastic – a useful contact if you need any help. In due course I look forward to introducing him on club rides.
Michael Yeo
posted this comment on November 5, 2020Wednesday 4/11 B2 ride from Heathfield to Pevensy bay. Under a clear blue sky I was met at the start by Linda Kemp, Cathy Sharman and John Broadfoot. A gentle ride to Hailsham along the cuckoo trail to Hailsham for coffee, where we met Sally Maxwell . Onto the Pevensey levels then a loop round Normans bay to the beach at Pevensry bay for a sani / pub inch. Return to cuckoo trail via Polegate and back up the long drag to the star. was a beautiful day enjoying the company of those who joined me
Barry Barlow
posted this comment on November 4, 2020Wednesday 4th November
What a beautiful day for our final ride before being locked down again.
The A1s Stephen Hardy(only riding to the café and back home), David Keith, Chris Simms, Tony Reeve, Ray Hardinge, Danny Eagles, Dom Haslam Myself and Tim Handley (a potential new member) met up at the Pond View Café. The lady who runs it was not incredibly happy with the lock down situation.
Tim who only rang me last night is really a B rider, but he came along to the café to meet some club members.
We set off for Thackenden Hill where we unfortunately dropped Tim. Tony who never intended to complete the ride let us at Rowdow Lane.
We had a great ride to West Kingsdown where we met Bob Craig. Unluckily David had a puncture and then a mile later a reoccurrence so decided to go home. That left six of us to enjoy a good lunch at the Chequers Aylseford. (The beer was only £2 per pint as I think they needed to use it up as soon as possible).
We all rode home in glorious sunshine.
Cathy Sharman
posted this comment on November 4, 2020Mike Yeo enjoying the sun in Pevensey
Peter Hawker
posted this comment on November 4, 2020“Oh what a beautiful morning, Oh what a beautiful
day!”
The ‘C’s (Anton & me) assembled at Otford pond,
leaving Cliff waiting for Diana.
We were off to the churchyard at Platt, but called in
in at Costa Boro Gn for elevenses when we saw that
there was a sevat available in the sun outside.
There was also a seat in the sun in the churchyard,
so we were doubley blessed.
After a picnic lunch & basking we left via Crouch,
parting in Plaxtol.
It had been one of the best rides for me this year,
unbroken sunshine;
a fitting pre- lockdown finale. Future rides may be
more difficult. We shall see.
Anton Peploe
posted this comment on November 4, 2020A great ride, great company!
Cathy Sharman
posted this comment on November 4, 2020Pevensey in the sun before November lockdown
Ken Dean
posted this comment on November 4, 2020B2s Social Distancing before todays ride
On a super autumn morning 6 B2s rode from Chipstead Lake to Lingfield via Limpsfield Chart. Riders included Di, Ann Fowler, Valerie, Paul Godfrey, Peter Woods and myself. Di and Ann left mid ride leaving the remaining 4 to ride through the Autumn coloured lanes for lunch round Lingfield pond.
Super day for a ride before enforced lockdown.
John Thompson
posted this comment on November 4, 2020B1 ride on Wednesday 4th November, our last B1 ride for a few weeks. Robertsbridge to Tonbridge, a lumpy ride in the sun which was very welcoming,
with me was Davide Parker, Trevor Simms, Mike and Rosemary Wakefield, our lunch stop in Goudhurst beside the village pond in the Sun. Thank you for your company.
Stay safe and well.
John Thompson
posted this comment on November 4, 2020B1 ride on Wednesday 4th November, Robertsbridge to Tonbridge, a lumpy ride in the sun which was very welcoming,
with me was Davide Parker, Trevor Simms, Mike and Rosemary Wakefield, our lunch stop in Goudhurst beside the village pond in the Sun. Thank you for your company. Our last B1 ride for some time.
Stay safe and well.
Ken Dean
posted this comment on November 3, 2020Tues 3rd Nov – Lockdown Update
According to Road.cc
. . . cycling will be permitted for journeys such as commuting or essential shopping, as well as for daily exercise. The latter will only be permitted with members of your household or support bubble or, if you are on your own, with one other person who does not live with you, with the new rules more restrictive than the current “rule of six” regime.
