Events in 2009

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 2009 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, 18/01/09

Ide Hill, Sevenoaks, Kent

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



The high winds and heavy rain experienced overnight were forecast to continue for at least the morning. Instead we had clear skies and only a little wind. A surprise call from Trish and Neville (who had returned early from their holiday to sort out the aftermath of a burst water pipe in their loft), brought the total to 7 tandems.

The route was designed to keep people warm, so from Ide Hill we descended to the Darent Valley and climbed Brasted Hill. Cooling’s Nursery at Knockholt supplied a welcome, if somewhat costly coffee stop. Shortly after restarting, Ian broke a spoke. We descended through Timberden Bottom to Lullingstone, where Ian decided he needed to do something about the wheel.

At his insistence, we left him, but on the climb to Romney Street, Nick broke his chain, giving Ian a chance to catch up well before he expected. Despite the delays, we reached The Bell at Kemsing just after 1pm, where we were given a room to ourselves with excellent, quick service.

Back on the bikes, through the wonderfully named Noah’s Ark, before climbing again to Bitchet Green, and on to Knole Park, before a somewhat indirect route back to Ide Hill. Everyone then retired to the leaders' house for tea and cake.

Report by: Cliff Hayward


Summary
Tandems: 7
Solos: 0
People: 14

Distance: 31 miles
Height Gain: 844 metres
Climb/Distance Index: 27.2 metres per mile (1.69%)
High Point: 240 metres
Low Point: 41 metres

Event Date: Sunday, 15/02/09

Gillingham area, Kent

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

At the start there is a children's play park and ducks to feed to keep children amused.



Over the past few years I have come across a number of infuriating references to Kent and Medway. Surely Medway is part of Kent. There are however, some important differences. Firstly, one is not charged for parking in Medway’s Country parks. So, making use of this facility, 5 tandems and two singles met at Capstone Country Park for the start of our February ride. The leaders did their, now familiar, routine of stopping within 100 metres of starting to tighten the handlebars, before completing a circumnavigation of the park. One of the problems of planning a route by an old map, rather than knowledge, is that what looked like a narrow road through pleasant country, turned out to be the road to the municipal tip. The numerous car drivers we met neither slowed down nor moved over, so we were pleased to cross the A2 and leave Medway. It was down hill all the way from Bredhurst to Hartlip, where they must be unused to traffic, as the parishioners were walking to church down the centre of the road, completely oblivious to us.

We stopped for coffee at the Riverside Country Park, and filled up their small café. From here, there is a scenic, car free, cycle route along the banks of the Medway. Unfortunately, it suffers like so many routes, from those confounded squeeze gates that are impossible to get through, if your handlebars are higher than 2 foot from the ground. And we had seven to negotiate.

The route to Iwade for lunch took us through Upchurch, Lower Halstow and the delightfully named Bedlams Bottom.

After lunch we faced a stiff headwind through Newington to Stockbury. From here the route became more undulating to slow us further. We were initially concerned that the café at the end would close before we got there. Then we began to wonder if we would reach the car park before it closed. So when our leaders punctured three miles from the finish, it was decided that everyone should carry on to ensure they were not locked in. Actually we all finished before 5pm, but the gates were locked behind us, as soon as we left.

Report by: Cliff Hayward


Summary
Tandems: 5
Solos: 2
People: 12

Distance: 36 miles
Height Gain: 648 metres
Climb/Distance Index: 18.0 metres per mile (1.12%)
High Point: 173 metres
Low Point: 0 metres

Event Date: Sunday, 15/03/09

Bekesbourne, Kent

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

The ride will start at Bekesbourne and go through Canterbury and on to Whitstable via the Crab and Winkle Way. Coffee stop in or near Whitstable before heading along the coast to Faversham for lunch. After lunch back to Bekesbourne via a tea stop in Chilham. Estimated distance 39 miles. Estimated height gain 600 metres.



