Events in 2012

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 2012 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.

For a report and photos of the Joint 3 region Olympic Road Race Weekend click here

Event Date: Sunday, 15/01/12

Ide Hill

   start time: 09:45 for 10:00
   approx. ride distance: 35-40 miles
   contact: Cliff & Pauline - 01732 750885 or 07977 913071
   email:

The ride will start at Ide Hill, we will have a coffee stop, head for Kemsing for lunch, then back to us for afternoon tea. Please let us know if you think you can join us, as we need to let the pub know approx numbers. Either email back or phone 01732 750885 / 07977 913071 There will be hills of course, and for anyone who knows the area we may use Coolings for coffee.



The bright sunshine allowed us to admire the view south over the Weald, from the top of Ide Hill, where we assembled for the first Kent region ride of the year. We however, headed northwards through the village and over to Toy’s hill, before the long roll down to Brasted. Hogtrough hill, the only ‘serious’ climb of the day, helped to warm up anyone feeling the cold, and Liz was fuming - not from the exertion, but due to an inept driver who overtook and then stopped in front. Cooling’s nursery at Knockholt provided the coffee stop and a chance to meet up with Ruth and Andy who had brought their son to introduce him to the strange lot he will find himself cycling with once Andy fits a trailer/child seat to their tandem.

We continued to Pratt’s Bottom, simply because of its ‘quaint’ name, then onto Kemsing for lunch via Well Hill, Shoreham and Otford. Again we were joined by Ruth, Andy and Robert, as well as Liz and Mark Noble and Tricia.

The return route took us up to the Greensand ridge at Stone Street then along the top, past Knole Park to our cars, having completed a little over 30 miles and finishing just before dusk. Everyone was then invited back to the leaders' house for tea and cake.

Event Date: Sunday, 19/02/12

Ditton

   start time: 09:45 for 10:00
   approx. ride distance:
   contact: Jake - 01732 848432
   email:





We started the ride at Ditton Community Centre. The weather was looking good for the day, but very cold in the morning. We had 15 people on the ride. We started with a gentle slope going into West Farleigh to get everybody warmed up. Following this there was a steep climb which had an 11% drop on the other side down in to Yalding. We didn’t have a coffee stop in the morning as there wasn’t anything open. I made a sprint point from Yalding Cattery to The White Heart at Claygate - I won. We then made our way to Marden through the country lanes. We cycled 20 miles to our lunch at The Woolpack at Benover.

After lunch we had a steep slope down. We then had our last hill (Red Hill) where we got stuck at the traffic lights. We finished the ride with another sprint but unfortunately, me on my own couldn’t keep up with Tim on the downhill so I was losing ground but I got back onto his front wheel but I didn’t have enough energy to carry it through. So unfortunately I have to say Tim and Anne won. After this exciting sprint everyone came back to us for tea and cakes.

We had no punctures!! That must be the first. Thank you to everyone who came.

Report by Jake Mitchell

Event Date: Sunday, 18/03/12

Meopham

   start time: 09:45 for 10:00
   approx. ride distance: 40 miles
   contact: Cliff & Pauline - 01732 750885 or 07977 913071
   email:

The ride will be undulating. There will be a coffee stop at Shorne Country park, lunch at Harvel and may be an afternoon tea stop. Pauline needs to know who is coming by Friday 16th March.





After heavy rain overnight, the day started with sunshine, if a little cool. Starting from Meopham leisure centre we headed out west on what would have been a very pleasant long decent, only the road surface was so poor that you spent your time dodging potholes. Not that many of the other roads here were much better as we turned north, through Longfield Hill, where we encountered an unexpected ford where the rain had not drained from the road before reaching Cobham and on to Shorne country park for elevensies. It was now warm enough to sit outside.

We then circumnavigated the countrypark, simply to pass through the obscurely named Thong and then back to Cobham. A rather undulating route took us through Luddesdown and onto the Amazon and Tiger at Harvel. Alan and Ben on their singles left us here as Ben was under orders to be cooking dinner for his mum.

The afternoon was considerably less undulating, which was just as well as to prevent mutiny from breaking out. Through Vigo to Stanstead and under the M20 to the top of the North Downs at Terry’s Lodge farm. From here it was 3 miles downhill. If the leaders had checked things properly they could have missed out the steep climb to Speedgate for tea as they would have discovered it closes at 3pm. It would have also meant that Richard and Anne would have not fallen off when the sudden need for low gear failed to materialise. Liz and Ken however were camping here, and used the rather feeble excuse, that they had already ridden the rest of our route, for giving up early. The remainder returned to Meopham via Ash and Ridley. In the last mile, the rain that had been threatening all afternoon finally arrived, so there was a race back through the village. In Jake’s determination to catch Jim and Kate he was travelling too fast into the tight bends of the leisure centre and slid off on the wet surface. (The only bit of smooth surface we had encountered all day).

