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
Members Mail.
Entries to the Blog can only be made by club members who are logged in to the site.
Paul Godfrey
posted this comment on September 19, 2020Given that the weather for Wednesday does not look promising I intend to take a ride around The Isle of Grain on Monday. The intention is to start at Shorne Country Park at 10.30.The route is approx 30 miles and will be at B pace. Not sure about potential for lunch stops so propose stopping for a picnic lunch somewhere on route. I will put the route on the runs list, all welcome to join me although I will be confirming to the rule of 6.
Colin Kane
posted this comment on September 19, 2020Wednesday 16th September. A new subdivision of the cycle groups was born today. The P1s, a little faster than the original P Section with a taste for faster B roads.
For our inaugural ride we met at 07:30 by the White Horse, Sundridge. Richard Bingham, John Baker and I where heading for Arundel in West Sussex. A round trip of 115 miles and around 8,000 ft of climbing the route taking us through East Grinstead, Turners Hill, Handcross, then Partridge Green where we stopped for bacon rolls and coffee at Stan’s bike shack, before the final push through Amberley, where my navigation skills were found wanting as a road became a track became a footpath around the castle.
Back on the main road we were soon in Arundel enjoying a lunch at The Edible Sandwich overlooking the river Arun.
The trip back was pretty much the reverse of the outward journey. This time looking forward to afternoon tea at the Picnic coffee shop in Handcross, but it had closed early. The hardware shop opposite was a kind of Open all hours kind of place, but Arkwright behind the counter didn’t try to sell us any out of date goods and instead of a temperamental till he had a chip and pin card reader.
Richard took us back via Oxted and at the Pilgrims Way we split for our routes home.
So a successful first outing for the P1s
Thank to Richard and John for there great company. We worked well together taking turns on the front and encouraging each other along.
My personal stats were 138 miles 7,450ft elevation ave speed 16.5 mph moving time 8:21hrs
Hope this may encourage others who would like to stretch their legs to join us.
Tim Mccaffrey
posted this comment on September 18, 2020Hi it’s Tim mc is there any a2 rides or a2 WhatsApp 07740411822
Ken Dean
posted this comment on September 18, 2020There is an A2 WhatsApp group. Contact Peter Jones to join.
(To contact Peter go to Contacts/Mail Member)
Paul Godfrey
posted this comment on September 17, 2020Excellent day for a ride on the Viking Trail. Starting from Minnis Bay were, Linda, Paul Hills, Mike Yeo, Neil Kerrison, Cathy and her sister ALice. We travelled east through Margate and Broadstairs and stopped for lunch at Ramsgate where we were joined by Dave Cooper. Inland loop to Reculver and back to Minnis Bay. Most enjoyable.
Neil Kerrison
posted this comment on September 19, 2020Paul,
Excellent ride around our ancestrian Viking route.
Many thanks,
Neil
PS Please can we have some more train/car assisted rides before Winter sets in.
David Keith
posted this comment on September 17, 2020Martin, Barry, Danny, Chris, Ray, Bob and I set off from the Pondview Cafe, Otford at 10.00 yesterday for the A1 ride to the Halfway House at Brenchley. We pedalled via Sevenoaks Weald, Leigh (where Bob peeled off), Speldhurst, Langton Green, Frant and Lamberhurst. A hilly ride through pretty, quiet countryside to a pub that has taken huge steps to meet the new requirements in its 2 large beer gardens.
Peter Hawker
posted this comment on September 16, 2020“Ain’t Misbehavin'”
Adhered strictly to Rule of Six during solo ride from
Otford Pond to Stansted via Terry’s Lodge (met Terry recently incidentally
in New Years Lane) & chatted with Michael until an interruption
from the B2’s.
Lovely weather, sympathetic ambience.
Heather Sim
posted this comment on September 16, 2020The full team of Tim, Tricia, Paul S, Paul M, Dave, Roy, Rosemary, John, Joe and I met up with Dianna at Lullingstone. The team split into 5-a-side and shot off meeting up with Chris B on route before lunching at the Black Horse where we met up with Peter H and Mike W (who had driven). Good to see Mike on the mend and happy 50th wedding anniversary to him and Rosemary. Good weather and good company.
