Events in 2007

This page shows details of events organized by us each month.
January, February, March, April, May, June,
July, August, September, October, November, December.

For a list of all tandem events in and around Kent, click on the Diary 2007 page where (as well as our events) you will also see events and rides organized by both the Tandem Club South East London and the Tandem Club Surrey & Sussex.

Event Date: Sunday, 21/01/07

Edenbridge, Kent

   start time: 09:45 for 10:00
   approx. ride distance: 30-35 miles
   contact: Cliff & Pauline - 01732 750885
   email:

Starting in Edenbridge, this ride will visit Penshurst for coffee and Pooh country at Hartfield for lunch.

If you don't feel like the ride or just fancy a shorter ride, that's OK, just come and join us for coffee or lunch. Give us a call so we know who to expect.





Five tandems and a solo met at Edenbridge Leisure Centre on a cold bright morning. After Nick had strapped an inflatable ‘Tigger’ to the back of his tandem, we set off south through Edenbridge, and then followed the Eden valley east through Chiddingstone, to Penshurst for coffee. A brisk pace ensured that we arrived at the tea shop before all the other cycle groups that gather at this popular stop.

From Penshurst we crossed the river Medway before climbing to Poundsbridge and up into Sussex at Blackham. The climbing was rewarded with the long sweep down to the strangely named, Bells Yew Green, where, we once again crossed the river Medway. Lunch was at the Dorset Arms on the edge of Ashdown Forest. Behind the pub lies, Hundred Acre Wood (The OS spell it correctly). Hence, Nick’s insistence on bringing Tigger along for the ride.

The return route took us through Hartfield, Cowden and Hever, returning to Edenbridge just before dusk, having completed 31 miles.

Report by Cliff Hayward


Summary
Tandems: 5
Solos: 1
People: 11

Distance: 31 miles
Height Gain: 775 metres
Climb/Distance Index: 25 metres per mile (1.55%)
High Point: 141 metres
Low Point: 29 metres

Event Date: Sunday, 18/02/07

Goudhurst, Kent

   start time: 09:45 for 10:00
   approx. ride distance: 35 miles
   contact: Neville & Tricia - 020 8325 8445
   email:

This ride will visit Bedgebury Pinetum's new Bedgebury Pantry for coffee and Lamberhurst Vineyard's Bistro for lunch. Depending on weather conditions, we may or may not have a tea stop at Tanner Farm.





Six tandems & one solo set off on a rather cool and dull morning to ride the hills around Goudhurst, Kent. First we looped north east to pass HM Blantyre House Open Prison then dropped south to join NCN route 18 into Bedgebury Forest. Using forest roads and special cycle trails we arrived at Bedgebury Visitor Centre for coffee. The amazingly powerful hand driers just had to be experienced!

On our way out of the forest we took a look at the cycle skills area where we'd hoped to see some action but all was quiet, though it looked very intrepid stuff & definitely not for tandems.

We headed west for lunch at the Bistro at Lamberhurst Vineyard, where one couple had to leave us for another engagement. We continued first to the north and then east up and down more hills to take us to an al fresco tea stop served from our motorhome at Tanners Farm campsite before finishing the 33 mile ride back at Goudhurst in the dark! Young Christopher had done well with being able to experience 3 different playgrounds.

We only covered 33 miles but it felt like more, having climbed 889 metres.

Report by Tricia Anderson


Summary
Tandems: 6
Solos: 1
People: 13

Distance: 33 miles
Height Gain: 889 metres
Climb/Distance Index: 29 metres per mile (1.67%)
High Point: 142 metres
Low Point: 12 metres

Event Date: Sunday, 18/03/07

Pluckley, Kent

   start time: 09:15 for prompt 09:30
   approx. ride distance: 40 miles
   contact: Cliff & Pauline - 01732 750885
   email:

Starting and ending at the bottom of the big hill in Pluckley, this ride will visit Ashford Windmill for coffee, Woodchurch for lunch and Tenterden for tea. We are starting early as we need to be at the Rare Breeds Centre at Woodchurch for a 12 o'clock lunch as it's Mothers' Day.