For the small group that had really missed the coffee stop there was at least the opportunity at the leisure centre to use those horrible vending machines.

In total about 39miles.

report by Cliff

Event Date: Sunday, 15/04/12

Joint S & S/Kent ride from Edenbridge

   start time: 09:45 for 10:00
   approx. ride distance:
   contact: Dave and Caroline - 01737 766649
   email:

We will be having lunch at a pub in Smallfield. Please let us know if you are interested by Friday 13th so we can let the pub know numbers. Thanks.



On a clear but fresh morning 6 tandems and one solo gathered at the leisure centre. After an easy start on quiet lanes we joined the first bridleway of the ride - the first of (too?) many. We were soon stopped by a gate closed to allow the farmer to shepherd his sheep with new born lambs between fields. We were soon on the move again, but a muddy section had everyone walking for a few yards. At Dormansland we rejoined tarmac, for about 1/2 mile, before turning off for a pleasant path alongside Lingfield racecourse. Back on tarmac again we were admiring the properties in Dormans Park when we were stopped by another gate. We were al getting ready to lift the bikes over when Christopher noticed that the chain could be lifted over the top of the post - easy then!

A busy road took us into East Grinstead, but we escaped the traffic by joining the Worth Way for a mile or so. Turning right at Gullege we took a very bumpy track towards Felbridge, and then past Hedgecourt Lake for the last track of the morning. The chilly headwind made the final section to our lunch stop at Smallfield harder work than the almost flat gradient would suggest.

After an excellent meal at the Plough and Furrow we took yet another bridleway up towards Outwood - a good way to get up the ridge without being buzzed by cars. On the next section of bridleway Caroline neglected to turn left, so everyone else went back and took a deviation from the planned route to reach the monastery at Lower South Park, where Tim photographed the statues on the chapel. The last of the planned bridleway sections was now completed.

Climbing up to Tilburstow Hill there was a minor split as Nigel and Sarah took another bridleway while everyone else took the road. They report their route was easy and flat while we had to climb up a steep hill! Lanes took us through Hurst Green where we realised that we were going to be too late for the Garden Centre Cafe at Four Elms, and the leaders legs were turning to lead, so the route was cut short, returning to Edenbridge via yet another bridleway past Troy Town (worth looking up in Wikipedia). Passing the golf course Tim had the idea of trying to get tea there - so we did.

Thanks to everyone for coming on this ride, and especially to Dave and Bev on their skinny tyres, though I did fail to change the colour of their immaculate white Cannondale to mud.

Report by Dave Wilde

Event Date: Sunday, 20/05/12

Ditton, Kent

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

Our ride will start at Ditton Community Centre and will head out towards Trosley Country Park for our coffee stop, this does involve going up Vigo Hill. From there we will head to the Cyclopark at Gravesend, however there does not appear to be any events on at the moment and I have not had a reply back from the Cyclopark confirming this, so there may not be much to look at. From there we will head to lunch at Luddesdowne and then back to our house for tea and cakes. The ride will be undulating.

We have booked a pub for our ride, although we don’t need to choose our food, the pub would like an indication of numbers that will be attending. If you are interested please can you let us know by 14th May – thanks.

Despite the threat of a rainy day, 5 tandems and 1 solo departed from Ditton Community Centre at 10am. Just as we were starting our journey down Kiln Barn Lane, we had our first bit of excitement, as we saw masses of runners heading towards us filling the road as it was the Larkfield 10k. The next 9 miles went smoothly, passing through beautiful Kent villages, however as we were cycling up the dreaded Vigo Hill, the first 3 tandems came across 3 horses coming down the hill. They didn’t like us, so much so, that one of them decided to rear up and skit across the road. We were all very disappointed that we had to stop to let the horses go by!! After this further bit of excitement we were all pleased to have a well deserved coffee break at Trosley County Park.

From Trosley, we cycled through Harvel to Cobham where we joined the cycle path along the A2 which led us to the Cyclopark at Gravesend. Unfortunately our ride was a week too early as the Cyclopark doesn’t open officially until 27th May. We then cycled through Jeskyns Country Park which brought us out on the far side of Cobham, from there we headed towards Sole Street and then descended into Luddesdowne for our lunch at The Golden Lion.

