Yet Another Cycling Forum

General Category => Rides and Touring => Topic started by: clarion on 08 February, 2011, 10:40:39 am

Title: 12 February Kent Coast
Post by: clarion on 08 February, 2011, 10:40:39 am: After two tempting rides last weekend, both of which I would love to have taken part in, there doesn't seem to be anything coming up this Saturday :(

Anyone got anything planned we can tag along with? In case you don't know, we aren't exactly speedfreaks or mileeaters, but a nice pootle would be cool.
Title: Re: 12/13 February
Post by: Jurek on 08 February, 2011, 10:51:22 am: Mmmmm..... looks towards the Kentish coast..... and ponders...

EDIT: Saturday, you'd be blown eastwards. Sunday less so. No significant precipitation forecast at this point. Train-set appears to be working both days.
Title: Re: 12/13 February
Post by: her_welshness on 08 February, 2011, 11:03:08 am: Rides/Meetings/Events | Lewisham Cyclists (http://lewishamcyclists.co.uk/eventsrides/)
Title: Re: 12/13 February
Post by: Wowbagger on 08 February, 2011, 11:48:48 am: I'm sure we could come up with something. We have nothing planned this weekend.
Title: Re: 12/13 February
Post by: Jurek on 08 February, 2011, 12:38:18 pm: OK, let's just say.......

08:00 / 08:15 ish departure from Cutty Sark Gardens, would see us in to Rochester for a tea stop, around three hours later.

There's a 10:30 train from Greenhithe (probably the most civilised cycle ride from the Dartford Crossing) which gets in to Rochester at 10:52.

After tea head eastward in to Kent along the coast. We could go as far as Wizzy-bell (around 60 miles from CSG), or call it a day earlier at any of several rail stations along that route.

Any interest?
Title: Re: 12/13 February
Post by: clarion on 08 February, 2011, 12:54:40 pm: That sounds verrrrry tempting...

I shall, of course, have to consult my beloved. :)
Title: Re: 12/13 February
Post by: Wowbagger on 08 February, 2011, 02:51:09 pm: It does sound tempting. What time, and using which route, would the ride be passing Greenhithe?
Title: Re: 12/13 February
Post by: Tim Hall on 08 February, 2011, 03:04:03 pm: Is this on Saturday? If so, yes we could be up for it. (goes off to find translation for Wizzy-bell).
Title: Re: 12/13 February
Post by: clarion on 08 February, 2011, 03:14:19 pm: Saturday indeed. Sunday will have to be a shorter trip out for us, I realise, given that I need to be in that london village for teatime. :-\

Saturday, though, the world is our oyster (literally, if we're talking about Whitstable*)

* Though I understand there has been an outbreak of herpes among the oysters of the Kentish coast**, and I'm vegetarian anyway, so best revert to speaking figuratively

** No, I didn't know they could get it either. IANAMB***

*** Marine Biologist
Title: Re: 12/13 February
Post by: Tim on 08 February, 2011, 03:23:20 pm: Saturday - I intend to cycle to a pub (Kingston) that has beer. A beer festival in fact. Mmmmm beer.
Title: Re: 12/13 February
Post by: clarion on 08 February, 2011, 03:24:24 pm: That has less of appeal to the teetotal rider. ;D

Hope you enjoy it nonetheless :thumbsup:
Title: Re: 12/13 February
Post by: Jurek on 08 February, 2011, 03:50:22 pm: Saturday beckons because....

Twice as many trains ph back to The Great Wen.
Andy's Snacks in Rochester doesn't open Sundays, and the alternative isn't anywhere near as good.
Saturday's wind is favourable.
We can go somewhere else on Sunday :D

Here's me guessing.....
Tim Hall may ask for an 08:30 departure as he has done so before - on account of trains or summat - so that's ok.
So we'd be at Greenhithe an hour and a half-ish later.
Wow, we could meet you at the station or outside the Asda (prolly better). Although you probably have it, I'll e-mail you a .tcx file of the route.
Title: Re: 12/13 February
Post by: clarion on 08 February, 2011, 04:04:53 pm: What's the best station for Cutty Sark Gardens? </london n00b>
Title: Re: 12/13 February
Post by: matthew on 08 February, 2011, 04:07:17 pm: I would love to bring $NEWBIKE out on this ride and was going to reply expressing intrest when I remembered that unfortunately I have a music practise at church on Saturday morning (9:15) so can't make it.

