BACK
Captain’s
Log
(Latest first)
27/3/11 – Spring
Classic
Today,
the first day of British Summer Time and waiting for me at Cobham were Jason,
Alan and Kate. The route chosen for today was a little special and a little
longer than usual. We headed off through Longfield and Horton Kirby, crossing
the A20 and through Eynsford. Turning off towards Shoreham and the climbing
began. Up and down we went and climbed out of the valley to cross the A21 and
into Halstead. The roads were really pleasant and we saw lots of other cyclists
out, but lots of long drags until we reached the high point of the route and we
could see for miles over Surrey. Approaching Whyteleafe, we descended – a very
rapid and steep drop and then we were there at Whyteleafe on the A22. A short
stretch on the A22 and we were back onto the country lanes and the penalty for
that rapid descent was of course an equally long 8% climb back to the top of
the hills. From here it was a brisk ride back and eventually we were back at
Eynsford.
One
of our longest rides this year – almost 60 miles and over 4 hours non-stop – no wonder I’m now feeling
tired!
27/2/11 – The Hills
are Alive with the sound of tyres
Well
I promised a route today of twists & turns and ups & downs and, well I
don’t think anybody was disappointed.
We
set off from Cobham on one of our usual routes through the back lanes towards
Wrotham. The first few miles are always hard, lots of long drags, but these
were only a taster of hills yet to come. We made the top of Exedown then a rapid
descent into Knatts Valley. Then on reaching Eynsford memorial, a sharp left
turn and we hit the first of the real climbs. This is the one used by CC Bexley
for their annual Hill Climb championship, so you can imagine it was a
challenge. All over safely followed by more descents down to the Pilgrim’s Way
and then more upward drags and eventually reached Wrotham Village.
But
no rest as we continued on the Pilgrim’s Way to Trottiscliffe and then the real
climbing started. A monster of a climb, at least 1 in 4 and from the bottom
looks vertical. But we all reached the top and then it was all speed ahead back
to Meopham where we all went out separate ways home.
It
was a fine turn out this morning – an unbelievable nine! [Keith, Jason, Allan,
Steve H, Phil, Kate and two riders out for the first time Peter, Alan and an
old familiar face Neil out after an 18mth break, on a sparkling Giant of a
bike]. I think all are better climbers now than they were a few hours ago!
Promise
the next ride will be on a flatter route – may even be on my fixie next time!
13/2/11 - Perils of a Late Night
Suffering
from lack of sleep this morning. Last night we were baby-sitting in Clapham
until gone mid-night, then an hour’s drive home. Slept through my alarm and
only stumbled out of bed at the time I would normally have left. So a text
message to Jason and arranged to meet nearer to Longfield. In the end only
three of us out today – Jason, Alan & me. I think the forecasts for wet and
stormy weather moving sweeping the country must have scarred a few away.
We
headed off via Sutton At Hone and Swanley to Crockenhill. No major climbs, but
plenty of drags and my lack of sleep really told. Lagging behind on every hill
and it was quite a relief a few miles later when Alan was forced to stop to fix
a puncture and we all had a rest, watching Alan wrestle with his tyres. Back on
our bikes and along the Pilgrim’s Way, admiring some of the palatial country
houses in the distance. From Wrotham, we took the Meopham road and then back home.
Probably
just over 30 miles for me today, but with the cold, the drags and the puncture
stops was enough.
6/2/11 – The Gravesend
Express.
Four
out today – Jason, Dean, Alan and me. The winds were fierce, but the first few miles
were through the narrow country lanes, sheltered by high hedges on both sides.
We made rapid progress in spite of the long upward drags and soon we were
through Borough Green and West Malling. Out through East Malling and eventually
over the A20 and up through Eccles and then the Motorway Bridge and the final
climb – our own Col D’Cobham. I made it just over 2 hours today, must be one of
our quickest rides this year.
But
the ride home from Cobham to Longfield was straight into the headwind and it
was strong. Glad to be at home now.
30/1/11 – Gravesend CC
Reliability Trial
It
was cold and a head wind as I rode up to met the others at Cobham memorial.
