Picture - Ightham Mote sunset.A select few (Andrew, Keith, Janice, Jake, Paul, Ray, Jeff, Norman & Richard) joined me for a ride into Kent, a beautiful county but with some vicious hills.
I chose the route via Woldingham to arrive at Westerham before 11am. Ray returned before 11's, Andrew as usual rode off to an unknown destination leaving me to head north to pick up the Pilgrim's Way and we rode eastwards toward Otford, Kemsing and south to lunch at Ightham.
The first pub appeared unsuitable (roasts only) but for sandwich eaters it was perfect, a table in the sun....................... watching Norman attend to a puncture.
The remainder, totalling 4, continued in search of that reasonably priced meal but ended up at The Snail in Stone Street where deep pockets were required - £4 a pint?????????
After regrouping, except for Norman who for reasons remain unclear, we continued along the ridge to pass south of Knole Park, Yorks Hill to Ide Hill where we were rewarded with a fast decent into Brasted.
That's where the fun ended because to reach Downe we needed to go up,seriously up and because this Kent, survival of the fittest was in evidence as we approached Brasted Hill, a one arrow hill that dropped us into Cudham and tea.
Richard reappeared having been delayed by a buckled back wheel and no spoke key, but plenty of replacement spokes............a lesson learnt?I doubt it.
A fast ride home 1' 20" in perfect conditions for cycling - and long awaited Spring like weather.
72.778 miles from Ewell.
PS. Just returned from a short break to Lulworth Cove where the sun barely went in.............stunning weather.
I chose the route via Woldingham to arrive at Westerham before 11am. Ray returned before 11's, Andrew as usual rode off to an unknown destination leaving me to head north to pick up the Pilgrim's Way and we rode eastwards toward Otford, Kemsing and south to lunch at Ightham.
The first pub appeared unsuitable (roasts only) but for sandwich eaters it was perfect, a table in the sun....................... watching Norman attend to a puncture.
The remainder, totalling 4, continued in search of that reasonably priced meal but ended up at The Snail in Stone Street where deep pockets were required - £4 a pint?????????
After regrouping, except for Norman who for reasons remain unclear, we continued along the ridge to pass south of Knole Park, Yorks Hill to Ide Hill where we were rewarded with a fast decent into Brasted.
That's where the fun ended because to reach Downe we needed to go up,seriously up and because this Kent, survival of the fittest was in evidence as we approached Brasted Hill, a one arrow hill that dropped us into Cudham and tea.
Richard reappeared having been delayed by a buckled back wheel and no spoke key, but plenty of replacement spokes............a lesson learnt?I doubt it.
A fast ride home 1' 20" in perfect conditions for cycling - and long awaited Spring like weather.
72.778 miles from Ewell.
PS. Just returned from a short break to Lulworth Cove where the sun barely went in.............stunning weather.
No comments:
Post a Comment