I shall just have to explore East Berks on my own again.
Title: Re: 12/13 February
Post by: Jurek on 08 February, 2011, 04:13:25 pm: Quote from: clarion on 08 February, 2011, 04:04:53 pm
What's the best station for Cutty Sark Gardens? </london n00b>

Greenwich is closest - unfortunately (I'll check but) I'm pretty sure it'd mean coming in to London Bridge and then out again - you'd most likely be better off riding from London Bridge - Tooley Street, Jamaica Road, Lower Road, Evelyn Street, Creek Road and you're there - just a shade over 4 flat miles.
Title: Re: 12/13 February
Post by: clarion on 08 February, 2011, 04:52:22 pm: That sounds like the best plan, though we have demonstrated ourselves incompetent at riding in that area, having managed a complete loop near the O2 once :-[
Title: Re: 12/13 February
Post by: Tim Hall on 08 February, 2011, 05:40:14 pm: It's really incredibly straight forward. Set the controls for ~~the heart of the sun~~ Greenwich and keep pedalling· Mind you I did manage to get lost last Saturday, riding from Liverpool Street to Waterloo. Elephant and Castle! Yay!

In other news, Mrs. Hall, having been consulted, exhibited a positive response.
Title: Re: 12/13 February
Post by: Jurek on 08 February, 2011, 05:46:20 pm: What's your best guesstimate Tim, for an ETA at The Cutty Sark?
Title: Re: 12/13 February
Post by: Tim Hall on 08 February, 2011, 05:52:29 pm: The earliest train I can get away with and remain intact from a wrathful and formerly sleeping Mrs. Hall is the 0726 arr LBG 0802. 4 miles should be, what, 15 minutes, plus a bit of faffage, so ETA 0820 ish.

Fallback is 0742 arr 0817 and pedal faster.
Title: Re: 12/13 February
Post by: Jurek on 08 February, 2011, 05:57:16 pm: That sounds imminently do-able.

So as above, unless anyone has a problem with it, let's call it an 08:30 (Or When Tim & Mrs. Hall Turn Up) departure.
Title: Re: 12/13 February
Post by: Jurek on 08 February, 2011, 06:06:17 pm: Quote from: matthew on 08 February, 2011, 04:07:17 pm
... unfortunately I have a music practise at church on Saturday morning (9:15) so can't make it.

Could you not come with us, and practise while you ride. We could join in.
Or does it involve the use of a cumbersome musical instrument, inappropriate for being deployed on a bicycle? ;) :D
Title: Re: 12/13 February
Post by: Wowbagger on 08 February, 2011, 06:06:44 pm: I was considering the possibility of meeting everyone at the start, involving a possible train journey towards Fenchst but it would appear that any attempt to leave from Sarf Central involves having to walk to Sarf Vic and going to Lpoo St. This would also involve an uncomfortably early start.

It would appear that there is no problem going from Sarf Cent to Grays* and then availing myself of the Nice People Who Give Cyclists Lifts Over Bridges And Through Tunnels so Greenhithe it is I reckon.

*Purfleet is one stop further than Grays, but closer to the bridge by half a mile or so. However, that one extra stop increases the return fare from £4.30 to £5.60.
Title: Re: 12/13 February
Post by: Wowbagger on 08 February, 2011, 06:07:23 pm: Quote from: Jurek on 08 February, 2011, 06:06:17 pm
Quote from: matthew on 08 February, 2011, 04:07:17 pm
... unfortunately I have a music practise at church on Saturday morning (9:15) so can't make it.

Could you not come with us, and practise while you ride. We could join in.
Or does it involve the use of a cumbersome musical instrument, inappropriate for being deployed on a bicycle? ;) :D

What are you practising? I'm off out to practice Elijah in an hour or so.
Title: Re: 12/13 February
Post by: Tim Hall on 08 February, 2011, 06:08:29 pm: Quote from: Jurek on 08 February, 2011, 06:06:17 pm
Quote from: matthew on 08 February, 2011, 04:07:17 pm
... unfortunately I have a music practise at church on Saturday morning (9:15) so can't make it.