Jason, Steve H, Steve S, Alan & Phil. Some with sparkling cassettes and
colour coded chains, putting my mud-encrusted steed to shame. Will have to get
the vim out when I get home. So on to Shorne Park to sign on. It seemed like
everybody who owned a bike was there. Colin, Len my predecessor, Patrick, Kate,
Mike, Paul C and soon to be a member – David. I think we can claim a record
turnout with 13 GCC members out on their bikes today and there were a few
noticeably absent today as well. The future looks bright.
The
route took as out into the Grain peninsula right down to All Hallows. The roads
were twisty and the winds always seemed against us. The group fragmented and
the faster ones went ahead, but like the tortoise and the hare a couple of
puncture slowed the speedsters down and we kept re-grouping. The expected tail
wind home did not seem to materialise, or I may just have been tiring, but
eventually got back to the Shorne Country Park, but only after the final climb
up Pear Tree Lane.
Outside
the park, Ian the event organiser was waiting and handed out the certificates
- 29 mikes in 2 ¾ hours!
And
still another 10 miles home – no wonder I feel tired!
23/1/11 - CC Bexley Reliability Trial
The
first of the season’s reliability trials and instead of our normal meeting
place, we assembled at the Horton Kirby CC
pavilion to sign on for the event. There was Alan, Dean, Steve H, Phil,
Jason and myself. Jason opted for the longer 100k route and was soon off,
hoping to hang on to the wheels of some of the 1st Cat roadies
taking part. The rest of us, much older & wiser decided on the shorter 50 k
route.
We
were soon off and for a few miles the pace was quite gentle, but eventually a
fast moving bunch caught and overtook us. The temptation to raise the pace and
try and hang on was too great and before long we were speeding along at a rapid
pace. Along the Pilgrim’s way, then down to Shipbourne for the half way check,
then the climb past Ightham Mote and eventually back along the Pilgrim’s Way,
through Eynsford and eventually back to the HQ. It had been quite a hard ride
and it was good to be back.
There
was tea and cakes at the HQ, but for me, I headed off home. On my reckoning,
the club would have scored 7 points. Don’t think it will put us on the podium,
but a good target for next year!
16/1/11 - Mild Days
After
a very cold December, at last we had some mild weather. Four today headed off
on “Len’s Route” (Jason, Paul, Allan and myself). The back roads were full of
potholes and very muddy, but all taken in our stride. The pace was hot and we
made good progress, down to Wrotham and West Malling. Then the long steady
climb through Eccles and over the Motorway Bridge and finally up the last hill
back to the memorial.
For
some, it might have been a little tough, but with all the Reliability Trials
ahead of us, we needed the workout.
9/1/11 – Psssssssssssssss
– pop!
What
a day - Four of us all eager to get off (Jason, Dean, Paul & myself) and
before we even started, Paul’s rear was flat. So a quick tyre change and off,
but within 2 miles – “Pop”, Paul’s front tyre went with a bang. Eventually on
our way to Tonbridge, but our bad luck struck once more – this time my rear
went flat. Once repaired, we made Tonbridge in fine spirit and made a pit stop
at Cyclops to buy some extra spare inner tubes. But they were not needed as we
took on Exedown and through the back lanes to Longfield Hill.
I
looked at my computer – just over 30 since leaving Cobham, but with all the
stopping, well over 3 hours and by the time I got home just over 40 miles.
2/1/11 – Mystery Ride
After
some severe weather, it was quite a treat to get out on the road bikes once
more. Five made it to Cobham (Jason, Steve H, Allan, Patrick and myself), with
news trickling through that one more (Paul) had punctured at Pepperhill. So we
dropped the planned route and headed off to Nell’s Café roundabout to join up
with Paul. Must admit, I was feeling slightly uncomfortable. After preaching
the virtues of a single fixed gear, today I was on my gears bike and Patrick
& Paul were both on fixies, putting me to shame.
We
tried to get back to the planned route and headed towards Wrotham, but the main
road from Meopham had subsided and there was a police blockade stopping us. So
a U-Turn then into the twisty bumpy little lanes, dodging pot holes and 4X4’s.
Eventually we made it to the Pilgrim’s Way and then onto Otford. Along the way
we caught up with an old club mate from the Gemini (Ray Harrod). Hard to
believe, but I remember a trip with Ray, to watch the “World’s” at Leicester,
back in 1970. Was it really 41 years ago?
By
now, the Christmas inactivity’s were beginning to take their toll, so a right
turn and straight back through Eynsford and Horton Kirby, back to Longfield and
for me home.
A
good start to the year.
