Events in 2010

This page shows details of events organized by us each month.
More information will be added as it becomes available.

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 2010 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, 17/01/10

Reculver, Kent

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





A rapid thaw, after weeks of snow-covered roads meant that the January ride could go ahead. Very pleasingly the day also dawned bright and sunny. Due to the surface that road engineers consider suitable for cycle paths, Jim and Kate had suffered two punctures on their two mile ride to the start. They then found they had another at the start. Eventually 5 tandems and Caroline on a single set off from Bishopstone to ride through Reculver Country park, pursued by a dog intent on trying to knock us off. The route then turned south, through Marshside and Upstreet to cross the river Stour at Grove ferry.

It felt good to be back on the bikes, for many of us, the first time this year. We stopped for Coffee at Wingham Bird Park, before continuing in our generally southerly direction through Wingham and Goodnestone, past the Post mill at Chillenden and across the Downs to Woolage Green for Lunch.

After Lunch the route took us past the old Snowdown colliery. The lifting gear has long gone, but surprisingly, all the other buildings remain as a historic reminder of the not too distant past. Through Aylesham and Adisham, to Bekesbourne and then a short break at Fordwich. We were now all showing the effects that a long lay off from riding produce. Fortunately the North Easterly direction the route now took, put the wind mercifully on our backs as we followed the Roman road back to Reculver.

It was good to be back on the bikes, but perhaps a shorter first time out may have been wise. I’ll make a note for next year.

Report by: Cliff Hayward


Summary
Tandems: 5
Solos: 1
People: 11

Distance: 39 miles
Height Gain: 645 metres
Climb/Distance Index: 16.5 metres per mile (1.03%)
High Point: 112 metres
Low Point: 0 metres

Event Date: Sunday, 21/02/10

Paddock Wood, Kent

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





Seven tandems and Jake, sporting his dad’s clean bright new yellow mountain bike, met at Paddock Wood. It was unlikely the mountain bike would stay bright and yellow for long, given the weather conditions. We set off in the rain through Five Oak Green to Pembury, where we were stopped by a road closure. To keep us off the A228 we asked permission to move the railings and squeeze past a truck.

The coffee shop at Pembury hadn’t bothered to open in such appalling weather but fortunately the café in Dunloran Park, on the outskirts of Tunbridge Wells, was open. It even had dry cycle storage. Not that this was necessary as once in the café the rain stopped - only for it to start again as soon as we returned to the bikes.

It was pleasing to discover that ‘Disgusted, of Tunbridge Wells’ is still alive and well. He stopped us in the park to complain about us cycling.
“We didn’t see any signs”, we said honestly.
“You would if you looked hard enough”, was his reply.

From Hawkenbury through to Kipping's Cross we decided to take a more direct route to lunch, than previously planned, and then missed a turn so added a short loop back on. The Halfway House at Brenchley is largely all rough sawn tables and tiled floor. The landlord made the odd decision to put us (soaking wet) in the one room with a carpet. I guess it helped to soak up the water. The pub has some 10 beers straight from the barrel. Unfortunately as the weather appeared to have improved, with the sun shining through the window, we felt duty bound to continue our ride.

We headed for Horsmonden where it started raining again within 10 minutes of us leaving the pub. We did however complete the afternoon’s ride as planned, just to keep to my promise that the route would be flat, even if it did therefore entail a quite circuitous route back to Paddock Wood to complete 30 miles.

Report by: Cliff Hayward


Summary
Tandems: 7
Solos: 1
People: 15

Distance: 31 miles
Height Gain: 540 metres
Climb/Distance Index: 17.4 metres per mile (1.08%)
High Point: 141 metres
Low Point: 12 metres

Event Date: Sunday, 21/03/10

Deal, Kent

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

We meet at 9.45am ready to start cycling at 10am. The ride will be mostly on minor roads but with about five miles of well surfaced cycle paths and about half to one mile of a fairly rough bridleway. (this part of the ride can be avoided if it is very wet or if anyone is keen to keep their bike clean!)