Six tandems and one solo met at Bekesbourne station. Well I say met - what we had failed to realise was that weekend engineering works meant the station car park was closed and the rail replacement buses had to have access to the station. We also failed to realise that the local walking group had decided to use the station as a meeting point as well. It would be more accurate to say six tandems and one solo and about thirty cars carrying ramblers attempted to meet at Bekesbourne Station car park which was in fact closed! Any way we all got parked in the vicinity and cycled to a point near the station before setting off via the back lanes towards Canterbury. We went through two fords both of which were dry within the first mile. We did notice that one of the ramblers had parked his car on the stream bed in the first ford which seemed a little risky!

We went straight through Canterbury via a series of back roads and cycle tracks and managed to avoid most of the major roads and traffic before climbing up the hill to go through the University of Kent Campus and on to the Crab and Winkle Way. Progress through Canterbury had been fairly slow but we made up for it on the long descent on The Crab and Winkle Way managing to avoid pedestrians, cyclists and dogs all out enjoying the sunshine.

After a quick coffee break at Tesco we took the cycle track alongside the old Thanet way and after getting a bit held up by traffic at the roundabouts were pleased to turn North away from the traffic and towards the coast. A couple of really tricky width restrictors followed which got us onto a very nice cycle track alongside the river and up into Faversham. This is a really nice route into the town as long as you look away and hold your breath as you pass the sewage works!

An excellent lunch was provided at The Albion in Faversham as we sat watching the tide come in and the children play at making swings in the willow trees by the river. All good things must come to an end and after lunch we climbed fairly steadily before a very fast descent into Chilham for a tea stop at the Cider farm. Seating for those eating and drinking being provided in an old greenhouse which, was a little odd but not unpleasant!

After tea, we had more hills with a particularly steep climb up to Chartham Downs. We then turned along the top of the downs and cycled along the constantly undulating road with beautiful views to our right. (Jake would probably call them hills but I call them undulations!). Another descent into Bridge and through a wet ford which most (but not all) took at some speed with the inevitable complaints from stokers as they got splashed! Finally back to Bekesbourne to go our separate ways to find where we had parked our cars!

Overall an excellent day in excellent weather!

Report by: Nick Ferrar


Summary
Tandems: 6
Solos: 1
People: 13

Distance: 39 miles
Height Gain: 671 metres
Climb/Distance Index: 17.2 metres per mile (1.07%)
High Point: 116 metres
Low Point: 0 metres

Event Date: Sunday, 19/04/09

Lingfield, Surrey

   start time: 09:45 for 10:00
   approx. ride distance: 40 miles
   contact: Ken & Liz - 01323 735620 (07866 468840)
   email:



An excellent turnout of 13 tandems met up in Lingfield for the joint Kent and Surrey & Sussex region ride. The morning was overcast and a bit chilly as we gathered in the car park but the first gentle hill up to Crowhurst soon warmed us up. Some of the lanes in this area pass through numerous small patches of woodland and we were lucky enough to have timed the ride with the bluebells flowering which provided an excellent show.


There was a small section of hard but bumpy bridleway to negotiate on the way to coffee. Unfortunately we didn’t manage the gap beside the gate very smoothly and Chris, behind, had to stop rather suddenly and managed to lose his stoker, Jake, off the back. Luckily Jake is young enough not to suffer from bumps and bruises and didn’t seem to mind too much. Coffee stop was at the leisure centre in Edenbridge just as the skies cleared a little and the temperature rose pleasantly.


The first main climb of the day came, just before lunch, up from the river Eden to Mark Beech. Lunch was in the Kentish Horse and was a somewhat protracted affair to say the least, the nice weather had brought a lot of people out and the kitchen struggled!


Eventually we were all fed and we headed for Hartfield along a few lumpy but quiet lanes. Unfortunately the downhill whooshes weren’t quite good enough to get to the top of the ups, but the views were good. The next section was a flat run along the Forest Way past Forest Row and onward and upwards to East Grinstead.


A coffee shop in the high street provided refreshment and, for some a chocolate kick sufficient to complete the last section back to Lingfield.

