North Kent Ride to Shipwrights Arms, Faversham November 20th

Thanks to everyone who came along Alison, Katie, Alan, Suley and Gary met with me outside Halfords and we met up with Jurek at Bromley in plenty of time for the train- me overplanning as usual. And on the train Joan and TJ and then in Bearsted car park itself Ian, Peter Jan and Alan, a local guy who asked if he could come along too. No problem, always grateful for local knowledge and he proved to be a great riding companion too. And last but definitely not least, Helen, being waved off by her husband and dogs (I fell in love instantly with the little silky black cockapoo).

Alan showed me a better way out of Bearsted than I had chosen and then we headed out along a stretch of the Pilgrims Way eastwards then northwards up what I had told people was the only real hill on this ride.  Hollingbourne.  It’s a good one and a few walked.  No problem- we always wait and give you a chance to breathe at the top. Chapeau to Peter and Jan on the tandem which got all the way up with incredible poise and balance. Then down under the M20 and a few miles later the M2, although in these quiet little back lanes the momentary buzz of the traffic above you is the only clue to the presence of these massive routes across the south east. Then the lanes get quieter as you head east and north towards Conyer- a bit of off road here along the NCN 1 but I think it’s worth it for the views of the boatyard and the ride alongside the creek. Then off to Oare and then lunch- people were getting hungry and we had booked our table for 1.30.  Time was pressing due to a few mechanicals (quickly sorted at the back by our able TEC’s before I even realised they had occurred- very impressive, Ian and Jurek) so I had to pass up the chance of picking the last of the autumn sloes from the hedgerows- no sloe gin this year for me I fear. But who  would dare come between a hungry cyclist and dinner, let alone 13 of them.

The staff at the pub didn’t seem to mind that we were a bit late- very laid back and friendly.  I believe food and beer (gravity drawn- is that the right term) were appreciated by all.  The pub is well worth a visit- Shipwrights Arms Faversham Creek. Shame we couldn’t have spent longer there- it’s so cosy and quirky- I will try and plan a ride that actually ends there so those that like such things can imbibe and relax to their hearts content beside one of the open fires and then just pootle the 2 miles or so to Faversham station (that would include me).

Joan and TJ left us after lunch- they had always planned to go back from Faversham and Alison decided a couple of miles into the return to do the same- my apologies for not saying goodbye. It was good to meet you- another good riding companion.  The rest of us headed back to Bearsted. Thanks to everyone for the banter, chat and cheer despite the fact that this was  not the largely flat ride after the hill at the beginning, as I had described it and which some of you were expecting. My apologies. I kept hitting a hill on the return and thinking, oh dear, I forgot about this one. I’ll do better next time.  I would like to thank  Alan for his local knowledge which enabled us to change our route on the return to cut out a few little climbs. We headed back through Ringlestone and down Hollingbourne Hill.
We ended the ride in the dark, crisp and clear autumn air under a practically full moon with the lights of Maidstone twinkling in the distance from our extended viewpoint along the Pilgrims Way.  Absolutely beautiful.

Thanks to all who came.