The plan is to head off to Sandwich for a coffee stop and then on to the Dog and Duck at Plucks Gutter for a typical Sunday lunch. After lunch we will head back towards Deal via Fowlmead Country Park where we will do a lap of their 3.5km tarmac cycle race track before going on to the leaders' house for tea. From there it will be a short 2 mile ride back to the start point. (I am not sure how the timing will go but I guess it may be worth bringing lights just in case they are needed for the final two miles ... that really depends on how long you spend at the leaders' house having tea!) Estimated distance 40miles estimated height gain less than 400m.





Eight tandems and one solo met at the start point near Walmer Castle. We were pleased to welcome two new teams, Jocelyn & Alfie and Simon & Paula. Although the ride had been advertised as having very few hills we were straight into the hilliest part of the ride up through Walmer to Cold Blow level crossing and on to Ripple, crossing the railway three times in a little over a mile. We stopped on the way down to Worth at the "Ham Sandwich" signpost for what was meant to be a brief photo stop but ended up taking a little longer as Neville and Tricia had the first puncture of the day. We took a route right through the middle of Sandwich to reach our morning stop at The Little Cottage Tea Rooms.

From Sandwich we followed the cycle path by the rather noisy A256 to Richborough where it swings away from the road and goes through the woods to Cliffsend. From here we turned inland and headed up through Minster and Monkton to the delightfully named Plucks Gutter where we had lunch at The Dog and Duck.

From Plucks Gutter we took some very minor Roads to Ash from where we cut across to Staple on a bridle path. The surface on the bridle path did get pretty poor in places and it was a bit like cycling across the middle of a field. The next brief stop was at the old Pit Head of Betteshanger Colliery to give us a chance to phone ahead to Fowlmead Park. This stop was longer than planned as Ken and Liz had a puncture. On through the deserted Fowlmead industrial Park and into Fowlmead Park itself where there were no officials in the visitor centre so we went straight up onto the race track. We started at a fairly sedate pace on the beautifully smooth tarmac but inevitably some teams began to speed ahead enjoying the huge expanse of very very smooth tarmac. After one and a half laps of the 3.5km track we headed out of the park via The Colliers' Gate from where the cycle track leads into Deal. We had one more puncture, as we arrived in Deal, before going on to the leaders' house for tea and cakes.

The final two miles back to the start were done at about half past five and it was very pleasant cycling along the sea front in the fading light. One or two minor repairs to Simon and Paula's bike were still being done in the car park as the four teams that had cycled to the start headed off on their bikes.

Report by: Nick Ferrar


Summary
Tandems: 8
Solos: 1
People: 17

Distance: 40 miles
Height Gain: 490 metres
Climb/Distance Index: 12.3 metres per mile (0.76%)
High Point: 49 metres
Low Point: 0 metres

Event Date: Sunday, 18/04/10

Unfortunately, as nobody has volunteered to lead this ride, there will be no ride this month. We may also have to cancel the June and October rides unless a volunteer can be found. Please get in contact if you would be prepared to lead a ride, or just to ask for some details as to what is involved - it is not too arduous, see contact details below: -

   contact: Cliff & Pauline - 01732 750885
   email:

Event Date: Sunday, 16/05/10

Ide Hill, nr Sevenoaks

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

We intend to have a coffee stop and a pub lunch then back to our leaders house for afternoon tea.
This ride will be shorter than normal, as we shall be having our last meeting before the Ringmer Rally week.



Eight tandems and a solo met at the leader’s house. The advantage of living at the top of a hill is that the start of any ride is so pleasantly easy. Downhill all the way to Brasted in the Darenth valley. It was then time to recover this lost height as we climbed gently to Toy’s Hill. There were cycle racers aplenty making use of these hills of the Greensand Ridge for training. The descent of Toy’s Hill made the climb worthwhile and we were very soon at the coffee stop. Newly opened, the poor lass had not yet learnt how to cope with large groups and there was a bit of confusion with the orders.