5/12/10 – Snow Stopping Some.
After a week of cold snow
conditions, today the roads are beginning to thaw out, but lots of snow in the
field and the tiny lanes.
Two brave riders – Keith
& Steve made it to Cobham and on MTB’s! It was really refreshing to be out
on the bike today, but after the photo-shoot, it was back towards Longfield and
a hot cup of coffee.
|
|
|
|
Click on photo for large image
21/11/10 – Warm
November Day
Well
today was quite warm, at least for January. Just a few drops of rain now and again
and the roads had a few puddles, but generally it was quite dry and very little
wind.
It
was like Piccadily Circus at Cobham this morning. Six from the GCC – Jason,
Dean, Phil, Alan and myself and that Mountain man – Patrick, showing-off a
beast of a MTB, which was actually lighter than his Hill Climbing road bike!
Patrick though, was with the CTC mob today and said farewell as the five of us
shot down the hill and headed off round “Len’s Route”. A good route, no major
climbs, but lots of drags and made us all work hard. But it wasn’t that long,
well 2 hours and we were riding back over the M2 bridge and then the final
climb up Col De Cobham to complete the circuit.
Finally
home after three and a half hours of non-stop riding and on a fixed – ready for
lunch!
14/11/10 – Cold & Damp
Wasn’t too bad riding out to
Cobham. Just the three of us this morning – Jason, Alan and me and the ride
started optimistically through the lanes to Meopham. There was plenty of damp
greasy roads, making us nervous going round the bend (I wonder why?), so on
reaching Meopham, we stuck mostly to the main roads. Back through Longfield,
then past the famous chimney stack at Horton Kirkby and down towards Otford,
where we took the Pilgrim’s Way. There were signs of it getting a bit wetter,
so Alan & me took the Terry’s Lodge climb up to West Kingsdown and back
home. Jason with lots of energy left in his legs, decided to take a longer loop
home and was last seen heading towards Maidstone (or maybe the Kent coast?).
But for a day like to day, I
was pretty pleased with the 30+ miles ridden under cold and damp conditions.
10/11/10 – Next
Club Run?
This
looks like a challenge for the next club run – Don’t forget you mudguards
7/11/10 – Plenty of Fireworks!
After a few weeks of very
mild weather, this morning was back to near normal temps for a November Sunday.
But it was dry and sunny, so did not feel too cold.
Four of us out today –
repeat of last week with Jason, Alan, Steve H and myself – we must be the keen
ones, out in all weathers.
Today it was back through
Longfield, and quickly into the rolling country lanes. First up Rabbits Lane,
the swooping down into Horton Kirkby, and then climbing up Ship Lane and
through Swanley Village, through Swanley Town itself and onto Crockenhill. The route out from here is one long drag
that makes the legs burn, before a couple of very steep descents and climbs into
the quiet Village of Shoreham. Out of Shoreham and onto more familiar roads
towards Otford and the Pilgrim’s Way. But not much rest for the legs as we hung
onto Jason’s wheel and turning off left up the real killer of a climb – Exedown
Hill.
We all made it to the top
and after a short rest we set off again. Myself taking a more direct route back
to Longfield and the others in search for a few more hills!
Only 37 miles this morning,
but with all the climbing it seemed like 38!
31/10/10 – Trick or Treat?
No treat this morning. Left
the house with that Spanish chap – Don de Cape. Fine drizzle all the way to
Cobham, but by 9am the rain had almost stopped. Just four riders set out today
– (Jason, Alan, Steve H and myself). We made a detour via Meopham to let Steve
pick up his bottle, then straight down to Wrotham and Borough Green. Still damp
but made good progress as we climbed up through Crouch then swooping down
through the twisting lanes down to Shipbourne. We turned right and started
climbing once more. We rode passed Ightham Mote shortly followed by the Terry’s
Lodge climb up to the A20. Finally taking the taking the Hartley Bottom road to
finish at the top of Longfield Hill where we all went separate ways home to our
Sunday Dinners.
23/10/10 – Record Turnout (8)
A
splendid morning - it was sunny although a little cold and at Cobham there was
a crowd waiting! If I can recall everybody, there was Jason, Dean, Steve, Kate,
Alan, Phil, guest rider Gemma and myself.