Report by: Liz Gates




Summary
Tandems: 13
Solos: 0
People: 26

Distance: 40 miles
Height Gain: 767 metres
Climb/Distance Index: 19.2 metres per mile (1.19%)
High Point: 141 metres
Low Point: 38 metres

Event Date: Sunday, 17/05/09

Margate, Kent

   start time: 09:45 for 10:00
   approx. ride distance: 40 miles
   contact: Cliff & Pauline - 07977 913071
   email:



In the past, rides around Thanet have been very wet, windy, or even snowing. Mind you, these have always been winter rides. A May ride should enable us to sit outside beach cafés enjoying the sunshine!


Instead, we were confronted by a remarkably strong headwind as we headed south from Margate on the Viking cycle trail. The benefit of such unseasonable weather is that most people stayed indoors, so that our route along the promenade was not hindered by uncontrolled dogs and children.


A short stop in Broadstairs to watch the sailing race, then on to the café at the Viking ship. Here we met Penny and Alistair Murchington who, joining us for the first time, wanted a shorter day. Anyone is welcome to do this on our rides. The kiosk has no inside seating and although we sat tolerating the wind, when the showers came we retreated to behind the café for shelter.


More showers as we headed for Sandwich, which had fortunately stopped before our first puncture forced another stop. After turning westward things were a little easier on sheltered stretches and we made good time to reach our lunch stop, the Half Moon and Seven Stars at Preston.


After lunch we should have had the wind behind us, although of course you never notice that. We headed for Reculver via Herne Bay. They have used a new surface that allows grass to grow through a plastic honeycomb. It seems very good. Only time will tell.


Along the sea wall from Reculver we were in danger of the wind pushing us off the path, but at least the kiosk at Minnis Bay was below the wall and so comparatively sheltered, and we could follow the prom path below the cliffs back to Margate. The 44 miles cycled seemed far further in such a strong wind.

Report by: Cliff Hayward




Summary
Tandems: 5
Solos: 1
People: 11

Distance: 43 miles
Height Gain: 606 metres
Climb/Distance Index: 14.1 metres per mile (0.88%)
High Point: 41 metres
Low Point: 0 metres

Event Date: Sunday, 28/06/09

Marden, Kent

   start time: 09:45 for 10:00
   approx. ride distance: 40 miles (or less)
   contact: Colin & Mon - 01732 844292
   email:



Eight tandems and one solo pulled out of Marden Library Car Park on a lovely calm and sunny summer’s morning. The plan was to meander through the Garden of England and enjoy one of the flattest ‘on road’ routes possible.


We headed East towards Marden Thorn and soon went by the Eco Arch house. We rode on into Staplehurst and out on the Hawkenbury Road in the direction of Headcorn. One road had been outstandingly resurfaced to the point where it felt very strange riding on it. Stranger still, was that Colin couldn’t get used to seeing tandem riders in his rear view mirror. This was Colin and Mon’s first ride as leaders. Usually, they are to be found to the extreme rear of the bunch). In what seemed a blink of a eye we arrived at the Headcorn Village Tea Rooms or rather their rear entrance leading to the ‘Secret Garden’. Here, the manager had kindly reserved tables for us. Why are their fruit scones so delicious? Can’t be the hunger from the ride…


After the coffee stop we rode through some by-lanes and actually passed a small hop garden (can’t be many of those left in Kent). We stormed along on the flat roads until ‘oh no!’ a hill. Colin must have weakened in his planning as we had to ascend a quiet B road (is there such a thing?) into Horsmonden, where we stopped at the Gun and Spitroast pub for lunch. Here, we met up with Ernie and Betty who joined us for lunch in the oak beamed restaurant.


Having enjoyed the food and the rest, we journeyed on, and yes, up another hill! We rolled on using back lanes, where possible, through some lovely countryside. Getting near to the tea stop we took a right turn into a very narrow lane where unfortunately Liz and Mark punctured. However, this was quickly sorted and we arrived at The Yalding Organic Gardens all too soon. A lovely café where you get a matching teapot with your cups, very civilized.


The last leg was a slight climb to Hunton village where cricket was being played on the recreational ground. Then it was ‘all downhill’ via a circular route, over yet another railway bridge and back into Marden village.