After a week of glorious weather, the forecast for Sunday was for cold strong winds. Despite this, and an early start, six tandems met at Pluckley station. The start, uphill to Pluckley village was designed to warm us up, before the descent through Little Chart and Hothfield. It was here that we turned to face the very strong westerly wind. The shelter of woodland gave some respite and we arrived at our coffee stop near Bethersden as it opened at 10.30. (The planned stop at Ashford Windmill for coffee was not possible as we were too early in the year.)

The pace rose with the wind behind us as we headed for Shadoxhurst and then fell as we struggled along the undulating B2067 from Warehorne to the Rare Breeds Centre at Woodchurch. Being Mothers' Day, pub lunches can be problematical. The Rare Breeds Centre said they could accommodate us if we arrived at midday, hence the early start and arrival at the centre at 12.10, to get a choice of tables. Within 20 minutes the restaurant was full.

It was nice to bump into Julie Young, our previous RO, who had brought her children out for the day and spotted us by chance.

The ride for the afternoon took us past the windmill at Woodchurch and then a tortuous route to Tenterden, including the first granny gear of the day. We arrived at the Kent and East Sussex railway just as a steam train approached pulling Pullman coaches. It was very luxurious with curtains and lamps on all the tables. For the purists, small tank locomotives did not pull Pullman coaches along branch lines, but it certainly makes a great way to treat your mother on Mothers' Day. The Silver Band playing on the Platform, we assumed was in our honour.

After a relaxed tea stop we had the benefit of almost continuous tail wind back to Pluckley.

Report by Cliff Hayward


Summary
Tandems: 6
People: 12

Distance: 46 miles
Height Gain: 667 metres
Climb/Distance Index: 15 metres per mile (0.90%)
High Point: 106 metres
Low Point: 7 metres

Event Date: Sunday, 15/04/07

Ashdown Forest
(in conjunction with Tandem Club - Surrey & Sussex)

   start time: 9:30 for 09:45 - don't get caught out by this start time!
   approx. ride distance: 40 miles
   contact: Harry & Mary - 01825 713987
   email:





This ride took place in weather more appropriate to high summer but we weren't complaining. Nineteen people met at the start in Ashdown Forest on nine tandems and one solo and set off in an easterly direction before heading north towards Chuck Hatch. Those of us that were enjoying the fast descent towards Chuck Hatch were brought up short by cries from behind from our leaders, "LEFT" "LEFT". So now we were going in a westerly direction along the top edge of the Ashdown Forest. Soon we were climbing and stopped for a while to appreciate the view to the north.

After nine miles, we found ourselves at Ashdown Forest Llama Park at Wych Cross which houses a Coffee Shop not lightly to be passed-by. After a leisurely interlude here where, although we could not see any actual llamas without paying the entry fee, we were able to appreciate lots of fluffy llama products in the adjacent shop!

Continuing on our way in a roughly westerly direction and after a multitude of climbs and some discussion about whether we had appreciated the enormity of the size of the huge fish in a nearby pond and whether or not we had taken the correct route, we arrived at The Oak at Ardingly slightly earlier than planned. We had by-passed Horsted Keynes and I'm not sure if that was by design or not but this apparently avoided a steep hill. What difference would one more have made? At The Oak at Ardingly, we enjoyed a really excellent lunch in the sunshine.

The afternoon route took us in a south-easterly direction to Down Street where we were told that it is downhill all the way from here to Newhaven (on the coast). Unfortunately, we were going the other way, up hill all the way to Nutley. Ho hum! At Nutley our leaders treated us all to tea and Hot Cross Buns – very nice.

All that was left was the less than 2 mile climb from there to the start point.

Many thanks Harry & Mary for a excellent ride helped enormously by the lovely weather.