Trevor
Peter Woods
posted this comment on September 16, 2020PETER SCOTT’S Funeral is now available online. As often the case, you hear more about the person than you know, AND Peter had a great personality.
OBITUS.COM
Username: Vexu4695
Password: 664583
Paul Godfrey
posted this comment on September 14, 2020Cycling UK have updated their Covid guidelines today. In the light of the revised government rules they advise that group rides cannot rely on the organised activity Rule and should therefore restrict club rides to a maximum of six.
David Parker
posted this comment on September 13, 2020Attention all B1 riders. The runs list is now being used again.
If there are any rides that you would like to do / lead please let me know your preferred starting point, destination, date and time.
At present starting points should be a public open space, recent starting points used have been Lullingstone Visitor Centre, Otford Pond, Chipstead lakes and Orpington Railway Station.
Destination should be somewhere where a packed lunch can be eaten and near a pub or cafe.
Paul Godfrey
posted this comment on September 12, 2020The Club Runs List is back in operation – Up until now a number of groups of club members have been arranging rides using WhatsApp groups. The recent committee meeting decided that whilst we cannot meet as a club at a single meeting point the runs list should be used to provide members with details of group rides. Runs group coordinators will be placing details of rides on the runs list. Please do your best to support them and volunteer to lead a ride if you can. Their email addresses are on the club website so let them know if you have an idea for a ride. All rides should abide by club guidelines that are clearly stated on the website.
Paul Godfrey
posted this comment on September 12, 2020Wednesday 16 Sept I intend riding the Viking trail starting from Minnis Bay nr Birchington. The start point for the ride is https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1c_YMOrWQvj9kwd6mpLPk1tVwaTdBEIqL&usp=sharing (this is the point where we normally stop for lunch on the Crab and Winkle ride) there is plenty of car parking in the vicinity and the station is not too far away. I will be leaving Minnis Bay at 10.30 and riding at an easy pace through Margate, Ramsgate and then following the inland route to Reculver, then back along the coast to Minnis Bay. Feel free to join me.
Barry Barlow
posted this comment on September 11, 2020All,
I apolgise for all the “blurb” coming through on your messages. It is probably due to one of the system automatic updates that has changed how things work. I am rather busy at the moment having just moved house, so I can not give it much attention. be asured that I wil get to the bottom of it sometime soon.
Peter Woods
posted this comment on September 10, 2020Details of Peter Scott funeral is on the West Kent website when we will follow the funeral procession.
Ken Dean
posted this comment on September 10, 2020CoronaVirus Update 10th Sept
Meridian policy is to follow CyclingUK guidelines. CyclingUK are still saying that group rides are OK subject to their guidelines (that are copied on our website). Maximum group size is officially 15 but 6 would be a sensible, but not mandatory, limit for us to follow. Unless informed to the contrary we should endeavour to start publishing an active runs list and publish ride reports on the blog – this is most important to enable ‘track and trace’ be adopted in case of need.
Paul Godfrey will be advising group leaders shortly about updating the Runs List.
Martin Gill
posted this comment on September 10, 2020Prems ride Wed 9th Sep. Since lockdown eased at the beginning of June the Ps have ridden a series of longer rides with earlier starts, many over 100 miles Yesterday we met at 8.15 in Sevenoaks for a ride to the Sussex coast. The route went across the hilliest part of the High Weald so we faced a succession of hills as we went via Groombridge to Heathfield. At Horam we stopped at the Lakeside cafe and enjoyed the sunshine as we sat overlooking a lake. Peter had to return home and rest of us had an easy ride to Hellingly where we picked up the Cuckoo Trail cycle track to get through Hailsham. A further stretch of the trail brought us Polegate from where we climbed over the South Downs to get to the sea at Birling Gap. After the obligatory group photo and photos of the iconic chalk cliffs we set off up the long climb to Beachy Head. After stopping to admire the wide view including the view along the coast to Hastings. We descended to the coast road and headed west to the Cuckmere valley which we followed North to Litlington where we stopped for a pub lunch. it was hot in the garden and much suncream was applied. After an easy stretch it was back to the hills of the high Weald and the long climb up to Crowborough where we stopped at the Costa. There was plenty more climbing before we got home. We all (other than Peter) did over 100 miles and some much more. John racked up over 10,000fit of climbing. Those out were John Baker, Richard Bingham, Martin Gill, Peter Gleeson,Dave Hickman and Colin Kane
Ken Dean
posted this comment on September 10, 2020Wow!