Report by Colin Stanley




Summary
Tandems: 8
Solos: 1
People: 17

Distance: 43 miles
Height Gain: 385 metres
Climb/Distance Index: 8.0 metres per mile (0.50%)
High Point: 80 metres
Low Point: 10 metres

Event Date: Sunday, 19/07/09

Ditton, Kent

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



Eight tandem teams took part in the ride and we were very lucky with the weather. Only four miles after we left the start, and whilst riding in sunshine, we encountered roads that had just received a heavy downpour and later, whilst having lunch indoors, another downpour occurred outside. At one point we donned wet weather gear but by the time we were ready to proceed, the minimal precipitation had ceased!

The ride circulated clockwise, starting in a southerly direction towards East Barming where we took to the narrow bridleway bridge over the River Medway followed by the steep ascent to the B2010. Keeping to yellow roads, where possible, we had soon covered the first 10 miles to Yalding and The Yalding Organic Gardens where we stopped for coffee.

Continuing in a southerly direction for a while as far as Claygate, we then wheeled right and headed in a north-westerly direction, passing through Laddingford, East Peckham and Golden Green we found ourselves in Hadlow, where we stopped for lunch at the café in Hadlow College. What an excellent place, very tasty food in good sized portions at very reasonable prices. An enormous downpour occurred whilst we were here but had completely stopped by the time we were ready to leave.

We had, by now, covered 25 miles and, as our leaders were planning to provide tea and cakes at their house near the start, we now had the final 15 mile leg to do. We achieved this by travelling northwards through Four Wents, Plaxtol and Platt and then eastwards past Great Comp Gardens and through Offham and West Malling.

Back at our leaders' house in Ditton, we were plied with tea and delicious home-made cakes, some of which were made by son Jake. All very enjoyable.

Report by Neville Frost




Summary
Tandems: 8
Solos: 0
People: 16

Distance: 40 miles
Height Gain: 535 metres
Climb/Distance Index: 13.4 metres per mile (0.83%)
High Point: 124 metres
Low Point: 9 metres

Event Date: Sunday, 16/08/09

Hamstreet, Kent

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

Lunch will be at Rye and John points out that this will be a different route to the one used in 2007.



Six Tandems and One solo started this ride - fewer riders than expected due to holidays.

The day started cloudy with light winds. No clothing sales this year but a small wait while our group leader changed a cable. During this wait we reminded people that if they needed oxygen during steep climbs then they should carry it as we could have some climbs of over 12 feet. Also a warning of very deep potholes, (we later found these had been filled)

We started off across the Romney Marsh heading towards the new wind farm at Little Cheyne Court. A quick pace was kept up and at two minutes past eleven found us at the George Hotel Lydd, for a coffee stop followed by a group photo in front of a prancing bronze horse in the car park.

The route then travelled via the cycle path, with the 26 wind generators of Cheyne Court on our right, to Camber where we passed many kite flying surf boarders enjoying the wind. Travelling on to Rye, we split up to have lunch.

After lunch we travelled a long flat marsh road trying not to go too fast but, with a following wind, arrived at Appledore for the afternoon coffee stop too soon to partake of coffee, so we travelled on to the Station Hotel at Appledore Station for the final coffee stop. This, like many village stations, was several miles from the village but provided a welcome stop. This was followed by a short trip across the marsh back to the car park at Hamstreet.

It would seem from the various members' GPS devices that 35 miles were travelled with very few, if any, hills - a shorter ride than first hoped for but on flat marsh roads it’s difficult to plan travelling times due to the vagaries of the wind.

A pleasant time was spent chatting at the end with one tandem mounted on the roof of the car sneaking out of the car park via the pedestrian exit rather than going under the height restriction bar.

Report by John Wellard




Summary
Tandems: 6
Solos: 1
People: 13

Distance: 35 miles
Height Gain: 215 metres
Climb/Distance Index: 6.1 metres per mile (0.38%)
High Point: 15 metres
Low Point: 0 metres

Event Date: Sunday, 20/09/09

Biddenden, Kent

   start time: 09:45 for 10:00
   approx. ride distance: 50 miles
   contact: Maurice & Rita - 01580 713887
   email:

Starting from Biddenden, this is approx 50 miles flattish ride around Tenterden and Brenzett to Donkey Street for lunch returning via Hamstreet and High Halden.