Could you not come with us, and practise while you ride. We could join in.
Or does it involve the use of a cumbersome musical instrument, inappropriate for being deployed on a bicycle? ;) :D

Don't forget Jurek has experience in moving organs, so to speak.
Title: Re: 12/13 February
Post by: matthew on 08 February, 2011, 06:14:37 pm: Quote from: Jurek on 08 February, 2011, 06:06:17 pm
Quote from: matthew on 08 February, 2011, 04:07:17 pm
... unfortunately I have a music practise at church on Saturday morning (9:15) so can't make it.

Could you not come with us, and practise while you ride. We could join in.
Or does it involve the use of a cumbersome musical instrument, inappropriate for being deployed on a bicycle? ;) :D

Nice idea but, I'm the sound tech for the group, carrying a 24 channel mixing desk and trailing the XLR leads back to the building may not work!

Further if I was playing, I don't have a pannier rack on the Van Nick on which to carry the Eb Tenor Horn which just fits in an Ortlieb with the top unrolled. Let alone playing and riding which might be possible on the back of the tandem provided the pilot is prepared to be deaf by the end of the ride.

Wow, practising the songs and hymns for Sunday, ensuring that the levels are sensible, getting the tech kit ready so that I can do the set up between the end of the traditional service and before the more charismatic family service (~25 minutes thanks to the communion at the earlier service).
Title: Re: 12/13 February
Post by: Jurek on 08 February, 2011, 07:24:07 pm: As I discovered today, most of Cutty Sark Gardens is currently a) Behind Heras fencing and b) Mostly dug up.

A convenient RV spot may therefore be 50m to the south, outside St*rb*cks - just as you come in to the CSG bit from the main road.
Title: Re: 12/13 February
Post by: Mice on 08 February, 2011, 10:14:43 pm: This sounds good - although I dont understand all the abbreviations! Where and when - and we dont have to do the Tunnel under the thames do we? M
Title: Re: 12/13 February
Post by: Tim Hall on 08 February, 2011, 10:26:17 pm: Mice, the only abbreviations you need are:

RV=rendezvous
CSG=Cutty Sark Gardens

Plan is to meet at the Starbucks at Greenwich for departure at 0830 on Saturday. Postcode for your swanky Iphone satnav is SE10 9BL.

I'll try to remember to bring the stem, so we can have more fettling fun.
Title: Re: 12/13 February
Post by: clarion on 08 February, 2011, 10:37:23 pm: How far do you reckon it is, Jurek? You must have done this route (or similar) several times.
Title: Re: 12/13 February
Post by: Jurek on 09 February, 2011, 08:00:56 am: Quote from: clarion on 08 February, 2011, 10:37:23 pm
How far do you reckon it is, Jurek? You must have done this route (or similar) several times.

Greenwich to Whitstable, using this route is 60 miles.
Other bale outs are available...
Faversham 52
Sittingbourne 42
Rochester 30.

Take your pick.
Title: Re: 12/13 February
Post by: TimO on 09 February, 2011, 09:00:37 am: You can just see Starbucks on this (http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=en&safe=off&ie=UTF8&hq=&gl=uk&sqi=2&ll=51.482198,-0.010064&spn=0.003728,0.017166&z=16&layer=c&cbll=51.482125,-0.010738&panoid=OsQzOz27yW49FAYNWeJhJA&cbp=12,97.06,,0,0.78) view from Streetview, it's directly ahead if you zoom in a bit (with the signs "...BUCKS COFFEE").

Typically in the past we've sat around a bit further North of that, looking out over the Thames, with the construction site which houses the slightly smoking remains of the Cutty Sark just behind us, but presumably they've found it necessary to block the area a bit more at the moment.

Can you still get to the tunnel entrance, or have they taken this opportunity to close that as well, and do some of the work on the lifts that they've been threatening to do for a while?