Send the group photo to Ray to publish
Tricia Hewlett
posted this comment on September 10, 2020On a techy matter… why are we suddenly getting a load of blurb coming through on all our emails – its hard to find the message?!
Ken Dean
posted this comment on September 10, 2020It’s a technical issue, it’s the system we use to handle messages that has changed. It’s on the ‘to do’ list, but it’s not a 5min job.
Tricia Hewlett
posted this comment on September 10, 2020Thanks Ken.
Tricia Hewlett
posted this comment on September 10, 2020B2 ride to Godstone 9 Sept: only 3 leaving from Orpington (Linda, Mike Yeo plus me) via Keston, Farleigh, Chelsham, Woldingham girls school to Godstone where we met up with the other group leaving from Chipstead (Ken, Dave Collier, Paul Mc, Cathy, Diana, Chelsfield chap whose name I know but can’t recall now (apologies)) plus maybe another?). So nice to catch up with everyone! We all came home together the easy way via Oxstead, the Pilgrims Way and back up Hogtrough for the Orpington folk (still a few late blackberries to be had!)
Ken Dean
posted this comment on September 10, 2020In addition I had Emrys, John Ropkins and Roy Marks. On the return journey we did form a significant fire break with a view to being considerate to motorists and as a nod the social distancing.
It was good to see Heather back on her bike – she rode to waive us off from Chipstead.
As from today the B groups intend to publish their runs and ride reports in the normal fashion.
Tricia Hewlett
posted this comment on September 10, 2020Remembered John Ropkins later but how could I have forgotten you Roy! Apologies – it must have been because you were so quiet!!
John Thompson
posted this comment on September 10, 2020Hi Ken,
I have Golf roof bars, you are welcome to borrow if they fit.
regards JT
Ken Dean
posted this comment on September 9, 2020Can you help?
I’ve got to transport a couple of pieces of wood from my son’s London flat to Sevenoaks and need a pair of roof bars that clamp around the door opening on my car. The car is a 5 door Audi A3 2005; I would imagine that the fitting is similar to what would be found on a golf / seat / skoda.
If I could borrow one for 24 hrs, it must be worth a good bottle of wine!
Brian Wood
posted this comment on September 9, 2020I have just received my renewal for next year’s membership of the CTC. No longer a reduction for being 80. What is the Committee’s view of paying the full amount now?
Regards Bran Wood.
Ken Dean
posted this comment on September 9, 2020At the recent CyclingUK agm the motion to drop the senior age concession was approved by a small margin – this therefore leaves many of our members with an effective increase in membership fees of 50+%. There are other options – I will post a more detailed response within the course of the next few days.
Heather Sim
posted this comment on September 9, 2020Christmas Lunch
– the committee has decided to cancel the Meridian Christmas Lunch this year due to Covid19. We look forward to getting together in a large social group hopefully in 2021 when we have all been vaccinated!
Heather Sim
posted this comment on September 9, 2020Meridian Holiday to Holland in June 2021
Looking forward to next summer we have a booking at Stayokay Dordrecht, leaving the UK on 21st June and returning on the 28th. All the details are on the website with a link from the homepage. This message is to remind anyone who has not yet booked but would like to join us that we need your information and £100 deposit by the 27th September.
The club is not underwriting this holiday, a few of us are coordinating the trip to help our members. We do not know if we will have a reciprocal health arrangement with the EEC at this time, so I have been asked to mention that everyone will be responsible for their own health and repatriation, so travel insurance is strongly advised at this stage. I have spoken to a few travel insurers and understand that as long as travel is allowed by the Foreign Office to Holland on the day we pay the deposit the trip would be covered including Covid19. However it is advisable to check this with your own provider.
If you have any questions please contact me on: 01322 865147 or 07502 035983, or by email or Whats App.