Report by Neville Frost


Summary
Tandems: 9
Solos: 1
People: 19

Distance: 33 miles
Height Gain: 802 metres
Climb/Distance Index: 24 metres per mile (1.51%)
High Point: 211 metres
Low Point: 37 metres

Event Date: Sunday, 20/05/07

Deal, Kent

   start time: 09:45 for 10:00
   approx. ride distance: 40 miles
   contact: Nick & Simon - 01304 364657
   email:

Starting in Deal, we'll have coffee at Langdon Cliffs overlooking Dover Harbour (and Calais if it's a clear day!), then back along the coast on Cycle route 1 for lunch at The Chequers on The Royal Cinque Ports Golf Course near Deal.

After lunch more of Route 1 through Sandwich onto the Ash levels, tea at Wingham Wildlife Park (time permitting) and back to Deal via the new cycle track in Foulmead Park on the site of Betteshanger Colliery which should have opened two weeks before our ride. Our Lunch stop is actually quite close to the start point so it would be quite feasible to join us for half a day if you don't want to do the whole ride.



Ten tandems and two solos left Deal on a beautiful sunny morning. The start was slightly delayed as we nearly left one tandem team behind but after a brief wait we were on our way. We were pleased to welcome Kevin and Jan, and Bernard and Fiona and their two children who joined us for their first one day ride with the tandem club. The route headed steadily up hill towards Dover crossing the railway at Cold Blow Crossing where the gates had to be opened by ourselves to get across. Fortunately for us it did not live up to it's name. We made a stop for coffee at Langdon Cliffs where we were able to sit out in the sun watching the ferries come in and out of Dover Harbour.

We then followed Cycle Route 1 up a short but very steep ascent to the Coast Guard Station. The route is a narrow path with several gates on it which took a time to negotiate but fortunately they were tandem friendly. After this brief climb it was a down hill run all the way to Deal, via Otty Bottom, and along the sea front past the pier and onto The Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club where we stopped for lunch at The Chequers Inn. Elaine headed back to Deal on her solo after lunch so we set off towards Sandwich with ten tandems and one solo and had completed about fifty yards before a loud hiss preceded the cry of "puncture", so we had a brief break while Jake had a new tube put into his front wheel. This stretch of the ride was almost entirely flat and we made reasonable speed through Sandwich, across the Ash levels and on to Wingham Wildlife Park for tea. Mark provided the entertainment for us as we sat on the terrace as a parrot from the park took a liking to him and stood on his shoulder and refused to get off. After pecking a few of the staff it was eventually coaxed off and after another puncture repair we were on our way down the hill and into Wingham.

The route back went through Staple and Eastry and very close to Ham where we stopped to take photos of the signpost that says "Ham Sandwich". Unfortunately the planned cut through the new park at Bettehanger Colliery was not possible as it's opening was not 'til the following week. Instead we followed the old miners cycle track along the main road and back into Deal. Fiona and Bernard were keen to turn off to their home on the way past but their children insisted they return to the start so that they may achieve 50 miles in a day including their trips to and from home.

In summary a great ride on a great day but I know there were certainly one or two with sore bums and stiff muscles by the end.

Report by Nick Ferrar


Summary
Tandems: 10
Solos: 2
People: 22

Distance: 44 miles
Height Gain: 631 metres
Climb/Distance Index: 14.3 metres per mile (0.89%)
High Point: 125 metres
Low Point: 2 metres

Event Date: Sunday, 24/06/07

Whitstable, Kent

   start time: 09:45 for 10:00
   approx. ride distance: 45 miles
   contact: Peter & Sally - 01227 281399
   email:

This ride will incorporate the Crab & Winkle Way.



The inclement weather certainly reduced the number of riders taking part in this ride. One even got as far as the start car park before deciding against the idea! However, four tandems and one solo did take part. Our leader was on a solo as wife Sally was at the last minute not able to attend (not weather related - she spent the day in the rain anyway!)