The website will be updated in accordance with CyclingUK guidelines once their position has been clarified.
Tricia Hewlett
posted this comment on November 3, 2020Make the most of your rides tomorrow folk and see you all again (hopefully very soon) or out on your own or two’s in the meantime!
Sally Maxwell
posted this comment on November 3, 2020Hard luck, Trish. You may have to do lockdown rides with me again. x
Diana Outram
posted this comment on November 2, 2020B2 Ride from Stonegate to Hastings Wednesday October 28th 2020
Led by Di and followed by Paul Mcateer the first downpour arrived near the Route 21 path through the woods so the main/only road was chosen in preference – never to be repeated on account of the ascents and heavy traffic in contrast to the almost flat route through the forest – to Heathfield and the cafe. The Cuckoo trail was fine and the use of a winter bike with its wider tyres is to be recommended. Lunch was under a tree sheltering from the second downpour and then continuous cycling into Hastings past the kite surfers at Cooden Beach in the wild seas and along the beach matted path after Bexhill to catch the 4.30pm train back to Sevenoaks. At this time of year it would be better to start earlier 8.50 or even 7.50 from Sevenoaks instead of 9.50am. 35miles in all.Very gratefull for a companion.
Tricia Hewlett
posted this comment on November 3, 2020You’re a marvel Di – you put us to shame!
Trish
Ray Hardinge
posted this comment on October 29, 2020Our A1 ride on Wednesday from the Otford Pond View Cafe comprised the rain-averse group of Steve H., Tony R., and Bob C. (BBC weather forecast watchers) and the hopefully-dry group (Met Office aficionados) of Chris S., Dom H., Danny E., and myself. After morning coffee, Steve and Tony saw the clouds gathering and set off for home while Bob joined the hopefuls for a lumpy and sometimes mucky ride up Old Terry Lodge Lane to Hartley and then back down Birling Hill and on to The George at Trottiscliffe. Bob, being concerned about those dark clouds, immediately set off for home and got thoroughly wet. The remaining hopefuls enjoyed a dry and enjoyable chat over lunch before heading home in the sun.
David Parker
posted this comment on October 29, 2020B1 ride to Hever on 28th October.
We managed to dodge most of the forecasted rain on the way to Hever which was via Chipstead, Ide Hill, Chiddingstone to Hever. On route some riders managed to get ahead of the leader and missed a turning. Riding with me were Danny Gazzi, Malcolm McIntyre, Trevor Simm, Peter Woods and Paul Smith. Up until Ide Hill were accompanied by Ken Dean, Rosemary and Mike Wakefield.
Peter Hawker
posted this comment on October 28, 2020“It ain’t what you do, It’s the way that you do
it” latterly by Bananarama.
The ‘C’s, represented by your correspondent,
assembled at the pond, Otford, leaving at 10.30am.
The B2’s processed by at the top of Twitton Lane,
coming presumably from Lullingstone where I was
bound for elevenses.
From there I had a slippery ride along the field,
thence to Crockenhill, the drag up to WellHill,
Chelsfield Village & Green Street Green for essential
supplies.
Then home for lunch after a very satisfactory morninge
which would’ve been impracticable if I’d been accompanied.
There are advantages in solo rides as I’ve previously
suggested.
Rick Green
posted this comment on October 28, 2020Not a cycling post I’m afraid. Can any club member recommend a competent and reliable builder in the Bromley area? If you have a suggestion please email me at greenrick073@gmail.com. Many thanks.
Michael Yeo
posted this comment on October 27, 2020Of course I mean WEDNESDAY 28th
Peter Hawker
posted this comment on October 27, 202010.30 am.
Peter Hawker
posted this comment on October 27, 2020Another tune: “It ain’t what you do, it’s the way that
you do it” Mel Torme 1940. more recently Bananarama.
I’ll be doing it quite slowly tomorrow, October 28th.