After lunch we had a long ascent followed by a quick descent down Holly Hill, where David and Christopher managed to clock 43mph!! We then cycled through Snodland and Leybourne Lakes to get us back to our house in Ditton for tea and cakes. Ride distance 37 miles.

Report by Liz and Mark Noble

Event Date: Sunday, 17/06/12

Ditton, Kent

   start time: 09:45 for 10:00
   approx. ride distance:
   contact: Colin and Mon - 01732 844292
   email:

Start venue will be at Ditton, going to Rochester for a coffee stop, and then on to Trosley village for lunch where I am hoping that Mon' can meet us there in the car.





With Monica still recovering from her new knee operation, it was up to me (Colin) to lead today’s ride on my 50 year old steel framed solo. With the weather being so unusual, I went prepared for the worst. However, even before we started, the day was beginning to warm up, and I started to shed my top layer. So, 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. The route dropped us down behind Burham to the lower road (Old Church Lane) which is somewhat potholed and in desperate need of repair. Just as we came off this section, Pat and Heather’s timing chain decided to come off. Not surprising with all the bumps and undulations.

On we rode to Borstal, 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. Some chose to sit outside in their delightful garden under the magnolia tree, whilst others remained inside.

We departed the town 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. It was at this junction that Tricia’s saddle fixing bolt decided to fracture. Thanks due to her and Jake’s quick thinking they came to a safe stop, otherwise it could have been quite a serious accident. It is always a dilemma knowing what to carry as spares when out on a ride. After looking at what some folk had, a screw was ‘borrowed’ from a chain overthrow stop and Tricia was up and running again!

We continued on and ascended the long but gentle North Downs climb of Dean Lane. At the top we turned towards 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, where Monica joined us. Never, ever, volunteer to lead a ride on Father’s Day! The place was heaving. Nevertheless, having booked in some weeks ago, they had prepared our seating so we had one long table.

For the afternoon, there was a choice of routes. Two tandems chose to find a shorter way back to tea, whilst the remainder steadfastly followed me on a labyrinth route endeavouring to use the quieter country lanes. We rode by the Neolithic tombs at Addington, and then on to Ryarsh and Birling. It was here we passed a domestic garage that housed a Delorian car. One small stretch of the busy A20 and then into the High Street of West Malling where we branched left into Water Lane. This lead us down some quiet back lanes which were bordered by numerous apple orchards.

Tea was taken at our garden which resembles a bit of a bomb site, due to work (?) in progress on our patio. There was a choice of Monica’s homemade cakes and strawberries which I had obtained from a farm in Marden the previous day. The weather was just right for sitting out, warm but not too sunny.

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

Report by: Colin and Mon

Event Date: Sunday, 15/07/12

Wye

   start time: 09:45 for 10:00
   approx. ride distance: 43 miles
   contact: Dave and Bev - 01375 672553
   email:

The ride we are leading on 15th July will be starting in Wye near Ashford. Morning tea will be in Chilham, lunch at The Hop Pocket PH, Bossingham, and afternoon tea at Elham. A very hilly ride



Seven tandems and a solo gathered in Wye on a damp chilly morning in anticipation of the hilly route ahead. We set off past the church turning left to the first downhill section of the day only to be followed by the first short hill. We then followed the narrow quiet lanes of the NCN route 18: we rode up the long steep hill to Stone Street and after a short rest we turned left at the first junction and then proceeded on a long downhill section. After a few ups and downs we then crossed the railway to meet the A28 and travelled the short distance to Bagham Barn Antiques Tea Room for elevenses.

Suitably refreshed we now retraced our steps back across the railway to head uphill to Chartham Downs. With some fast riding rolling along the ridge we headed for Lower then Upper Hardres. This was followed by a short flat section into Bossingham for lunch at the Hop Pocket Public House. We were joined by Cliff and Pauline over a lunch that was longer than anticipated but very enjoyable, with great beer, great company and eventually great fish.

Following a minor repair to Ian and Maureen's tandem by David and Clem we set off to face the toughest hills on the route. We freewheeled a long way downhill and at the bottom met a 22% hill to climb. At this point the leaders' chain snapped but was quickly repaired by Cliff and David with Christopher adding some sound advice.

