A Brush through Kent
Posted on Monday 24 August 2009 by Nick Bloom
With Angela Dale ordered off her bike by her osteopath, Paul Foster was persuaded to lead an off-the-cuff ride through Kent from Bromley South. We were a fateful 13 for the day, mostly 3* regulars, a couple from the 2*’s giving us a try. The 3* riders are more at home north of the river, but this is home turf for Paul, so in capable hands. And a glorious day it was to be – probably the best Sunday of the year.
Paul’s route was roughly along the Pilgrims Way, but many of us recognised parts of it from The Ride of The Falling Leaves,and Richard knew much of it from the Dulwich Paragon rides. We were promised six significant climbs, and there was no doubt about some of them. Where the Chilterns are short and sharp, and can mainly be crashed up out the saddle, these were longer, best taken spinning firmly but steadily, then a chance to savour the views from the ridge.
We kept a good pace, regrouping regularly, and soon were looking for lunch. Although we found a few leafy lanes, most of the route was unshaded and bottles were getting empty. Luckily just before 12 we came across a likely pub. Surprisingly quiet, welcoming staff – who asked us to bring our bikes through the bar rather than open the gate to the garden. The food came promptly, good and generous at a decent price. A pub to note, if only I could remember the name of the village.
Onward (and upward) to Tatsfield Chuchyard for tea, a favourite of Paul’s which some have seen before. Most of us sat inside to get some shade, but this place again has a splendid outlook, so long as you ignore the M25 in the foreground.
Then Paul made the mistake of saying there were no more major climbs as we shot off down the slope to Biggin Hill. We didn’t want to be in Biggin Hill. Back up the climb to an obscure turn, and on course for home (which was indeed mainly down, even through Downe). 90+k, on the train just after 5pm – a route to be repeated