I'm up for this ride, although how far I get will depend on how badly my knees decide to start playing silly buggers. In the past I've generally just cycled across to Greenwich, it's probably less than an hour from Croydon.
Title: Re: 12/13 February
Post by: Jurek on 09 February, 2011, 09:05:32 am: You can get to the tunnel (but it is out of service for the next four weeks or so), as well as to the river at the pointy end of the Cutty Sark. Most of the rest of CSG is either fenced off or has Portakabin site offices on it.
Title: Re: 12/13 February
Post by: Wowbagger on 09 February, 2011, 09:47:18 am: I'll catch the 8.54 from Sarfend Central to Grays (9.31). 15 minute ride to the Bridge, hopefully a lift will arrive shortly, and then I'll head to Greenhithe. I ought to be there in plenty of time for 10.30.

I have your mobile no., Jurek, and I believe you have mine. We can have textual intercourse.
Title: Re: 12/13 February
Post by: clarion on 09 February, 2011, 09:53:24 am: 60 miles is good for us, and we can maybe get tea from some Whitstable residents we know :)
Title: Re: 12/13 February
Post by: mike on 09 February, 2011, 09:59:50 am: Quote from: Wowbagger on 09 February, 2011, 09:47:18 am
I'll catch the 8.54 from Sarfend Central to Grays (9.31). 15 minute ride to the Bridge, hopefully a lift will arrive shortly, and then I'll head to Greenhithe. I ought to be there in plenty of time for 10.30.

Hmm. I recon it's about 50 miles from here to the bridge, so I'd need to leave here at about 6.30, thrash down through Herts and Essex, catch the 'bagger on the north side, change into non-sweaty kit then lunch and a train train home.. Hmm indeed. Lemme check the weather & wife forecast for the w/end..
Title: Re: 12/13 February
Post by: Jurek on 09 February, 2011, 10:03:14 am: Ummm... Does that mean we should expect to see you on the south side Mike?
Title: Re: 12/13 February
Post by: mike on 09 February, 2011, 10:20:27 am: ooh yes, I forgot about that bit. Yes, would see you on the south side. Still doing negotiations..
Title: Re: 12/13 February
Post by: Jurek on 09 February, 2011, 10:26:22 am: Quote from: mike on 09 February, 2011, 10:20:27 am
ooh yes, I forgot about that bit. Yes, would see you on the south side. Still doing negotiations..

Good!
Just so's we're clear..... the current plan is to meet Wow outside Asda in Greenhithe, ride on from there to Rochester (15 or so miles) for a half way stop, and on from there to Whitstable.
It'd be great if you're able to join us.
Title: Re: 12/13 February
Post by: peliroja on 09 February, 2011, 10:42:54 am: Can I join in? I might be on fixed due to lack of other suitable fettled bikes (LHT has a dodgy rear wheel at present). Is it rideable on fixed?
Title: Re: 12/13 February
Post by: Jurek on 09 February, 2011, 10:54:44 am: Quote from: peliroja on 09 February, 2011, 10:42:54 am
Is it rideable on fixed?

It'd be good to see you :thumbsup:
It has occasionally been ridden on fixed (not by me). I would describe it as rolling, with a few lumpy bits. None of the hills are very long and, with the exception of the one just outside of Sittingbourne, none are particularly steep (in the Portnalls / Turners Hill / Ditchling kind of way).

Now that I've said that, that's probably going to get me into a whole load of trouble and pain.
Title: Re: 12/13 February
Post by: TimO on 09 February, 2011, 10:59:29 am: I would have guessed it's fine on fixed, I've certainly cycled the FNRttC on SingleSpeed (about 65") several times with no problems (which I'm assuming is pretty much the planned route).

(http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/WhitstableAltitudeProfile.jpg) (http://www.gpsies.com/map.do?fileId=ivxpboscovdbbmou)

The highest point is only 175 feet, and that's not climbed from sea level, and doesn't look too steep on that plot.
Title: Re: 12/13 February
Post by: peliroja on 09 February, 2011, 11:41:04 am: Hmm, having not ridden fixed for about three years, perhaps this is not the best ride for it... ;)
Title: Re: 12/13 February
Post by: Wowbagger on 09 February, 2011, 11:43:00 am: Quote from: peliroja on 09 February, 2011, 11:41:04 am
Hmm, having not ridden fixed for about three years, perhaps this is not the best ride for it... ;)