After coffee we circumnavigated Edenbridge to pass the bluebell woods of Staffhurst and the watermill at Haxted before arriving at Marsh Green for Lunch where our numbers were swelled by Mick, Rose and Tricia.

If the morning had been easy riding then the afternoon was to make amends. First there was a climb to Mark Beech for hazy views of the Ashdown forest to the south before turning north for the views of the Greensand Ridge that we were soon to ascend. After the descent to Chiddingstone, passing Larkins Brewery and crossing the River Eden we then had to climb Bayley’s Hill. Due to poor planning by the leader we had reached the publicised 35 mile distance before the hill started, so the company had to contend not only with a long climb but the realisation of an extra 5 undulating miles to the finish, and the well earned tea and cake at the leader’s house.

Report by: Cliff Hayward

Event Date: Sunday, 27/06/10

Ham Street

   start time: 09:45 for 10:00
   approx. ride distance: 40-45 miles
   contact: Nick & Simon - 01304 36465
   email:

Seven tandems and one solo met in Hamstreet - a couple of the cars slipping into the car park via the pedestrian entrance to avoid the height barrier! The day was forecast to be the hottest so far this year. The first part of the ride had a few gentle hills on it before we reached Appledore. The reason for this was that the leader could not quite bring himself to plan a completely hill free ride. We crossed the Hythe Military Canal in Appledore and from that point on the ride was completely flat for about 35 miles. We took the back lanes towards Brenzett, passing the beautifully remote Fairfield Church stuck in the middle of a marshy field surrounded by sheep and accessible only by footpath. We stopped for coffee in Brenzett where we were joined by Tricia on her solo. It was really great to ride with Tricia again and she stayed with us for the whole of the rest of the ride, not needing to use a little short cut home that she had devised for herself just in case she was tiring.

From Brenzett we followed the country lanes to Lydd, the only minor incident being the leader sending everyone the wrong way. Fortunately Liz Gates was able to correct us before we went too far astray! From Lydd the scenery begins to change to the shingle landscape of the Dungeness peninsula. We took a bridle path through the nature reserve and saw several twitchers trying to spot the Purple Herons. Apparently the chicks hatched a couple of days before the ride and it is the first time Purple Herons have been known to breed in this country.

Lunch was at "The Pilot" at Dungeness from where we headed North along the coast and followed the seafront past St Mary's Bay and Dymchurch. In spite of England playing Germany at 3pm there were still a lot of people out enjoying the good weather. A quick pause for an ice cream in St Mary's bay was followed by an enforced diversion to get round some sea wall maintenance work. North of Dymchurch the sea wall was wide smooth and deserted which made for very pleasant cycling.

We eventually cut inland to St Botolph's from where we had a long, hot, flat ride back to the start via Lords Farm where Tricia left us to return to her campsite.

Report by: Simon Ferrar

Event Date: Sunday, 18/07/10

Ditton Community Centre

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

Come and join us around our lovely Kentish lanes


4 tandems and 2 solos arrived at Ditton Community Centre to take part in our ride. It was a lovely sunny day.

We headed out of Ditton and negotiated our way through the barriers in and out of picturesque Leybourne Lakes. From there, we cycled through beautiful countryside passing through the villages of Snodland, Birling, Ryarsh and Trottiscliffe followed by a short spell along the A20 and A25. After 11 miles we arrived at our coffee stop, Nepicar Farm.

On leaving Nepicar Farm, our ride became undulating as we passed through Basted and Plaxtol. On our way through Plaxtol we stopped to explore Old Soar Manor, a late 13th century fortified manor house. We then proceeded to ascend steeply to Crouch and arrived at Spadework’s in Offham for our lunch.

It was decided at lunch that when passing through West Malling on our return journey we should stop at St Leonard's Tower, (the well preserved remains of a Norman Keep) to investigate.

We arrived back at our house for tea and cakes after cycling 30 interesting miles.