With a short run up the leaders and their helpful mechanics managed to join the rest of the group at the top of the hill. We then proceeded downhill along a potholed and gravelly lane to the bottom of a 23% hill. With an abundance of mud, water filled potholes and loose gravel we all struggled to the top. This was then followed by a long twisting descent to Barham. Turning right we negotiated more ups and downs heading for our afternoon tea stop at the Cosy Tea Rooms in Elham.

Ian and Maureen had taken a shorter route and met us at the tea rooms. After a short period of time it was evident we were two tandems adrift (Cliff and Pauline / Clem and Caroline), last seen within sniffing distance of the tea room. Cliff and Pauline finally arrived in a 4x4 with one damaged tandem on a trailer and Clem and Caroline following on behind. The front wheel and a pannier carrier had made contact on Cliff and Pauline's tandem, the result being that they both made a close inspection of the roadway. Clem's excellent bike handling skills managed to avoid contact and keep himself and Caroline upright. As a precaution an ambulance was summoned and Cliff and Pauline were quickly transported to A&E.

Ian and Maureen decided to make their own way back to Wye, whilst the remaining tandems and a solo continued on beyond Lyminge joining the Pilgrims' Way route back to Wye. This was a bit lumpy but we managed to avoid the steeper hills in the area. With tired legs and our thoughts with Cliff and Pauline we arrived back in Wye with 38 miles completed just to see the sun appear for the first time all day.

Thanks to everyone who joined us and a special thanks to David, Caroline, Liz and Ken for transporting Cliff and Pauline's tandem and car.

Report by: Bev and Dave

Event Date: August

No ride due to clash with National Rally at - see Tandem Club Website for details

Event Date: Sunday, 16/09/12

Cranbrook, Kent

   start time: 09:45 for 10:00
   approx. ride distance:
   contact: Rita & Maurice - 01580 713887/0789 101 6962
   email:

Coffee will be at Hawkhurst Fish Farm and lunch at the Swan Inn at Wittersham. There are bar snacks, a la carte or carvery available, obviously if you choose a la carte you may have to wait a little while for your meal, whereas a snack or carvery will only take as long as it takes to queue.



Although rain threatened virtually all day long it never actually happened, but it meant that the day was cloudy and cooler than the previous few days. Nine of us met in Cranbrook, Rita having bailed out to rest her leg after being run down by grand daughter Katie causing a very nasty injury, so I was on a solo. It was also evident that Jake had problems getting his leg over. Over the tandem that is! Suffering from the ravages of a party the night before he was barely in condition to tow Tricia around.

Twisting through the lanes we arrived at Hawkhurst Fish Farm for coffee grateful that there was only 9 of us instead of the predicted possible 20 as they were very busy and service was a little slower than usual. A few ups and downs and twists and turns saw us to Wittersham for lunch where we were surprised to find the dining room all set up with the carvery laid out, but not a soul in sight. Eventually the chef put in an appearance, profusely apologetic, as he was all on his own, but lunch was nontheless served up quickly and plentiful.

No afternoon tea stop had been planned, but once back to Biddenden a quick phone call to ensure Rita could cope with a small invasion and we wend our way back to Mole's Hole for unscheduled tea and cake.Both Simon and Jake, as representatives of the younger generation, found it hard to stay awake in such salubrious company, but I'm sure the cooling evening breeze back to the car park revived them!

Report by: Maurice

Event Date: Sunday, 21/10/12

Groombridge

   start time: 09:45 for 10:00
   approx. ride distance: 40 miles
   contact: Cliff & Pauline - 01732 750885 or 07977 913071
   email:

The route follows the old railway to Hartfield, at which point any level cycling will finish for the day, as we head for a circuit around Ashdown Forest. Please email or phone 01732 750885 so we can let the pub know numbers - many thanks.



The start, from the Harrison’s Rocks car park at Groombridge was just over the border of Kent in Sussex. The closest we came to Kent was about 100metres in the centre of Groombridge, before turning west to follow the Forest way cycle path. The tree lined old railway line gave considerable shelter from the drizzle, but we followed the path for just 3 miles to Hartfield. The company had been warned that this was to be the only flat part of the ride and we were soon climbing to Chuck Hatch. Waterproofs came off with the increased exercise, and then it was time to get the feet wet through Newbridge ford. The long climb to Wych Cross is normally broken up by stopping to admire the views. This time, with visibility down to a few hundred metres the only reason to stop was to put the waterproofs back on as the rain became more persistent. Coffee at the Llama Park gave a break from the rain.

Then it was time to climb to Camp Hill via Chelwood Gate. The heather on Ashdown Forest should look resplendent at this time of the year. Today, it looked grey, like everything else. There was then a long descent skirting Maresfield to lunch at the Pig and Butcher at Five Ash Down.