If we can arrange a meeting, tandem? :D
Title: Re: 12/13 February
Post by: peliroja on 09 February, 2011, 11:52:26 am: Quote from: Wowbagger on 09 February, 2011, 11:43:00 am
Quote from: peliroja on 09 February, 2011, 11:41:04 am
Hmm, having not ridden fixed for about three years, perhaps this is not the best ride for it... ;)

If we can arrange a meeting, tandem? :D
Oh YES!!!
Title: Re: 12/13 February
Post by: Steve GT on 09 February, 2011, 12:07:26 pm: Quote from: peliroja on 09 February, 2011, 11:41:04 am
Hmm, having not ridden fixed for about three years, perhaps this is not the best ride for it... ;)
Go on Lass - You have cycled up Skipton Old road on a fixed - how can a little southern pimple scare you ;)
Title: Re: 12/13 February
Post by: peliroja on 09 February, 2011, 12:12:03 pm: Quote from: Steve GT on 09 February, 2011, 12:07:26 pm
Quote from: peliroja on 09 February, 2011, 11:41:04 am
Hmm, having not ridden fixed for about three years, perhaps this is not the best ride for it... ;)
Go on Lass - You have cycled up Skipton Old road on a fixed - how can a little southern pimple scare you ;)
Oh yes, I'd forgotten about that. :) I think I'd prefer to stoke Wowbagger up the pimples, however.
Title: Re: 12/13 February
Post by: Wowbagger on 09 February, 2011, 02:51:44 pm: Quote from: peliroja on 09 February, 2011, 12:12:03 pm
Quote from: Steve GT on 09 February, 2011, 12:07:26 pm
Quote from: peliroja on 09 February, 2011, 11:41:04 am
Hmm, having not ridden fixed for about three years, perhaps this is not the best ride for it... ;)
Go on Lass - You have cycled up Skipton Old road on a fixed - how can a little southern pimple scare you ;)
Oh yes, I'd forgotten about that. :) I think I'd prefer to stoke Wowbagger up the pimples, however.

Oi! You've been peeping! :-[ :-*
Title: Re: 12/13 February
Post by: Adam on 10 February, 2011, 12:35:37 pm: I may be up for this as well.

Due to the slow-ish trains to St Pancras first thing and then allowing 45 minutes to get across to CSG, I'd have to leave home by 6.30 to get to CSG for 8.30. However, I'm thinking this could be an excellent excuse for checking out a direct route from home to the Dartford Bridge, which I need to do anyway at some point.

If I still leave at 6.30, a quick check shows it's only 55 miles to Greenhithe, so I should be able to get to Asda for 10.30.

I'll confirm tomorrow once I've worked out what I'm doing.
Title: Re: 12/13 February
Post by: Sergeant Pluck on 10 February, 2011, 10:03:48 pm: This sounds like a good ride. Prior commitments of the studying kind prevent me from attending, I'm afraid :(
Title: Re: 12/13 February
Post by: peliroja on 11 February, 2011, 01:13:27 am: I'm out, I'm afraid. Work too crazy and I'm shattered. I'm still working, in fact. :(
Title: Re: 12/13 February
Post by: clarion on 11 February, 2011, 09:30:21 am: Quarter past one? That is crazy. Sorry to hear it.
Title: Re: 12/13 February
Post by: TimO on 11 February, 2011, 10:54:25 am: Quote from: clarion on 11 February, 2011, 09:30:21 am
Quarter past one? That is crazy.

Quite, 0115Z isn't all that late, although it is kind of annoying then having to spend an hour cycling home before you can crash out! ;D

I think I've both gone to work, and left work, at every hour around the clock, at one time or another. Travelling home, when it's after sunrisen is a little off putting, especially when it isn't because of a FNRttC. :-\

Unfortunately, I think I'm going to have to change my mind, and give this ride a miss. I'm actually very tired, although more through an inability to get a decent nights sleep for the last few nights, than working excessively late, and I really really need to do some work around the house, which I've managed to put off for the last three weeks, through going cycling at the weekend.