Paul Godfrey
posted this comment on September 6, 2020B2 ride on Weds 9 Sept to provide an alternate start point and avoid an overly large group I will lead a ride to Godstone from Chipsted Lakes leaving at 10.15
Steve Birkin
posted this comment on September 4, 2020Justt read the C-Virus advice and guidance from our committee – well done to all committee members for such a clear, unambiguous and helpful document. Personally I’m missing group rides, but feel uncomfortable – until the infection rate falls significantly and permanently – about meeting inside venues at the start of a ride and lunches in pubs and cafes.
Ken Dean
posted this comment on September 4, 2020Update: Coronavirus & Cycling: Committee Meeting
It has been decided to cautiously reinstate a ‘flexible runs list’ featuring Meridian rides.
Barry is to act as the Meridian CoronaVirus Officer.
All actions will be strictly in accordance with CyclingUK and Government guidelines.
Further information will be posted within the next few days.
Ken
Ken Dean
posted this comment on September 3, 2020Update: Coronavirus & Cycling
In the last few days CyclingUK has issued new guidance on group cycling, updated links are shown on our home page.
The committee are meeting on Friday 4th to discuss these new guidelines and consider what action we should take.
Ken
Tricia Hewlett
posted this comment on August 31, 2020B2 ride on Wed 2 Sept – meet Orpington stn – bus station side at 10am for ride to Godstone. Pubs cafes or picnic on green – the choice is yours! Route via keston, farleigh and woldingham girls school. Trish
Ken Dean
posted this comment on August 30, 2020Cycling UK (CTC); AGM Friday 4th
It is important that we vote on the proposal to eliminate the ‘Senior Discount’ membership – this could result in most of our members seeing a 57% increase in their annual subscriptions.
Go here for further information
https://meridiancyclingclub.co.uk/membership-fees-cycling-uk-ctc/
Peter Woods
posted this comment on August 29, 2020I am sorry to report that Peter Scott died today after a short illness.
Peter Woods
Brian Wood
posted this comment on August 30, 2020Please send our condolences to Pauline from Brian Wood and James Wilson.
Ray Hardinge
posted this comment on August 29, 2020Anyone wishing to join the A1s on a regular Wednesday ride, please contact me (Ray) via email giving your mobile number so that I can set you up on the A1 WahtsApp group chat. We are riding almost every Wednesday (weather allowing). Our next ride (2nd Sept) is to Whitstable (car assisted).
Ken Dean
posted this comment on August 16, 2020Cycling UK (ctc) – Proposal to increase fees
There is a proposal to increase annual fees by some 57%. Members can vote for or against this proposal.
For further information Click here.
https://meridiancyclingclub.co.uk/membership-fees-cycling-uk-ctc/
John Thompson
posted this comment on August 13, 2020Wednesday 19th B1 ride. ( subject to weather )
Meet at Otford Pond, with a departure at 10:15. The destination Chiddingstone for lunch(the cafe in the village is open ) then back to Otford pond, via Wellor Town, penshurst, Liegh, Watts cross, ightham mote, seal,
round trip 38 miles.
Steve Birkin
posted this comment on August 10, 2020Look at the for sale tab for some of Ron Castle’s old cycling gear
david morgan
posted this comment on August 9, 2020Please could you add me to the B1 whatsApp group. Cheers
Mobile 07979241288
Nicholas Leng-Smith
posted this comment on August 6, 2020Hi, could you include me on the B1 app please. My number 07745554170
Ken Dean
posted this comment on August 6, 2020Club Summer Party – Cancelled
The club’s summer party which was to take place at Farningham in September has been cancelled.
The good news is that plans for the club’s trip to Holland in June 2021 are progressing well. We currently have 24 paid up entries; returnable deposits of £100 need to be paid to Heather by latest 27th September.
See sidebar entry for further details.
John Thompson
posted this comment on July 29, 2020Hi all,
On Thursday 30th, I am planning to ride from Hadlow Gardern centre car park to Marden/Staplehurst/Headcorn, and back. Departing at 10:00. Any member wishing to join me let me know asap.
few members (6) in group.
P.S. there is car parking at H.G.Centre.
JT
John Thompson
posted this comment on July 29, 2020Hi all,
On Thursday 30th, I am planning to ride from Hadlow Gardern centre car park to Marden/Staplehurst/Headcorn, and back. Departing at 10:00. Any member wishing to join me let me know asap.
hope to see a few members (6) in groups.