Report by: Liz

Event Date: Sunday, 22/08/10

Tenterden, Kent
(in conjunction with Tandem Club - South East London)

   start time: 09:45 for 10:00
   approx. ride distance: 40 miles
   contact: Keith & Jane - 01323 761575
   email:




7 Tandems and 3 solos met in Tenterden for this joint Kent and SE London ride. The weather was fine although the forecast did not look good.
The route headed north out through St.Michales and across country for coffee at Headcorn Aerodrome. The clouds started to clear as we finished coffee and the first flight of parachutists took off, we learned that it would be the first solo flight for some on board having just completed a days training the day before! We hope they landed safely? As we moved off the group split into two pre-arranged groups with one heading diagonally south west direct to the lunch stop whilst the other group headed north west to Lamb's Cross before turning south through Frittenden and onto lunch at the Bull Inn at Sissinghurst. As we arrived the heavens opened up and it continued to pour with rain until we had finished our great food.

After lunch we split again with one group heading back directly to Tenterden whilst the others did a loop out to Benenden before going onto Tenterden. The latter route provided a few hills for Jake to fly up on his new bike. He was looking for a race up every hill but none of us could keep apace with him so we just let him steam ahead. One tandem punctured near St. Michaels on the way home but a quick repair meant we all arrived back in Tenterden for afternoon tea at the Savannah Tea Room.
A great ride out, for both groups, with the weather being very kind to us.

Report by: Keith

Event Date: Sunday, 19/09/10

Ditton Community Centre

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




It was a pleasant, late Summer’s day, not too cold, when 8 tandems and one solo rode out of the Ditton Community Centre Car Park. We headed for Aylesford and went over the picturesque 14th century bridge, then turned left to Eccles. Thus begun one of the many ascents we were to enjoy that day. Just as we got to the outskirts of Burham, we departed from the upper road by taking a left into Court Road and rode up another lovely climb with a great view at the top. Continuing on, we descended and turned right into Old Church Lane. After a short distance we negotiated one of the two concrete chicanes which block this section of the lane from motorized traffic. This area used to be an industrial site, but was raised to the ground for the development of affordable housing but due to the recession is now derelict. We continued on to Wouldham, where there were many more cars than usual parked on the road. This was because the occupants had come to witness the demolition of the brick chimney on the other side of the Medway to our left at Upper Halling. The demolition was to take place at 11am, but it was only 10:38 so we rode by and continued on, much to the disgust of young Christopher who wanted to stay for the event.

On we rode to Borstal, up another short climb, and under the two bridges, one serving the Eurostar and the other the M2 motorway, until we came to the descent which dropped us down to the Esplanade in Rochester. We went past the castle and turned right towards the Cathedral and into their tea rooms. We chose to sit outside in their delightful garden under the magnolia tree. Mon and I couldn’t resist a pot of tea and fruit scones. It’s no wonder we struggle up the hills. We departed the city by quiet back lanes and retraced our way back to the M2 bridge where we took the cycle path over the Medway to link up with the A228. Dropping down the hill to Cuxton we turned right and headed for Harvel. This meant another long climb of the North Downs but through some quiet country lanes. At the top (gasp, gasp!) we turned left towards the Vigo where we came off the main road to use the quieter roads through the village. Then it was down Vigo hill (thank goodness) to end up at the George Inn in Trottiscliffe. They had prepared our seating so we had one long table. The meal came promptly and we had time to relax and enjoy a chat.

The afternoon ride took a labyrinth route to maximize use of the quieter country lanes riding by the Neolithic tombs at Addington, and then on to Ryarsh and Birling where we turned right into Bull Road. One small stretch of the busy A20 and then into the High Street of West Malling exiting at the Southern end and ending up at the Manor Park Country Park Green Café for afternoon Tea. Luckily for us, the park was not too busy and there were enough tables and chairs for us all on their outside veranda. This time, Colin couldn’t resist the coconut cake and a coffee. Another chat and rest before we set off back into West Malling where we branched off down some quiet back lanes which were bordered by numerous apple orchards.