Since I also seem to be able to bugger up my knees quite easily at the moment, a weekend without a 60+ miles ride is probably a good idea, or I may not be able to do the March FNRttC, and the Cheam & Morden Hilly 50, which would be annoying.
Title: Re: 12/13 February
Post by: mike on 11 February, 2011, 11:00:33 am: am also borderline, woudl love to do it but my chest infection isnt quite cleared up and I dont want to do anything which might make it worse again. Am going to try a pootle this afternoon and see what happens..
Title: Re: 12/13 February
Post by: Tim Hall on 11 February, 2011, 12:36:35 pm: Latest news:

Mrs. Hall has a snotty cold and is unlikely to attend. We'll see.

I'll be there, as (hopefully) will be my mate Jan, veteran of the odd FNRTTC.
Title: Re: 12 February Kent Coast
Post by: clarion on 11 February, 2011, 01:21:08 pm: Dropping like flies, they are :(
Title: Re: 12 February Kent Coast
Post by: Jurek on 11 February, 2011, 03:48:42 pm: Looks like it won't be too cold tomorrow - temperatures just scraping into double figures.
Doesn't look like there's a major threat of much rain either - maybe just the occasional shower.
Wind, as is usual, will be behind us.

I think most of you have my mobile - anyone who doesn't and would like it, PM me and I'll forward it to you.

Time, I think, to name names:

Clarion
Butterfly
Wowbagger
Tim Hall (+1?)
Mice
Adam
~~Mrs Hall~~ :(
~~Peliroja~~ :(
~~TimO~~ :(
~~Mike~~ :(
Yours Truly

and a brace of last minute deciders standing shyly in the wings.

Any more takers?

08:30 depart from Starbucks adjacent to Cutty Sark Gardens - Whitstable 60 miles later.
Title: Re: 12 February Kent Coast
Post by: clarion on 11 February, 2011, 03:54:55 pm: Sounds like fun :)
Title: Re: 12 February Kent Coast
Post by: mike on 11 February, 2011, 06:35:07 pm: deffo out now, sorry folks. Went for a pootle this afternoon and my chest isnt up to it without using the car / train to get there, which kind of defeats the object.. :(
Title: Re: 12 February Kent Coast
Post by: Jurek on 11 February, 2011, 06:39:07 pm: Quote from: mike on 11 February, 2011, 06:35:07 pm
deffo out now, sorry folks. Went for a pootle this afternoon and my chest isnt up to it without using the car / train to get there, which kind of defeats the object.. :(

Shame, Mike - it would've been good to see you. GWS.
Title: Re: 12 February Kent Coast
Post by: Adam on 11 February, 2011, 07:01:40 pm: Ah well.

On the positive side, you can remove the query smiley against my name, as I'm all sorted.

Depending upon my progress through the northern suburb badlands, I'll probably be crossing the bridge after Wow. Therefore don't worry about waiting for me if I've not got to Asda in Greenhithe around the same time, as you know I'll catch you up. :P

Besides, it's not as if I don't know the route.........
Title: Re: 12 February Kent Coast
Post by: Jurek on 11 February, 2011, 07:02:44 pm: Yay!

See you tomorrow.
Title: Kent coast
Post by: Wowbagger on 12 February, 2011, 08:52:39 am: Well I'm on a train but it isn't going anywhere yet. Moist in Saarfend.
Title: Kent coast
Post by: Wowbagger on 12 February, 2011, 12:35:32 pm: Nine of us are at elevenses.
Title: Re: 12 February Kent Coast
Post by: peliroja on 12 February, 2011, 04:41:23 pm: I hope it's going well!

I went to bed just after midnight with a tentative plan to get up early and join you today on solo. However, I overslept and have only just woken up now, when Woolly got back from work.

I must have been a bit tired. :-[
Title: Kent coast
Post by: Wowbagger on 12 February, 2011, 07:39:12 pm: A very good day's ride. A pity you couldn't join us, Peli, but it sounds as though you needed your sleep. The weather was very kind to us and I got me legs out in the afternoon. I came back via the Tilbury ferry which was inundated with yoof with bmx bikes who also rode to Tilbury for the train.
Title: Re: 12 February Kent Coast
Post by: clarion on 12 February, 2011, 11:29:54 pm: A grand day out. Thanks to Jurek for leading so well, and for all the folk who came along.