Saturday 19th was a glorious day and we were in high hopes for the Sunday ride. Unfortunately, we woke to steadily falling fine rain which looked like it was set in for the day. Any other time I might have turned over and gone back to bed, but being the leader of today’s run I felt obliged to go, come hell or high water.

Donning our rain wear Rita and I set out for the meeting place at Biddenden where we found another 12 like minded souls. At least it wasn’t cold and the rain, such as it now was, was quite bearable. We followed the twisting lanes of the Weald into Appledore where we took a coffee break courtesy of Miss Mollett during which time the rain stopped. On leaving the café, of course, it started again!

The flat roads of the Marshes led us alongside the canal and then through farm land and more narrow twisting lanes that in sunshine would have been glorious. The café at Donkey Street was seldom more welcome.

At last the promised bright spell materialised and we were able to start the afternoon without our wet gear on. The slight climb to Bilsington saw most of the crew stopping just before the top to read the plaque describing the obelisk erected to the memory of Sir William Cosway, the benevolent Lord of the Manor, who was killed in a coaching accident on the Brighton Road in 1834, before continuing on through Ham Street, Warehorne, High Halden and back to Biddenden where Claris’s refreshed us with tea before our departure home.

Report by Maurice Wilkins




Summary
Tandems: 6
Solos: 2
People: 14

The following stats are approximate...

Distance: 50 miles
Height Gain: 429 metres
Climb/Distance Index: 8.6 metres per mile (0.53%)
High Point: 69 metres
Low Point: 0 metres

Event Date: Sunday, 18/10/09

Crowborough, East Sussex

   start time: 09:45 for 10:00
   approx. ride distance: 40 miles
   contact: Cliff & Pauline - 07977 913071
   email:

A ride across Ashdown Forest when, hopefully, the autumn colours of the trees and the bracken will be at their best, with maybe the heather still in flower. Coffee will be taken in Hartfield.



A very bright and sunny day greeted the seven tandems and one solo that assembled at Crowborough. Phil informed us that Crowborough was the highest town in Sussex and, as if to dispel any doubts about the validity of this claim, we headed off on a 3 mile long descent to Mott’s Mill. A double arrowed hill then put a stop to all the freewheeling and there were a few problems as riders tried changing from top to bottom gear, resulting in chains jamming or coming off altogether. Neville and Trish faired the worse with a bent sprocket. After regrouping at the top of the hill we then continued to Hartfield along the Forest Way cycle trail. An old railway that had been converted into a cycle path long before Sustrans, although this organisation do seem to have improved the surface.

If Crowborough makes no big deal of its lofty status, or the fact that it was the birthplace of Sir Arthur Conan-Doyle, then Hartfield makes up for this in its promotion of being at ‘the heart of Whinny the Pooh country’. Not that this put us off visiting the Pooh shop for coffee.

After loitering in the sunshine in the tea room garden for probably too long, it was time for some serious climbing over Ashdown Forest. Judging by the number of cars in the Pooh sticks bridge car park there was enough people about to cause a log jam under the bridge. Perhaps this explained the relatively high level of water in the ford at Newbridge, ensuring the stokers got wet feet (unless they were spared by their pilots taking the chicken route over the footbridge).

Then up through Colman’s Hatch eventually climbing above the woodland onto the open moor, the golden bracken and long grasses looking splendid in the sunshine. A short break with views to the North Downs, before more undulations brought us to Chelwood Gate for Lunch.

Neville had been struggling with his gears since Mott’s Mill and on the climb to Danehill it became clear they needed more attention. As a result of this delay we skipped a planned tea stop in favour of returning in daylight. Our route took us over the top of the forest at Camp Hill and past King’s Standing, where we then took the bridleway past Greenwood Gate, a rather rough track down through the forest, that the more intrepid took at some speed, before the inevitable climb back up to Crowborough.