P.S. there is car parking at H.G.Centre.
JT
Roy Marks
posted this comment on July 29, 2020Hi Dave,
Can you add me to the WhatsApp B1 group
mob is 07763105116
Cheers
Roy M
Tim Mccaffrey
posted this comment on July 29, 2020Hi can u include me in b1 watsap Tim Mccaffrey thanks
Martin Pickett
posted this comment on July 29, 2020Please include me on the B1 group – 07837292810
Martin
rosemary wakefield
posted this comment on July 28, 2020Dear David Parker
Pllease include us on B1 App
Mike and Rosemary W
John Thompson
posted this comment on July 28, 2020Hi David,
Please add me to you B1 whats app. My details are 07773416478.
Best regards
John Thompson
David Parker
posted this comment on July 28, 2020I have been asked by a few members whether there are any B1 rides, at present.
I am not organising any B1 rides at present; but I will set up a B1 WhatsApp group to enable a few B1 riders to get together informally.
If you would like to be included in this group, please let me know and I will create this group.
I have not been riding much over the lockdown period and so I will not be riding with this group until I get a lot fitter.
Heather Sim
posted this comment on July 28, 2020Please add Trevor to the B1 What’s App group.
Clive Adams
posted this comment on July 29, 2020Hi David hope you well
Would appreciate being added to B1 app group mob no 07973956251 regards Clive Adams
Malcolm McIntyre
posted this comment on August 6, 2020Hi
Please include me in the B1 Whatsapp group
thanks
07860809751
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.
Paul Godfrey
posted this comment on July 23, 2020B2 Ride from Lullingstone to Trottiscliffe on Wednesday 29th, depart at 10.30. It is likely that there will be more than one group so additional leaders are sought. If anyone is prepared to lead let me know and I will send a copy of the route
Tim Mccaffrey
posted this comment on July 29, 2020Hi Paul I assume it’s the visitor centre tim
Tim Mccaffrey
posted this comment on July 20, 2020Hi I would like to know where meet is for Wednesday 22 July Tim mccaffrey 07740411822 thanks
Ken Dean
posted this comment on July 19, 2020Wednesday B2 Rides
A small number of B2 & B1 riders have been meeting up informally for Wednesday rides. These rides are being discussed on WhatsApp. We meet at outdoor venues with a view to splitting into smaller groups should the need arise.
If you want to join the discussions, contact Ken.
Valerie Holben
posted this comment on August 3, 2020I would like to join the B1/B2 list – haven’t been on a proper ride for ages.
Valerie 07976 974544
Ray Hardinge
posted this comment on July 19, 2020To all A1 riders.
If you would like to be included in the new WhatsApp group entitled “Meridian (Wed) A1 Riders” please send an email to me at:
rayhardinge@gmail.com.
It would be helpful if you could also add your mobile number.
Ray.
Peter Hawker
posted this comment on July 6, 2020ie new runs lists.
Tricia Hewlett
posted this comment on July 7, 2020Fans of Speedgate Cafe can now return as reopened – a reward for your climb! Closed on Tuesdays though.
David Sims
posted this comment on July 7, 2020Tricia
Speed gate used to be a meeting place for lots of cyclist in this corner of Kent/Greater London on a Friday at 11 o’clock, a few of us still do Catford/Meridian members, why not join us for chat and banter, my favourite is egg on toast with bacon. Sometimes no one turns up so be prepared
Cheers
Tricia Hewlett
posted this comment on July 8, 2020Cheers Dave!
Neil Kerrison
posted this comment on July 6, 2020When does the Meridian Cycling Club Management Team intend to resume cycling activities on Wednesdays ?
Paul Dean
posted this comment on July 3, 2020The Parish Council at Ide Hill are considering closing the public toilets at the top of Ide Hill adjacent to the Cafe/community shop used by many cyclists including Meridian members. They are holding a public consultation about this proposal. If you would like to object to the closure you can submit a response to the Parish Council using the link in my blog entry below.
Paul Dean
posted this comment on July 3, 2020https://www.cognitoforms.com/IdeHillParishCouncil/SundridgeWithIdeHillParishCouncilConsultationSurveyIdeHillPublicToilets