Can't stop to give any kind of ride report just now, but it was magnificent.
Title: Re: 12 February Kent Coast
Post by: Jurek on 13 February, 2011, 05:21:40 pm: What started out as hues of uninspiring grey, gradually improved by lunchtime, and by the time we’d shed the last of the badlands of Sittingbourne, the final twenty or so miles of this ride were conducted under azure blue skies with the falling sun casting long, mottled shadows through pollarded poplars across the lanes which were our path. I cannot fault that.

Eight of us left Cutty Sark Gardens not much before 09:00. Nice to see an unexpected appearance from His Leggship who accompanied us for part of the ride. A short wait at Greenhithe Asda swelled our numbers to ten following Wow and Adam having hitched themselves a lift over the Dartford Crossing.

The first lumpy parts of this ride, as we descended and ascended into Northfleet, saw two of our participants fall prey to unrelated mechanicals which caused their driven wheels to stop. Half an hour or so passed and mass intervention by Tim Hall, His Leggship and Adam saw to it that Mice and Andrij were on their way™ and able to continue with the ride. Shortly thereafter His Leggship bade us farewell as we headed towards lunch in Rochester.

Andy’s Snacks delivered lunch in a wholesome fashion as is usual. With Kieron, the proprietor, being as hospitable as ever. By the time we left, an hour or so later, the first bits of blue were starting to show themselves in the sky, and increasingly stayed with us for the remainder of the day.

A little route improvisation was called for as we left Chatham on account of JCBs having made Globe Lane mostly disappear. Three or four miles later we ditched the dual carriageways and were once again back on traffic-lite country lanes. By the time we reached Boxted Lane, to the east of Upchurch, the sun had made its presence felt to the extent that a stop was called for, to enable layers to be peeled off, and legs to be exposed. :o

The gruntiest hill of this ride (Oak Hill – just before Sittingbourne) was tackled with aplomb by all following which, (after Sittingbourne) the ride became replete with sublime panoramas, and nothing much other than soaking up the scenery to bother any rider.

The facefull of unidentified liquid I was the recipient of, and the thrown bottle Butterfly received from the occupants of an oncoming car, as we crossed Graveney Marshes, will not in any way diminish or mar the pleasure I and, I think, all others had from this ride. The occupants of said car will go to hell. With poo on their heads.

Final refreshments were had at The Whitstable Waterfront Club, where Faye (the manageress) came over to exchange pleasantries. Shortly thereafter, I believe there was something of a sprint to catch the 17.39 to Victoria. My understanding is the train was caught by all with (not many) minutes to spare. For my part, I stayed in Whitstable overnight.

This morning I set out to ride back. A stiff breeze made itself known as I crossed the marshes at Seasalter. I reached The Sportsman, turned the corner and WALLOP! It was as if I’d hit a brick wall of headwind. I struggled to get the MPHs into double figures as I made my way towards Faversham. There was no way I was going to attempt the ride back to Londres in this headwind! :(
Southeastern Train Operating Company got my money. My bike and I got a ride on one of their trains.

Thanks to the OP for looking for a ride – I hope all who came enjoyed it as much as I did. Given the time of year and evolving countryside, it’ll not be too long before I’m heading down this way again.

Washing machine is currently removing The Skog of Kent from the Lycra. Wish I had a machine for doing the same for the bike.
Title: Re: 12 February Kent Coast
Post by: Mice on 13 February, 2011, 08:04:54 pm: Another Great Ride! I think this is a my longest ride so far - a bit over 70 miles (not sure of size of bit!). Great company, great fun and a brilliant route. Even the sun came to say hello. Thank you so much for all your help, encouragement, trike diagnostics, chain repairs, key carrying, dietary advice and general laughter. So pleased that the mechanical issues were kindly fixed so I could complete the trip. I have some pics and will try to upload them ... Greatly look forward to the next one. Oh, and I did ride home from the station!! Unlike last week when I was so pulverised I could hardly pick my feet up let alone my wheels! Hmm. Now to upload the photos. I think they may have to go to a url first...