From Whitstable station, we took the Crab & Winkle way to Canterbury. It’s a challenging route in this direction as it climbs almost all the way. It’s free from motor traffic though and well worth the effort. On the western outskirts of Canterbury we headed for the Sports Café where the staff were quite happy to accept nine very wet cyclists and provide us with coffee and buns.

Moving on, we paused briefly to inspect the finish area for Stage 1 of the forthcoming Tour of France race and then travelled through Canterbury, having to contend with queues of cars until we were able to leave the mêlée on the eastern outskirts of the city. Joining a quiet country lane through "Britain’s smallest town" Fordwich, we ascended the subsequent steep ascent to Trenleypark Wood. It was then a gentle descent to lunch at the Red Lion in Stodmarsh. The pub was very busy but we had reserved seats and we enjoyed a pleasant respite from the rain which continued to fall outside.

For the final and longest section of the ride, back to the start, the rain had eased slightly and at times we thought that the sun might appear. It didn’t really quite achieve the status of 'sunshine' though. We looped northwards to Upstreet and then to the west on quiet country lanes. Despite the non 'midsummer' weather we all had an enjoyable ride and were pleased that we’d made the effort.

Report by Neville Frost


Summary
Tandems: 4
Solos: 1
People: 9

Distance: 29 miles
Height Gain: 408 metres
Climb/Distance Index: 14.13 metres per mile (0.87%)
High Point: 84 metres
Low Point: 9 metres

Event Date: Sunday, 15/07/07

Ditton, Kent

   start time: 09:45 for 10:00
   approx. ride distance: 40 miles
   contact: Mark & Liz - 01732 848432
   email:

The ride will be stopping at Pleasant View Garden Centre, Chart Sutton for coffee. We have booked The Cock Horse, at Detling for lunch. Time permitting, we will stop off at Aylesford Priory for afternoon tea.





It was on a warm bright morning that had steamy roads drying after the heavy early rain, that 7 tandems and 1 solo met at Ditton Community Centre.

The ride started at 10am going along Kiln Barn Road then taking a track through Gallagher's Quarry to Barming, cutting across the busy Tonbridge Road, then down to a narrow bridge which we used to cross the River Medway. On the other side we had our first climb of the day up a short steep hill. We then followed the leaders along quiet country lanes through East Farleigh and up Loose Hill, our second hill of the day. We then stopped at Pleasant View Garden Centre, Chart Sutton for a well deserved tea stop.

Tim took this opportunity to make some minor adjustments to his Pino tandem so he could swap recumbent front riders, wife to son. We set off towards Grafty Green and another climb, Liverton Hill (20%) just to keep us on our toes. Then we coasted down Runham Lane, which was very narrow, trying not to side slide on the muddy surface. We all got down ok, some of us having a pretty pattern of muddy dots on our faces at the bottom. Neville and Tricia are now known as the greater and lesser spotted! We then crossed the M20 by bridge and set off towards Harrietsham but of course there was another hill, Stede Hill. Our final climb before lunch. We got to the top somewhat out of breath and headed down Hollingbourne Hill. Neville took this opportunity to let his new 29 incher's wheels have a free run, leaving us in his wake. We turned into Pilgrims Way and followed it to our lunch stop at ‘The Cock Horse Inn’, Detling.

It was still hot and sunny when we left an hour or so later, fully refuelled for the final 8 miles. We took the Jade’s bridge as a safe crossing over the A249 and after a few more country lanes we came to an off road right of way which brought us out at Aylesford. Then, just a short run back to Ditton where we enjoyed tea and cakes at Mark and Liz's home.