Leaving Otford Pond at about
Michael Yeo
posted this comment on October 27, 2020Sadly and once again, due to what looks like a wet day NOT be leading the Pevensey bay ride this Saturday 28th Oct
Peter Hawker
posted this comment on October 21, 2020PS Hope I’m not rubbing it in, but the weather
on Tuesday was lovely!
Peter Hawker
posted this comment on October 21, 2020“Ain’t Misbehavin'”
Met Ray & Barbara Ransom on Fackenden Lane on
Tuesday on their ebikes & had a chat. They looked
well & had come up the hill comfortably.(“less pain,
more gain”).
I rode on Tuesday because of the dire forecast
on Wednesday. The advantage of riding solo is that
you can be flexible.
Paul Godfrey
posted this comment on October 19, 2020B2 Group – The weather forecast for Wednesday is particularly bad and so I will not be leading the ride from Chipstead.
John Thompson
posted this comment on October 16, 2020One used to be able to send messages to members without clogging up the system, is this still possible if so how?
Barry Barlow
posted this comment on October 17, 2020I do not know what you mean by clogging up the system. However, I can see there is a problem with blog mails and I am working on it.
Peter Hawker
posted this comment on October 15, 2020The ‘C’s, represented by just me, enjoyed picnic elevenses
at Lulling stone Visitors Centre, chatting with dog
walkers. They were more interested in my new Volt ebike
than I was in their dogs.
They were also, discretely, interested in my age.
“The grave side of 90” I told them.
Dominic Haslam
posted this comment on October 14, 2020A1 ride – 7 of us met at the Pond View Café for a 10:30 start, Ray Hardinge, Barry Barlow, Danny Eagles, Chris Simms, Tony Reeve, David Keith and me. There was some gloom about the weather forecast which seemed to change as we watched it, but we set off anyway for Hartfield and Withyham by way of Ide Hill, Hever and Cowden. We did get caught in a heavy shower for 10 minutes or so before lunch, but had more or less dried off by the time we got to the Spotted Dog where we had excellent sandwiches, and even better – an unexpected 25% discount! (Tuesdays and Wednesdays, apparently). And the rain happily held off after lunch. We had a mild mutiny on the route home, but Ray’s suggestion proved a good one and we returned through Chiddingstone Hoath and up over Bayley’s Hill. I stopped to take my rain jacket off and David kindly stayed back to give me some company. But the others were long gone! I got home in the dry, and I hope/believe the others will have done as well. 43 miles on my clock, with about 3200 ft climbing. There were one or two hills……
Dom Haslam
John Thompson
posted this comment on October 14, 2020B1, ride from Otford Pond to Lingfield, the weather was sunny and bright not cold. Joining me was Trevor Sim, Malcolm McIntyte, Paul McAteer, Paul Smith, Joe McClenaghan, (S.D. Fire break) David Morgan, Danny Gazzi, At Lingfield there was few spots of rain, during the lunch stop, however, nothing can of it, My distance recorded was 45.64 miles, others would have recorded more. Great company,thank you for joining me.
John Thompson
Cathy Sharman
posted this comment on October 9, 2020Our away day to Tenterden from Headcorn felt in many ways wonderfully normal, myself, Rosemary, Di and Neil went by train and met up with Mike Y in the Village cafe, where we were joined by Heather and Trevor, David P, Linda K, John T and Paul S.
We rode to Tenterden with a brief stop at the Woodbridge Windmill, sadly still without the sails.
Most people had sandwiches in the sun at the park then repaired to our usual cafe for tea/coffee and cake.
We rode back via Sissinghurst direct to Headcorn.
The sun shone on the virtuous all day.
Thank you all for your company
Tricia Hewlett
posted this comment on October 9, 20205 B2’s (Ken D, Paul G, chatty Paul, John Broadfoot + me) + 2 interlopers (Danni G) and (Malcolm Mc) set off for East Malling only to find it doesn’t open till 2pm (note for future) so 3 of us headed back to West Malling to The 5 Pointed Star where we languished in the garden for a while until heading back. Sorry we didn’t catch up again with you sandwich munchers for the return journey!