We
headed off towards Higham and onto the Isle of Grain. The route was exposed and
windy, but with very few hills so we kept to a roaring pace. We climbed up the
hill at High Halstead – quite a challenge. I reached the top out of breath
after chasing a few of the faster riders and decided to rest a while to wait
for the others to catch up. But after 10 mins – not a sign, so I turned and
rode back down the hill and in a short while met them – the puncture pixie had
struck the front wheel of one of the bikes and they were all giving support while
it was being fixed.
Eventually
we set off again and again the climb through High Halstead. Admiring the Thames
estuary as we rode and in a while we even caught up the speedsters and as one
group again eventually made it back to Cobham. Some with evidence of wheel
repairs still on their face, but all extremely pleased to have made it round, a
very good morning’s ride.
17/10/10 – Winter again
But today was a splendid day
for cycling - sunny and dry all morning. Four of us met at Cobham – Jason,
Dean, Steve Slade and me and we headed down the hill and through the lanes
towards Vigo. We saw lots of cyclists from other clubs – it really does seem
like a boom time for cycling. We all kept good pace following one of our
favourite routes “Len’s Route” as we sped through Ofham, West Malling and East
Malling and then over the little bridge at Aylesford before the grinding climb
towards the motorway bridge. Once over the bridge, we were soon at the foot of
the Col d’ Cobham but for a change I parted company with Jason & Dean
leaving them to fight it out for the King of the Mountain trophy and I took a
more direct route back through Meopham and to home.
A good mornings ride –
almost 4 hours and now ready for lunch!
31/3/10 - A break from riding a bike.
You
might notice a gap between this and my last entry. Well I did it again – on Jan
18th, out with 3 other riders; I took another tumble and broke my
collarbone again. So for the last 8 weeks, haven’t been out on the bike at all!
But the waiting is over and last Sunday tried a short ride and managed 16 miles
without too much discomfort, so I might try the next Sunday Club run on Easter
Sunday – could be Eggciting?
And
to spice it up a bit – have just bought a new bike on the firm’s Cycle2work
scheme – a good old retro fixie, but brand-new. Have decided that I am just
going too fast on my geared bike, so hopefully this will slow me down and help
me stay upright.
13/1/10 – Commuting
True to my promise, I have already
ridden a couple of times to work this week. This morning, the snow was trying
it’s hardest to settle, but the bike made light work of the snow and felt
sturdy without a hint of slippage. Must say though that the tyres are the
widest I have ever ridden and must be about 2.5 inches wide with lots of
nobbles on them.
But what you gain on the
grip, you lose on the speed and my commute took about 20 mins longer than
normal.
Arriving at the office and
hearing tales of others struggling to get into work by car and slipping in the
car park – and seeing the look on their faces when I turned up on a bike made
it all the more satisfying.
10/1/10 – Snow Club Run
The first week of the year
has seen plenty of snow. The WKRC Reliability has been cancelled, so no club
run this Sunday. However over the last couple of weeks, I have been fixing up
an old and very heavy mountain bike and eager to try out the heavy steed, I set
off on Sunday morning by myself in search of snow. I was not disappointed, it
began to snow and as I went through Fawkham Green and up to the Dogs Home the
roads were packed with snow and I soon warmed up as I crunched through the
snow. Only did about 12 miles, but it gave me confidence and I promised to
myself that I would commute to work next week.
1/1/10 – New Year’s Day Ride
|
|
Four of us were out today:
Jason, Ray, Alan and myself. Although intending to do the Longfield to
Whyteleafe and back route, with a lot of frost on the roads, we decided to
stick to the main roads and took shorter and pleasant circuit down to Otford,
along the A25 and back through Wrotham to Meopham. |
|
In places there was still
ice on the roads and snow in the hedgerows, but we all stayed upright as we
sped round. The pace was quite
fierce, I seemed to have lots of energy in my legs – must have been all the
Christmas pud I had eaten and Jason was his usual self, soaring up all the
climbs, making it look easy. So the first ride of the
year under our belts and good training for the reliability events coming up
over the next few weekends. |
|
5/12/09 – The first Saturday Run
With tomorrow (Sunday 6th)
being a first Sunday of the month and a “Walks Day”, we decided to try out a
ride on the Saturday. Just the two of us turned up for the first run – Alan and
myself, but with a lot of promises for future Saturdays from other members. I
hope it will give a bit of variation and entice a few others out.