Report by Mark Noble


Summary
Tandems: 7
Solos: 1
People: 15

Distance: 37 miles
Height Gain: 800 metres
Climb/Distance Index: 21.6 metres per mile (1.34%)
High Point: 195 metres
Low Point: 5 metres

Event Date: Saturday, 04/08/07 and Sunday, 05/08/07

South East England Camping Weekend in Broad Oak, East Sussex
(in conjunction with Tandem Club - South East London and Tandem Club - Surrey & Sussex)
Single day riders are welcome to join us

   start time: will be agreed by attendees at the time
   approx. ride distance: up to 40 miles per day
   contacts: Cliff & Pauline - 01732 750885 (mobile: 07977913071)
     and Neville & Tricia 020 8325 8445 (mobile: 07753613181)
   email:   and  





Cliff had arranged our base at Sculdown Vineyard campsite near Broad Oak, East Sussex and all three South East England Regions joined together for this camping weekend. Overall 19 people participated on an amazingly hot and dry weekend. Cliff and Liz sorted out the routes - one to the seaside and one into the countryside. Both days were hard cycling with lots of hills and felt harder still because of the extreme heat but both days were very enjoyable with good cycling and good company.



Saturday: The Giants of Brede pumping engines were visited www.southernwater.co.uk/ homeAndLeisure/ daysOut/ bredeSteamEngines.

The Almonry Coffee Shop by Battle Museum was our coffee stop.

Through Bexhill-on-Sea, and to escape the crowds, we had a picnic lunch on the cliffs at Glyne Gap whilst watching swimmers in the sea.

After lunch we travelled along Hastings sea front and then took the very hard climb out of Hastings and down to the levels. A climb up to Winchelsea where Cliff was sure that the cafe would be open this time (we'd been disappointed on a Sunday last year) ... it wasn't and wouldn't ever be again as the owner was selling up! So once again we enjoyed ice creams from the little village shop.

More climbs to get us back to our campsite to relax and cook and eat our supper in the sunshine.



Sunday: Inland today uphill and then down to the Romney Marshes for a little respite from the hills before climbing up to Tenterden and coffee in the Kent & East Sussex Railway Station cafe.

Some bridleways to bring us out at Sissinghurst Castle then on to Cranbrook for lunch - pub lunches for some, whilst others ate their picnics in the shady churchyard and followed up with drinks in the pub!

More hills to take us to Bodiam Castle for tea and ice creams whilst watching a family blow up a rubber dinghy with a small pump to use on the River Rother.

Yet more hills before we could collapse back at the campsite and then all the tents had to be taken down and packed away.

Report by Tricia Anderson




Summary

Saturday - Brede, Bexhill, Hastings and Winchelsea
Tandems: 6
Solos: 0
People: 12

Distance: 44 miles
Height Gain: 1007 metres
Climb/Distance Index: 22.9 metres per mile (1.42%)
High Point: 166 metres
Low Point: 0 metres



Sunday - Tenterden, Cranbrook and Bodiam
Tandems: 9
Solos: 1
People: 19

Distance: 42 miles
Height Gain: 922 metres
Climb/Distance Index: 22.0 metres per mile (1.36%)
High Point: 106 metres
Low Point: 2 metres



An alternative report and more pictures from this event are available on the Tandem Club - South East London website.

Event Date: Sunday, 16/09/07

Hamstreet, Kent

   start time: 09:45 for 10:00
   approx. ride distance: 40 miles (or less)
   contact: John & Jean - 01233 503050
   email:

There is a height restriction at the start point but there's plenty of roadside space to unload then park. For anyone with a motor home there is some roadside parking off the main village road. There will be some hills to start with and a coffee stop. Lunch will be at Rye and the afternoon stop will be at Lydd.



This was Jean & John’s first tandem ride with them at the front, not as usual at the back. Before the start we had Tricia’s cycle clothing sales event, with various riders removing clothing for others to try for “size” (sorry no pictures), before another order can be sent off.

Jean & John found unsold South-Eastern jerseys and, proudly wearing them, promptly started at 10:00 with the ride leading us out of Hamstreet on the B2067. On the second hill, a “STOP” was heard. Cliff & Pauline’s tandem had come to an abrupt halt in the middle of the busy road. On carrying the bike to the side it was found that a pannier strap had got caught in the chain and had instantly halted their progress.

