At the last minute myself, Duncan and Ivan had to abandon our plans to do some climbing in wales due to a bad weather forecast. On a whim we decided that we would cycle up to Margate in north Kent. We mapped out our own route of 87 miles based loosely on the sustrans route followed by a more direct 62 mile route back which skirted around Canterbury and ashford. this proved to be a surprisingly enjoyable trip, the Kent countryside is much more rural and attractive than you would expect. The lack of hills (apart from an incredibly hard one near Dover castle) made for relatively easy riding although we were all relieved when we finally got back over battery Hill to the end of the route.Margate is a dump but the hotel we stayed at was clean and excellent value plus we found a great/cheap curry house!In the future we may repeat this route again but come out at Whitstable this time which is a much nicer place.
Day 1: 87 miles average speed 15.8 mph
Day 2 62 miles average speed 13.8 mph
S.C
As a member or guest of Hastings & St.Leonards cycling club, you participate in club runs, rides or training sessions entirely at your own risk. You must accept responsibility for your own conduct and safety at all times, including the road worthiness, safety and security of your bike and equipment. We strongly recommend you take out appropriate third party insurance such as that offered by CTC or British Cycling. PLEASE NOTE, THIS BLOG SITE IS NO LONGER UPDATED
Monday 22 August 2011
Thursday 18 August 2011
Bewl water August 12
Rather chilly weather at Bewl water this night. present were myself, Ivan, Malcolm, Paul B and Josef. Having completed one lap were were not sure whether to do another lap as it was spitting by then. Myself, Ivan and Josef were all feeling a bit lazy but Malcolm persuaded us to risk it. It was a good call as the rain didn't come to anything but it was pretty dark under the trees by the time I came in last . We were all glad we did the second lap as we all got a good workout. Only two more Bewl water sessions left before the end of the season!
Eastbourne circular Off road Aug 7
This was a slight variation on an old ride (blackcap farm).Present were myself, paul K, Ivan, malcolm and Chris W.The ride started at the beginning of the South Downs at eastbourne heading over the golf course towards jevington and then Alfriston. As the tracks were very dry we took the old bridleway that goes all the way from Alfriston to firle (easy) rather than the lumpy way over the south downs itself. At firle there is a great road climb up to the top of the top of firle Beacon. Chris went off like a rocket (sprint), Ivan paced himself with his diesel power and just barely managed to reach the top ahead of Chris by about half a wheel. from here we took the blackcap farm route south and then looping back to the downs via Peacehaven. malcolm showed me how to get back up to the downs via a concrete path which was much easier than the grassy bridleways. On reaching Alfriston my GPS directed us up a bridleway leading to friston forest which I had never used before, this turned out to be a great path. The route through Friston forest proved to be very hard and shamefully myself and paul had to get off at one point and walk. Unfortunately we couldnt find the bridle way that cut out the road leading to beachy head but apart from that this was a great ride.Chris particularly enjoyed it (first mtb ride this season) so hopefuly he will come on another before the season finishes). Distance 28 miles.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)