In summary, the weather was very kind, there were no punctures or breakdowns, and we were fortunate to have good service at the food stops. We trust everyone had a pleasant days ride.

Report by: Colin and Mon

Event Date: Sunday, 17/10/10

Newington, near Sittingbourne, Kent

   start time: 09:45 for 10:00
   approx. ride distance: 40 miles
   contact: Cliff & Pauline - 01732 750885
   email:

Easy riding with some smooth(ish) offroad.
No morning coffee, pub lunch and afternoon tea.


Starting from the Village hall car park in Newington we set off north towards Lower Halstow and then followed the coast through the delightfully named Bedlams Bottom. We were heading for the Isle of Sheppey. The old lifting bridge is fairly quiet of traffic now most is on the new bridge. Strange how the authorities build a cycle lane next to a road once they have taken the traffic off the road and there is no real need for the cycle lane.
It was quite a climb to Minster, the highest point on the island, where we took an impromtu coffee stop in a working mens club, then on to Eastchurch, where there is a memorial to the pioneer aircraft pilots. We then headed out across the marshes to the Harty Ferry inn. This area draws many birdwatchers due to the presence of Short-eared Owls and Hen Harriers, but those of us that stopped at the Raptor viewing platform were disappointed.

After a pleasant meal at the inn we took the farm track three miles across the marshes to Muswell Manor, where the first aircraft flights took place. We then turned into the wind through Leysdown with all its caravans and then to Warden Point. Here the land has been slowly falling into the sea and the road comes to an abrupt end. Trish, who had been riding her solo, then swapped for the luxury of Anne’s Pino seat. Back through Minster and then a return to the coast, where the cycleway now follows the prom. A brief tea stop at a kiosk in Sheerness was followed by an attempt to find the cyclepath to Queenborough. It was partly successful. We failed to find the path that followed a river, but we did find the right footbridge over the railway. It has a channel to run the wheels along.

After Queenborough we left the island by the Kingsferry bridge and returned to Newington via Iwade, returning in failing light from an otherwise wonderfully sunny day.

Report by: Pauline

Event Date: Sunday, 21/11/10

Biddenden, Kent

   start time: 09:45 for 10:00
   approx. ride distance: 35 miles
   contact: Maurice & Rita - 01580 713887
   email:

Starting from Biddenden the ride will meander through the lanes to Great Chart for coffee followed by a visit to Eastwell Church for a mini history lesson(!) and then on to Wye for lunch.
Please contact Maurice or Rita before Saturday 20th as the pub need to know numbers.

Event Date: Sunday, 05/12/10

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:

Joint SEL, Surrey & Sussex and Kent Christmas lunch at East Farleigh, Kent. Limited places so book early!
Please feel free to decorate your tandems/stoker appropriately.

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. -->



Heavy snow last year meant that the scheduled morning ride was cancelled and we all went for a walk instead. This year, despite moving the lunch to the first weekend of December, snow and ice, once again caused the cancellation of a ride in favour of another walk.
17 of us assembled outside The Bull at East Farleigh before setting off south past Homelands farm riding stables and then across orchards towards Loose. Next to the sewage works we stumbled across a campsite, complete with climbing frame and a toilet. Which would have been convenient had the water not been frozen.
Loose is an attractive village, with a stream separating the lane from the houses, where Liz found some food to feed a lonely duck. We followed the stream valley north towards Tovil and headed back to East Farleigh via Abbey gate Place, where unfortunately, Trish slipped on the ice and fell awkwardly on her ankle. She bravely hobbled on, although perhaps unwisely. A visit to the hospital the following day revealed a fracture that had to be put in plaster.
There were 35 of us assembled for the meal from each of the South East England regions and even though some had travelled some considerable distance, it was such an enjoyable day that we are considering having a joint Christmas gathering next year - although to avoid the snow, maybe it will have to take place in November!

Report by: Pauline