Report by Cliff Hayward




Summary
Tandems: 7
Solos: 1
People: 15

Distance: 36 miles
Height Gain: 984 metres
Climb/Distance Index: 27.3 metres per mile (1.70%)
High Point: 224 metres
Low Point: 40 metres

Event Date: Sunday, 15/11/09

Pluckley, Kent

   start time: 09:45 for 10:00
   approx. ride distance: 35 miles
   contact: Keith & Jane - 01323 761575
   email:

There will be a coffee stop at Headcorn Aerodrome and lunch at Woodchurch. Afternoon tea at Great Chart. Keith promises ‘no big hills’.



The weather leading up to this ride had been awful, so the fact that we had so many people out was remarkable. The weather throughout the ride was as good as it gets in autumn in Kent – mostly sunny with very little wind and a mild temperature.

There had been some traffic trouble on the nearby main roads, causing some riders to arrive late at the start. The result of this was that the morning route was shortened by removing the only steep ascent of the day. We set off in a westerly direction, passing through Smarden Bell and after a gentle six miles we stopped at Headcorn Aerodrome for coffee. We were joined here by several riders who hadn't been able to make it to the start.

The next leg took us in approximately a south easterly direction, passing through Haffenden Quarter, Further Quarter and Middle Quarter and on past Cuckold's Corner and Shirkoak to Woodchurch where, after 18 miles from the start, we stopped for a leisurely lunch at the Six Bells. We had stopped briefly in Haffenden Quarter to admire the seat celebrating the life of Alan "Lou" Bathurst at one time a key cyclist in the area. Stopping on the outskirts of Further Quarter, our leader, Keith, suggested an alternative route to the left. They had used it weeks ago when they were planning the route and it had been muddy then but now with so much recent rain, everyone decided that it wasn't a good idea and we all continued together.

After lunch, we were soon climbing the ascent out of Woodchurch to the north east and continued via Shadoxhurst and the outskirts of Bethersden to, after 31 miles from the start, the very unusual tea stop at Madrona Nursery with its unique 'church-like' café. They had baked some very delicious cakes especially for us.

That just left a further 2 miles to our start point at Pluckley Station.

Apart from two very short trips of a few yards along the A28, the whole ride had been on very quiet minor roads and was undertaken at an easy pace. There was the one hill after lunch and the weather was glorious – most enjoyable.

Report by Neville Frost




Summary
Tandems: 10
Solos: 3
People: 23

Distance: 33 miles
Height Gain: 306 metres
Climb/Distance Index: 9.3 metres per mile (0.58%)
High Point: 55 metres
Low Point: 15 metres

Event Date: Sunday, 20/12/09

East Farleigh, Kent

   start time: 09:15 for 09:30
   approx. ride distance: 20 miles (morning only) with a coffee stop.
   contact: Cliff & Pauline - 01732 750885
   email:

Please feel free to decorate your tandems/stoker appropriately. The meal will be pre-booked only, at £17. Contact Pauline for a menu. This pub has been chosen as they have a separate function room.

We do hope you will come and join us for the meal, even if you do not ride in the winter, or in a group. The meal is booked for 1pm, so please feel free just to attend the meal.





It was a beautiful, sunny, cloudless day. Unfortunately with the temperature at zero and several inches of laying snow, cycling was out of the question.

Pauline had contacted people the previous day and suggested that a walk might by possible - and so it turned out. A dozen people arrived at the pub and a very pleasant snowy/sunny walk took place along the banks of the River Medway to Teston and then back via West Farleigh to East Farleigh. The main observation from those that took part was that they had become too hot!

Back at the pub, the walkers were joined by more Tandem Club members, swelling the numbers to 23 for the special Christmas Lunch. The meal was most enjoyable. What a shame that Pauline, Regional Officer and organizer of the event, had been taken ill and had not been able to take part in the festivities.

Report by Neville Frost




Summary
Tandems: 0
Solos: 0
People: 12

Distance: 3.88 miles
Height Gain: 54 metres
Climb/Distance Index: 14 metres per mile (0.86%)
High Point: 45 metres
Low Point: 8 metres

Statistics supplied by Simon Ferrar