We took an old favourite
route of mine, through the lanes to Eynsford, then towards Otford and taking
the Pilgrim’s Way to Wrotham and then back to Longfield via Meopham. A brisk
ride, taking just over 90 mins and left
us with plenty of time to spend the rest of the Saturday with our families.
29/11/09 – Shortest Club Run in the World?
The weather was not good. It
was fairly dry as I made my way to the start where I met up with Mike &
Jason. But on the stroke of 9, the heavens opened. Mike invited us both to Café
Coulter to shelter from the rain. But after a week’s commuting with every other
day getting a soaking, I headed straight for home and a warm dry house.
But Mike and Jason persevered
later reported; “After the garage coffee break and discussion about riding
sportifes and which to ride (see this week's CW) we set off sometime around
10.15 and went via Camer, Amazon & Tiger, Vigo, your back route via Labour
in Vain to top of A20, Kingsdown, Brands, right into Darenth straight along to
the T-junction, down the hill and back
along the Longfield rd, Sole St, Ifield where we split. I had 37m in
total. Slight rain at the back of Vigo for 5 mins, otherwise dry.”
22/11/09 – No Punctures!
We were lucky this week –
nobody punctured! Four of us (Jason, Graeme, new member Alan and myself) left
Cobham, heading for Birling. A rapid scary descent soon followed and it made a
good test of our brakes. With everybody down safely, we reached West Malling
and the Sunday Farmer’s Market. But no time to stop as we skirted round the
Village and climbed Kings Hill. Through the lanes we rode heading for Crouch.
The lanes were quiet and not without the occasional climb. It was a new route
for the club and I think it might become a regular route.
We emerged at Borough Green
and familiar roads and we made our way through Wrotham village up the Hill to
Meopham – and it was a good job the speed cameras were not working. The “Tibbs
Express” broke the 30 barriers speeding through Meopham Green!
15/10/09 – Five go for a ride
After a very wet week of
commuting to work, it was a good turnout today with Jason, Richard, Dean, Steve
and myself.
We set off through Longfield and before long started climbing, up
Longfield Hill, then up to Rabbits Farm, then after a couple of descents
climbed towards Speedgate Café only stopping for a puncture, not a coffee!
Straight past we sped up past Battersea Dogs home to the top of Exedown. A
rapid descent followed, down through Knatt’s Valley and on to Eynsford where we
met our hardest challenge of the day climbing out of Eynsford.
Finally reaching the
Pilgrim’s Way after about 2 hours riding, nearly all up hill! I could hear my
Sunday Dinner calling, so I tailed off up Terry’s Lodge Hill back to Longfield.
The others keen to get in more miles headed off towards Wrotham and even more
climbing.
Eventually reaching
Longfield have completed a lot of climbing over 3 hrs and a well earned rest.
11/10/09 – A 2-up Time Trial?
Just the two of us today
were brave enough to chance the weather. The week had been very wet and on my
commute to work had been drenched twice.
Jason and myself left Cobham, taking the road out through Longfield, Sutton
At Hone, and Swanley Village and onto Crockenhill. The roads in places were narrow and we sped through several small
villages before swooping down into Shoreham. No time to enjoy the bubbling
stream as Jason set a rapid pace up the hills. At times it seemed like a 2-up
taking it in turns to maintain the high pace.
Onto the Pilgrims Way and then just when we reached the high point on
the road, we turned left, up Terry’s Lodge climb and I settled down to plod up
the hill. I made it! The final stretch
was again quite rapid as we descended through Hartley and down to Longfield.
My computer showed 36 miles
in 2.5 hrs – not bad for a Sunday Club run!
4/10/09 – The First Winter Club Run of the Season
The
previous day had been extremely windy, but this morning we were treated to a
very mild and sunny autumn day. Six riders set off from Cobham (Jason, Derek,
Brian, myself and new riders Steve & Dean). We set off through the lanes
towards Vigo, following one of our classic rides – “Lens Route”. The pace was
brisk and we made fine progress down towards Wrotham, round to Offham and into
the old picturesque village of Aylesford.
But
no time to enjoy the scenery, the pace was high and they made me chase all the
way through Eccles and onto the Motorway bridge. Then down to Cuxton and then
the final climb of the day - the Col de Cobham. I think we made it round in a
record time of about 2hours!
It’s
Monday night now and my legs are still burning!