We headed west out of Maidstone i.e. bandit country for me as my area is North or East of the town. Our objective was Harvel where some of David's mates were running in a 5 mile race. Of all the places he had to choose as a destination, he would have to pick one on top of the satanci North Downs.
Once we had exited Maidstone, we targeted the Leybourne lakes, a local beauty spot at the bottom of the Downs.
A pleasant ride followed until we reached the foothills of the Downs. once again they did not disappoint, a 600ft climb over four miles, or more punishing in Saturday's heat, 500ft over two miles. It was a hard climb but as always, satisfying to reach the top. From there it was a short ride into Harvel where we were rewarded with an ice cream and a chance to watch the climax to the race.
When we talk about ill-fitting lycra, I will leave you to decide whether this shoiuld refer to me or the runner just about to cross the finish line. Maybe it is applicable to both!
The ride back down the Downs was heavenly as such descents are. It was made more fun by bumping into three chaps at the bottom, one of whom we suspect had had a tactical puncture as a means of avoiding the climb. They had no tools to repair the puncture so being the natural decent chaps we are, David and I offered to assist. In the mneantime, the chap who had the puncture phoned his wife to request a pick up. Despite us being there with all the tools he told his wife that unfortunately we only had left handed tyre levers and so we were not much use.
Whilst we were laughing about this, a seriously old jalopy drove past, driven by someone who looked like he was an extra on the Deliverance film set. As if to emphasise this, one of the chaps and I, right on cue, started whistling duelling banjoes.
Our next objective was the Malta Inn on the banks of the Medway, just by the lock at Allington, on the outskirts of Maidstone. We decided to take a detour to get there, cycling up to East Malling, through the research centre then on to the A20 past the Royal British Legion, one of our refreshment stops on the P2P.
We did encounter one snag, having dropped down the hill close to where the bridge is to cross the Medway to the Malta, we discovered the bridge was closed. This meant that we would have to cycle into Maidstone - something we wanted to avoid - unless we detoured into the marina and could hitch a ferry across!
No such luck although one boatowner kindly filled our bottles up with water. Plan B was back up the hill, into Maidstone and a pint at Drakes Cork & Cask pub, one of the oldest in Maidstone.
Unfortunately they only had one ale on tap, a guest called Norman Conquest. If I was putting my sensible hat on, at 5.00pm, fairly dehydrated, a 5% ale was probably not the best thing to have. That said it was a mighty fine pint and well worthy of 4.5 saddles.
From there it was time to head home. Rather than follow the A20 out of Maidstone and into Bearsted, we decided to detour through Mote Park. Mote Park is a fantastic facility comprising 450 acres of mature parkland, a 30 acre lake, Pitch and Putt (18 holes), children's play area, horse riding and is also a second home to Kent County Cricket. It is no exaggeration to say that Mote Park is to Maidstone what Central Park is to New York.
David and I parted in Mote Park, he exiting about half way along, me at the far side. Once I had exited, it was only about 2 mins home. The trip was 35 miles and we averaged about 13 mph which was punishing in that heat. I finally arrived home about 1800, very dehydrated and far more knackered than after the 33 miles the previous weekend over to Canterbury.
A quick shower, fire up the BBQ and a pint of Strongbow was a great way to end the day.
At last a pub and some beer, you are getting the hang of it.
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