David Keith
posted this comment on October 7, 2020Seven A1s turned up at the Pondview Cafe, Otford. Tony left after a chat whilst Ray, Barry, Danny, Martin, Bob and I set off for the Rose & Crown, Mundy Bois (near Pluckley) via West Malling, the North Pole pub (where Bob and Martin peeled off), East Barming, East Farleigh, Loose and Boughton Monchelsea. We returned via a less hilly route through Headcorn, Marden and Yalding.
Peter Hawker
posted this comment on October 7, 2020‘Ain’t Misbehavin’
The ‘C’s (me & Anton) enjoyed a relaxed ride from Otford pond down
the Darenth valley to Horton Kirby, with a picnic
lunch in St Mary’s churçhyard.
Luverly weather.
Anton Peploe
posted this comment on October 7, 2020Thankyou Peter for a very enjoyable ride. Good to be out on my bike again!
Peter Hawker
posted this comment on October 5, 2020“Ain’t Misbehavin'”
Anton:
Are you disposed to have another go at a ‘C’ ride on
Wednesday?
Neil Kerrison
posted this comment on October 5, 2020Mike,
Yes, another day would be fine after all the leaves have fallen and when the sun is shining as well.
Heather Sim
posted this comment on July 25, 2020Meridian Cycling holiday 2021 – Would you like to join us?
We had planned to return to Dordrecht in Holland this year as a result of public demand following our first trip in 2019. Covid19 had other ideas – so we have decided to make our return 21 to 28th June 2021!
We plan to travel by the overnight ferry (pleasant cabins and enjoyable food in both directions) from Harwich to the Hook of Holland, and stay in Dordrecht for 5 nights. You are free to make alternative travel arrangements as you wish. Partners and friends, riding and non-riding are all welcome. The hotel is an excellent position for those who fancy countryside one day and a city visit the next, as we are on the edge of a national park, Dordrecht is a beautiful small city also worthy of some time; with a water bus service to Rotterdam & a UNESCO site, Windmills of Kinderdijk nearby. So far we already have a group of those who had planned to go this year who have asked us to keep their deposits. We feel a little dis-connected from each other at the moment so we have put all the rooms on hold for the moment to enable as many people to join in as you wish. We will have at least 3 riding groups A1, B1, B2, we are eager to have as many abilities as wish to join us. All groups will organise their own routes. Although we have a great selection already from our previous trip if anyone wants help!
The hotel is basic (on par with Ibis) but clean with very pleasant staff. The rooms are all en-suite containing two single beds and a pair of bunk beds. Some people shared, others had a room to themselves. The hotel was great value for money; staying half board helped keep down the cost of the trip.
Detailed prices for 2021 are (in Euros) €340 pp single occupancy; €310 pp double occupancy and €245 for 3/4 persons – for 5 nights including half board!
The ferry cost yet unknown but are likely to be in the region of £200 return which includes cabin, excellent evening meal and breakfast.
IMPORTANT HEALTH & FINANCE ISSUES
Having checked with a few travel insurance companies we have been advised that as long as we ensure that the Foreign Office website is allowing travel to the destination at the time we place the booking; the holiday will be covered. Clearly everyone will need to check this with their own provider.
The club are prepared to make the bookings on behalf of members so that we can benefit from the ‘group discount’. Deposits are classed by the hotel as ‘returnable’ 100% up to 3 months prior to the trip, then at a reducing rate. The club do not underwrite or guarantee the financial performance of the hotel.
Members are invited to join the trip on the basis that they arrange their own travel/health insurance prior to the trip. The club can take no responsibility for the welfare of individual members, nor for their safe return to the UK in the case of accident or sickness. Members should monitor the Brexit negotiations to establish if any reciprocal health agreements are likely to be in place after the turn of the year.
If you would like to join us please confirm by email with £100 deposit into the Club account before the 27th September 2020. Details with a link to the account are on the website. Any questions please contact me; heather.sim85@gmail.com or phone 01322 865147 or 07502035983.