Man Of Kent 200 - 23 March 2014

[Cyklisten]

you weren't on the edition of The Crown when a FWD Fiat engined Winnibago-style thing got stuck on the way up ;we were invited to dismount and help push the thing up in cycling cleats 

Was right behind you! 

[redfalo]

A great day out. But agree: Train access from the Big Smoke is an issue. I was lucky enough to enjoy the pre-ride hospitalities of our very own mmmmartin  otherwise I could not have made it.

I was surprised how flat Kent can be!

here are some pics

[ianrauk]

Ianrauk, it's just clicked... Was that you on the blue Cannondale?

If so, I saw you and Lady C at various points throughout the day without realising... (I was on the Orbea.)

In the pics from Redfalo above.
In the top pic... that's me on the left in the FNR jersey.

[mmmmartin]

And in the top pic, that me on the right. Fortunately, he chose not to put up the pic of me cooking his breakfast, while wearing only my dressing gown.....

[martind]

And in the top pic, that me on the right. Fortunately, he chose not to put up the pic of me cooking his breakfast, while wearing only my dressing gown.....

And thats me over your left shoulder, with my face chopped off!

[hillbilly]

That's my red beanie hat and brevet card next to Martin's elbow.  Fame! (Almost)

[Cold Snail]

And that's my hat with the downlight on the table.

[hillbilly]

I'm sat in a cafe in Dymchurch, with the wind tugging at the tree tops and the sky overcast.  But "We can work it out" is chirping from the speakers.  Nice to be back out this way so soon after the MoK2c.

[mmmmartin]

I hope you had a strong tailwind today, rather than a headwind. It's pretty strong in west Kent.

[hillbilly]

Tail out.  Headwind back.

That which does not destroy us makes us stronger.

I might convert that DIY into a calendar event if I can chop out some of the main roads that weren't so great.  The rest of it was very nice, with some great views.

I had a rude awakening coming off the marsh.  There is a most unexpected hill from the military canal after Appledore.  Thank goodness for derailleurs.

[TigaSefi]

Is this event being run next Month? Unless my eyes are failing me, The routes were updated yesterday on the auk website but the date is still 2014??

[man of kent]

I'm afraid not due to non availability of Faversham Vicarage on the Sundays I could do in March (blame Easter for being so early this year!). Fear not though  the Man of Kent 200 calendar event will be back on March 19th 2017. The Man of Kent Series is also available throughout the year as permanent rides from 200k-400k.

There will be other San Fairy Ann Audaxes in 2016, all starting from Bethersden, near Ashford. The Fairies 5 is on Sunday June 19 and will be on the AUK calendar shortly. The usual Fairies hospitality will be provided on rides from 50k to 300k. For newer riders these are ideal for stepping up a distance as they are all very flat with plenty of controls with ample food available.

The Fairies 100 and 200 Autumn Audaxes are also running again this year and will be on the AUK calendar in due course.

[citoyen]

 

I was a bit concerned when I noticed the lack of MoK in the calendar this year - thought you might be hanging up your organiser boots or something.

Next time you have a shortage of vicarages, give me a shout - I might be able to help with controls in the area.

[Arry-R]

Ahhh am looking forward to the events from Bethersden.  Always well organised.
 

[mmmmartin]

The Fairies 5 is on Sunday June 19 

Have commitment elsewhere on that day so cannot make them: however, I do have the perm cards for, and hope to ride sometime this year, the very excellent Man of Kent 200, 300 and 400k - for which this post is an unashamed ad.