Central London CTC blog

Derek and David examine wheel

On a pre-ride of the route I realised that I had chosen one of the most wind swept places in south-east England. Awoken by a storm the night before, I imagined that this would be a ride for the hard-core only, but as ride leader duty called.  I need have had no concerns as the day (15 November) was clear, sunny and virtually windless and sixteen riders were ready for the experience.

Early Breakdown

We managed 2km from Longfield station when I provided the first amusement of the day with a puncture. It was an unusual one and much savoured by the puncture connoisseurs in the group (“I’ve never seen one like that before”); the metal in the beading had split and broken through the tyre wall . Fortunately our new club secretary was able to demonstrate the roadside repair skills that his office requires and I was soon back on the road on a slightly bulging wheel.

Morning in the Downs

The storm had left much in the way of leaves and a few branches on the road, but no serious problems other than some sizable puddles, which as leader I had to try first, and we were able to thread our way though the North Kent lanes with some sunshine and little traffic to disturb us.

There were a few murmurings that my description of “slightly undulating” was perhaps an understatement, but good progress was made until just before lunch when, in our eagerness for food and beer, we managed to split at a T-junction  into an impressive four sub-groups.

We were reunited soon after at the Leather Bottle at Cobham.  It was mentioned in Pickwick Papers and is very heavily Dickens themed, including the menu (though I don’t recall Bill Sykes ever eating prawn cocktail), but provided good food and warmth.

Selwyn and the Horses Touring Club

Local man, Frank, and followers

A big puddle

After lunch we went down to sea level and towards the open spaces of the Hoo Peninsula with views over the nature reserves and oil refineries of the Thames Estuary.  On arrival we were confronted with “Road Closed” and a significant amount of water on the road. Discretion overcame me and I led a diversionary route, while hardier folk took up the Hoo Puddle Challenge; the photographer was ready but sadly no hidden potholes were found.

Michael and Max lead the way

Janet takes the plunge

Afternoon on the Hoo

We continued through the villages of Cliffe, and High Halstead (on hill top) via Cooling.  Cooling has a real castle (inhabited by a well-known musician I’m told).  Some left their saddles here to see the church.  Apparently it is mentioned in Great Expectations.  Not only that but there are shells in the vestry.

Cathedral tea

Then south and into Rochester for a cathedral tea (no mere church teas are allowed on my rides).  The cakes were much appreciated, particularly the bread and butter pudding.  They were so good in fact that at least one member was overcome with cream tea remorse  (“I can’t tell my friends I do this; they’ll think I’ve gone soft”).

Final breakdown

Or so I was told.  My tyre had loudly given way 6km away and as the sun set over the Medway, I could be found walking forlornly through the suburbs pushing my cycle.

I caught up with the cake-filled riders at the station by 17.00 for a return to London, after an eventful but rainless day.  60km of cycling (a bit less for me).   Map of the route here.