After a 32 mile solo trek over the North Kent Downs to Canterbury early on Easter morning, I undertook a similar trek yesterday to Whitstable. This one was about 30 miles (my cable snapped on my "on board computer" so I cannot be absolutely sure) and like the previous week's ride, the biggest obstacle is a 500 ft climb to the top of the Downs. All this happens in the first 5 miles but the great thing is that it is downhill thereafter. Freewheeling down through the country lanes of North kent and hitting the coast just east of Faversham, the final 6 miles was along the coast through Seasalter to my sister's house on the beach conveniently just opposite the Neptune pub (see piccie).
The weather was fantastic and any chill in the air was well and truly extinguished by the time I reached the top of the downs. Thankfully it was too early in the morning to consider refuelling stops. Passing the Black Horse on the Pilgrims Way, the Hook and Hatchet nestled in a wooded gully at the top of the Downs and then the fantastic Ringlestone Arms (seller of the county's finest pint - Master Brew!) ordinarily requires immense will power.
Following the snow earlier in the year, pot holes remain a real hazard although thankfully, yesterday these were more visible than last week as they were not lurking beneath puddles.
Following the snow earlier in the year, pot holes remain a real hazard although thankfully, yesterday these were more visible than last week as they were not lurking beneath puddles.
On the windy coast road into Whitstable I was twice overtaken by cycle clubs that seemed to be taking things far too seriously. I tried to get into their slipstream but failed miserably.
Having been greeted at my sister's house by my two nephews, I still had to wait an uncomfortable 90 mins before my support team turned up with a towel and change of clothes. I think my brother-in-law either had a cold or was far too polite to make a comment.
A two minute walk to the Pearson's Arms to celebrate my parent's 45th wedding anniversary and for the finest fish and chips in the land (beer battered and chips cooked in dripping plus minted mushy peas) was just the tonic. My support team (wife and kids) were there for the lift back home so the 15 mile freewheeling descent did not have to be reversed into a 15 mile tortuous ascent. The evening was pleasantly rounded of finishing the kids' Easter eggs whilst watching the Masters.
Great pictures David and amazing will power to get past all those pubs.
ReplyDeleteI would struggle to go that far alone although I have just re-charged my musical "Oakley Thump" goggles so I can listen to music while out alone.
Sore bum this morning! Just spent the last two hours putting a new computer on, cleaning the bike and generally tinkering. Its just starting to get worringly obsessive!
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