Meanwhile - a big thanks again to all of you. M
Title: Re: Kent coast
Post by: rower40 on 13 February, 2011, 08:42:20 pm: Quote from: Wowbagger on 12 February, 2011, 07:39:12 pm
... the Tilbury ferry which was inundated with yoof with bmx bikes who also rode to Tilbury for the train.
Were they following you to find out where their presents come from?
Title: Re: 12 February Kent Coast
Post by: Adam on 13 February, 2011, 08:52:35 pm: Not a lot to add to the above!

A very nice day out, which involved an early start to do some route checking to Dartford, and then basically on auto-pilot, just enjoying the sights, including spotting in Gravesend what turns out to be the biggest Sikh temple (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/kent/7719169.stm) outside of India.

Although I didn't expose my legs, I was in short sleeves for some of the ride, which must be a record for February.

94 & a bit miles in total, and I didn't feel tired, and nothing ached today either. Although I must admit I haven't yet got round to cleaning the bike, which is laden down with several kg of dirt.

Thanks Jurek and everyone else.
Title: Re: 12 February Kent Coast
Post by: Tim Hall on 13 February, 2011, 08:58:53 pm: Great ride, great company, great write up.

Mice, to post pictures you'll need them hosted online somewhere first. I use Picasa Web albums, which gets you umpty GB of online space. Run Picasa on your computer to index and carry out basic editing. Select the ones you want to upload and shazzam! It's all done. To show the photos in a post, right click on the online version, copy image location.

Click the photo icon up there ^ and paste the url. Like this:

(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_4-9WXGlMFks/TVhDEJZdIoI/AAAAAAAACUE/nh5BqrPZfvo/s800/IMGP5197.JPG)

To link to an online album, there's a "link to this album" button, which spews forth a url, which can be pasted, Like this (https://picasaweb.google.com/timk200/JurekSWhitstableRide?feat=directlink)
Title: Re: 12 February Kent Coast
Post by: clarion on 13 February, 2011, 09:04:04 pm: Some great photos - some of things I hadn't spotted (like the Co-op, the curious last pic, and the detailing on (I presume) the bridge at Rochester), and some of things I had (Butterfly, for instance).

I see you posted a pic of the perpetrator of the Great Breakfast Theft. ;D
Title: Re: 12 February Kent Coast
Post by: Tim Hall on 13 February, 2011, 09:51:48 pm: Quote from: clarion on 13 February, 2011, 09:04:04 pm
Some great photos - some of things I hadn't spotted (like the Co-op,
Faversham High Street. I saw it and thought of you. And the Rochdale Pioneers.

Quote
the curious last pic,
Just along from the Co-op, on the same house as the BFI plaque. In fact there were two (presumabaly) Madonna onna donkey, parts of the other one can be seen under the film plaque.

Quote
and the detailing on (I presume) the bridge at Rochester),
Correct.

Quote
and some of things I had (Butterfly, for instance).
I think you noticed her some time ago.

Quote
I see you posted a pic of the perpetrator of the Great Breakfast Theft. ;D
'e's going dahn.
Title: Re: 12 February Kent Coast
Post by: StuAff on 13 February, 2011, 10:26:38 pm: Sounds like a great day out, oiks of Kent notwithstanding. Whitstable's always great on FNRs, would be fun to do it in daylight some time.
Title: Re: 12 February Kent Coast
Post by: Mice on 13 February, 2011, 11:19:59 pm: Quote from: Tim Hall on 13 February, 2011, 08:58:53 pm
Great ride, great company, great write up.

Mice, to post pictures aelect the ones you want to upload and shazzam! It's all done. To show the photos in a post, right click on the online version, copy image location.

Here are my pics. Nothing like the quality of Tim H's but here they are (I think) anyway! I havent quite sussed the "shazzam" of the neat link either (yet). Regardless of my pics - it was a really great day.

M

(https://picasaweb.google.com/108733694586194797062/YACFWhitstable12thFeb2011?authkey=Gv1sRgCLfSwZzmrOLqAw&feat=directlink)

https://picasaweb.google.com/108733694586194797062/YACFWhitstable12thFeb2011?authkey=Gv1sRgCLfSwZzmrOLqAw&feat=directlink (https://picasaweb.google.com/108733694586194797062/YACFWhitstable12thFeb2011?authkey=Gv1sRgCLfSwZzmrOLqAw&feat=directlink)