Having enjoyed a long descent to the pub it was time for a warming climb through High Hurstwood and Jarvis Brook to Rotherfield. The long decent through Hornshurst Wood was not to last long, but as we reached the steepest climb up Blackdon Hill our chain broke. By the time I had walked the bike to a farm gate to get off the road, Tim had a link extractor and spare link in hand and the problem was rectified in a couple of minutes. Just time for Ian and Maureen, who had been trailing on the hills, to catch us up. It was then a short ride back to the car park, where the leaders supplied cake and drinks.

Report by: Cliff & Pauline

Event Date: Sunday, 18/11/12

Whitstable, Kent


   start time: 09:45 for 10:00
   approx. ride distance: 35 - 40 miles
   contact: Jim & Kate - 01227 740964 or 07708 394131
   email:

The ride is going to start at Whitstable, making our way to Faversham for a coffee stop and then an enjoyable tour of country lanes looping us back to Herne Hill for roast dinner at the Red Lion. Which leaves us a short ride with a couple of hills back to Whitstable.
Contact Kate or Jim for directions to the start.



The Tandem Club all arrived in Whitstable on a sunny but cold Sunday morning, which was quite a relief to Kate and I as we had been planning the route over the last couple of months in wet windy conditions, planning a route with quite a few cut backs in case the weather turned horrible and we wanted to get back quick. Kate took the credit for the weather and I had to settle for planning the route which only had 4 hills.

6 tandems set off, 5 regulars and Mark and Jill on their first tandem club ride on their shiny blue Orbit. Welcome Mark and Jill. Hopefully, soon to become familiar faces on Sunday mornings. We soon left the busy Sunday morning traffic of Whitstable and headed out for Faversham passing through Yorkletts and Graveney. It was on these quiet lanes we came upon a rare sight, a rather embarrassed Paramedic had parked his car on top of a bank, blue lights still flashing and front wheels hanging in the air. The corner was slightly tighter than he thought but I’m sure the smug looking police officers there were not taking the mickey.

After that excitement we made our way into Faversham for coffee and cakes in the local art cafe. The cafe exhibits local art work and crafts. I did quite like one picture which was of a landscape in black and white made up of naked ladies. Unfortunately it was too big to fit in my panniers and at the cost of £150 more than my coffee and cake budget could stretch too. We even got a free bit of chocolate brownie for being good customers. However the free piece was only slightly smaller than the piece Cliff brought, leaving Cliff feeling we had eaten his other half. His piece was perfectly presented though.

With the sun still shining and the temperature warming up we headed off to find country lanes lined with beautiful autumn coloured trees. This took as on a nice large loop through Oare/Uplees and across the A2 towards Painter’s Forstal where we went up our first hill. After travelling out to Eastling and a few hills later I seemed to have a mutiny on my hands about the classification of “what is a hill”? In my view it is only a hill if you have to use the granny ring. Otherwise it is classed as a slope and if you have to get off then it is a mountain. Therefore this lovely 35 mile loop had 4 hills, many slopes and no mountains. I’m still not sure all agree.

We stopped at Herne Hill for dinner in the Red Lion pub. They supplied as with a great large table so we could all sit together and provided a selection of roasts, Salmon or curry. The conversation went quiet for a while so I presume all enjoyed their meals.

It was 3 o’clock by the time we left and the shadows were getting longer so a quick 5 miles back to Whitstable found us still in daylight to put the bikes on the cars and for a wind down in the station over a hot cup of tea or coffee. Those who were still hungry after their lunch tucked into Kate’s finest Sainsbury’s cakes which she prepared the day before.

If you look at the photos closely you may see my moustache I’ve been growing for Movember Prostate cancer charity, I would like to thanks the riders for donating to the pot which I’m hoping to fill by the end of the month.

Thanks to all who came along.

Report by: Kate and Jim

Event Date: Sunday, 16/12/12

South East England Joint 3 Region Christmas Ride and Lunch at Dartford

   start time: 09:45 for 10:00
   approx. ride distance:
   contact: Tricia Anderson-Frost
   email:

Our Christmas lunch will be a joint affair with Kent and Surrey & Sussex Regions. It will be held at Birchwood Park Golf Centre, Birchwood Road, Wilmington, Dartford, Kent DA2 7HJ at 1.30pm. The meal must be pre-booked by Saturday 10th November. The meal will be preceeded by a short ride with coffee stop organised by Murray and Angela (01322 294984)