London to Rye
19 March 2005
Here is the write-up on Saturday's spectacular ride into Kent. Really was one of the best Wheelers rides I've ever been on...
Finally, winter was over and several Wheelers met on the Green Bridge early on Saturday
morning in order to have another crack at the Kent ride (previously ridden in Feb this year - ride report.)
The weather was perfect, a slight nip to the air but blue skies and the promise of warmer
temperatures as the day progressed.
Getting out of bed early were Gary (showing of his winter legs in shorts), Jane, Neville, Colin and
intrepid ride leader Steve C. Our aim was to do the first Wheeler 100 miler of the year but enjoy
ourselves on the way.
Initially we headed South towards the Greenwhich foot tunnel and luckily timed it so that the lifts
were working. Although the route was equally quiet, the big difference was how light it was compared
to the previous ride on the 6th of Feb. It was quite a bit warmer too!
Heading through South London was a breeze and within an hour and a half of set off we at hit the countryside.
It was still early enough to see some gentle mists over the fields, perfect cycling weather.
We continued on into Kent and the ground got quite hilly in places.
Neville was struggling with a stomach
problem and after pushing on gamely decided that the best thing was for him to head home.
Luckily Steve had planned the route to pass close to quite a few stations so it was not too far for
him to ride into SevenOaks and catch a train back into London.
The four of us headed on at a steady pace. Pushing up quite a large number of hills and speeding back down them.
We reached a fine pub, The Walnut Tree at Yalding after 45 miles and enjoyed their top food in the 'Posh' dining room.
Who says lycra is not appropriate dress? :O)
The terrain flattened out after lunch so we ate up the miles, enjoying the warmth and sunshine as we went.
By late-afternoon we hit the 75 mile mark and with our tired legs had stopped at one of the few village shops.
It was time to "Cake up"! We had now decided that our aim was to get to Rye, but we had a difficult decision.
We could head directly there and do 85 miles or we could meander a bit and hit the magic hundred!
Darkness was an hour and a half away, but we decided to risk that and go for it.
The meandering route took us over a military canal from Napoleonic times guarded by some gun emplacements from
World War II. On the far side were the marshes, where the roads sat above the surrounding land.
The sun was beginning to get low in the West and it was beautful pedalling along on the absolutely car free
roads. Our cake stop had given legs extra strength and we headed along at a brisk 17mph with no problems,
at one point we were joined by a Barn Owl that glided along next to us for a few yards. Magic.
Out of the marshes we turned right and headed along the final 10 miles towards Rye. As the sun set ahead of us,
Steve went off on a charge and the 3 of us tucked in behind him and got dragged along at a beautiful 20 mph.
It was an amazing feeling to be going this fast after 90 miles already gone, we all wanted to keep it going so
myself and Gary headed out front to keep up the pace for spells. It felt fantastic.
In no time we had covered the miles and had spotted Rye as a hill on the horizon in the late twilight.
The final mile into town saw us cross the magic 100 miles and allowed us to sit back on the train
with a sense of quiet satisfaction.
Back in London, our day was not done as all headed onto Kerry's birthday do. We maybe did not quite look as glamourous as most in the bar but it made the perfect end to a nearly perfect day!
Big thanks to Steve for leading us and doing a fine job with route and map reading. Thanks also to Gary, Jane and Neville for their fine company.
Colin
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