The ride soon continued, turning off on a quieter side road towards Kennardington and Appledore Heath. From there, heading towards Reading Street, our ride leaders' left-hand crank nearly detached itself from the bike. Toolsets were searched and finally Neville found an extraction tool with the necessary spanner to tighten the offending crank. John did admit to having said tool in “the Car”. Within another mile we arrived at the coffee stop at the garden centre.

On leaving, on very level ground, we soon found more hills one at Stone in Oxney which was 15% up then the same back down to the Romney Marsh with a fairly level run into Rye. Lunch had been left to find your own. There was plenty of choice but most people went to the Riverside Café where they had excellent food but rather slow service. They had to cancel their coffees in order to make the starting deadline of 2pm.

Leaving Rye we travelled over the cycle path to Camber and then on to the George Hotel at Lydd. The journey was made at super-speed time with a tail wind. Coffee, tea and cakes had been laid out for us in a separate room and we were made to feel very welcome. However, due to the splendid weather we all took our drinks and nibbles to the pub garden.

The ride back to Brookland was not so good with both head, side and finally a bit of tail wind. At Brookland we stopped to look at the church with the spire on the ground not on top of a tower. The road back via Snargate was a bit bumpy with a few holes to miss. Jake found one - though fortunately with no damage. Our crossing of the main A2070 was perfectly timed with no traffic in either direction, John said something about planning but nobody agreed with that - just “Luck of the draw”. At 16:57 we found ourselves back in the Hamstreet Car Park where more clothing swaps took place and Tricia completed the final order.

Report by John Wellard


Summary
Tandems: 7
Solos: 1
People: 15

Distance: 38 miles
Height Gain: 372 metres
Climb/Distance Index: 9.8 metres per mile (0.61%)
High Point: 50 metres
Low Point: 0 metres

Event Date: Sunday, 21/10/07

Bearsted, Kent
(in conjunction with Tandem Club - South East London)
   start time: 09:45 for 10:00
   approx. ride distance: 40 miles
   contact: David & Annabelle - 01689 835673
   email:

The route is expected to be 42 miles with an early tea stop at Mote Park, lunch at The George Inn in Egerton (does Sunday lunch plus a full menu). There's a nice climb to the pub and tea at Lenham then back to Bearsted.

Please give David and Annabelle plenty of notice, if you plan to attend this ride, so they can advise the pub in advance.



Eight tandems and a single gathered at the ‘Beer and toastiS’ station. Some vandal with a sense of humour had rearranged the Bearsted sign.

Dave and Annabel now hold the record for the shortest run before stopping for coffee - 3 miles to Mote Park. Is this going to set the standard which future run leaders will try to beat? Mote Park was certainly worth the visit, with its model boat club on the lake. I wonder if that battleship can actually fire the cannons?

After watching the boats for a while it was down to some proper riding. Travelling east of Maidstone, our leaders found some remarkably rural roads, through Otham, Langley and Fairbourne Heath, before the lovely descent down Knowle Hill, with lunch at Egerton. An odd pub. Ostentatious white linen table cloths and serviettes, along with both wine and port glasses. But the meals were very reasonably priced.

After lunch we continued in an easterly direction through Pluckley to Hothfield before turning North to pick up the Pilgrims Way at Westwell. It was rumoured that tea would be at Lenham but this did not materialise. Dave decided that, having set one record for the day he would set another. For the longest ride without a break, as we headed straight back to Bearsted

Our thanks to Dave and Annabel for a very interesting route and for the glorious sunshine.

Report by Cliff Hayward



Summary
Tandems: 8
Solos: 1
People: 17

Distance: 43 miles
Height Gain: 750 metres
Climb/Distance Index: 17.4 metres per mile (1.08%)
High Point: 155 metres
Low Point: 25 metres

---

For an alternative report and pictures on this ride, see: -
Tandem Club - South East London website

Event Date: Sunday, 18/11/07

Stelling Minnis, Kent
(in conjunction with Tandem Club - South East London)
   start time: 09:45 for 10:00
   approx. ride distance: 32 miles
   contact: Keith & Jane - 01323 761575
   email:

The ride will be, from Stelling Minnis through Rhodes Minnis, Lyminge, Swingfield Minnis (coffee at the butterfly centre). Lydden, Eyethorn, Barfreston (pub Lunch). Wootton, Elham Valley and back over the hill to Stelling Minnis. Approximately 32 miles.

Please contact Keith and Jane by 11th November as this is the deadline for notifying the pub about numbers.



19 people on nine tandems and 1 solo met at Stelling Minnis on a very windy and rather chilly day. An attempt at breaking the world record for the number of people that can cram into a bus shelter failed due to no official recorder being present. The shelter was the only respite from the Arctic wind, it was a shame Clem wasn't there as he would have felt at home!

The route headed in a southerly direction, passing through Rhodes Minnis and Lyminge to Etchinghill and started to get a little 'lumpy'. Coffee was taken in Swingfield Minnis at the butterfly centre which is a large garden centre with no customers! but the coffee and tea is always good.

More hills through Lydden where a derailed chain needed serious attention as the chain and granny ring were both damaged. The group split at this point with three teams staying behind to help fix the problem and give moral support whilst the others continued to the lunch stop in Barfreston. The Yew Tree Inn provided excellent food, excellent staff and excellent prices. Definitely one for future use.

Before leaving Barfreston we visited the tiny 12th century Norman Church of Saint Nicholas with its bell housed in a nearby Yew tree, operated by rope from within the church.

The route then went through Wootton and Denton before calling at the Elham Valley Vineyard for tea only to find it closed, "due to circumstances" - apparently! Moving on, just less than a mile away, we came upon the Palm Tree pub which offered afternoon tea. They were very welcoming and despite the strangely decorated environment depicting pirates and associated paraphernalia, the tea tasted very good.

By the time we left the Palm Tree, it was very nearly dark and became completely dark before we got back to the start point but this caught out no one as we all had front and rear lights – hurray! To summarize – this was a hilly ride on a very cold and windy day with some very unusual but none the less pleasant refreshment stops.

Report by Keith Ring (with help and permission from the Tandem Club - South East London website)



Summary
Tandems: 9
Solos: 1
People: 19

Distance: 32 miles
Height Gain: 716 metres
Climb/Distance Index: 22.4 metres per mile (1.39%)
High Point: 177 metres
Low Point: 64 metres

---

For an alternative report and pictures on this ride, see: -
Tandem Club - South East London website

Event Date: Sunday, 16/12/07

Lenham, Kent

   start time: 09:30 for 09:45
   approx. ride distance: 15-20 miles
   contact: Cliff & Pauline - 01732 750885
   email:

Our Christmas ride and lunch will be from Lenham, this year. The cost will be £17 per person.

The ride will start at 9:45 and the meal is set for 13:00. Those who wish to come for the meal only can congregate in the bar.

The ride will be approximately 15-20 miles (depending on the weather) and there will be a coffee stop.

We do hope you would come and join us, the more the merrier, it’s a very busy time for everyone so take a break and sit and relax with like minded people.

If you would like to take part, please contact Pauline by November 18th at the latest. She will email the menu to you, which will need to be returned with a £10 per person deposit by the 1st December.



Our Christmas Ride and meal, this year started at Lenham. We had a lovely sunny, dry, but cold day, with us having to contend with cold fingers and toes.

Six Tandems and Elaine on her solo, headed south from Lenham over the Greensand ridge and down to Headcorn for the coffee stop. The café was very busy as usual.

We climbed back over the ridge at Egerton, which kept us warm, and we arrived back at Lenham about 1pm where Betty and Ernie met us at the Red Lion.

We had booked the function room upstairs. It was nice to have a room to ourselves to make conversation easier and we were well attended by the staff. Just a pity they had not lit the fire.

Report by Pauline & Cliff Hayward



Summary
Tandems: 6
Solos: 1
People: 13