Events in 2014

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, September, October, November, December.

For a list of all tandem events in and around Kent, click on the Diary 2014 page where you will also see events and rides organized by the Tandem Club Surrey & Sussex.

Event Date: Sunday, 19/01/14

Ide Hill, Kent

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




The car park at Ide Hill makes an ideal start point. As well as the usual toilets, it has the benefit of a pleasant view over the Weald to the south, a shop that sells hot drinks for those arriving early, but its unique feature, is that, chained to a railing, is a track pump. Such is the popularity of this area for many cyclists. And on a pleasant sunny morning there were many.
We started along the undulating road that heads East along the Greensand ridge and the edge of Knowle Deer Park. This seemed to be where the people of Sevenoaks park to take their pushchairs for a walk, as there were many being pulled from the backs of cars. Once away from the woodlands we could enjoy the benefit of the sunshine as we climbed to Stone Street and then down through Plaxtol to Hadlow. After all the recent flooding we were fortunate to have dry roads, but we crossed a number of normally unnoticeable streams that were now fast flowing rivers.
After refreshments at Hadlow College we headed west through Shipbourne. Now into the wind it felt cooler, but a fast pace was maintained to ensure we reached the Fleur De Lys at Leigh, exactly at 1pm.
The return route, through Chiddingstone, could not completely avoid flooded roads and the down side to the otherwise, very agreeable start location became apparent. We had to eventually climb that damned hill.
Tea and cakes were offered at the leaders' house, in order to replenish the calories burned after a 33 mile ride.

report by Cliff and Pauline

Event Date: Sunday, 16/02/14

Maidstone

   start time: 09:45 for 10:00
   approx. ride distance: 33 miles
   contact: Cliff & Pauline - 01732 750885
   email:

Start from Mote Park, Maidstone,the Leisure Centre car park TQ772549 or 57701549 About 33 miles. Coffee, either at Oad Street or Bredgar, with Lunch at Lenham.



Eleven of us gathered in Maidstone’s Mote Park on a gloriously sunny morning. The almost continuous rain since the beginning of the year soon became apparent though, with the cycle path through the park under water. In an attempt to avoid wet feet so early in the day, we followed a path through the centre of the park, having to carefully negotiate the numerous dog walkers, push chairs and children on scooters that had also swarmed to the park on such a marvellous day. It was rather guesswork finding our way out of the far side.

Eventually we found our way to Bearsted, and followed the ominously named Water Lane. So it proved, with a river running its length. A short section of the Pilgrims Way, before the first, and longest climb of the day, up the North Downs to Hucking. With two more steep climbs on the way to Bredgar Farm shop for coffee, and with the roads in a very poor condition after so much rain, progress was slow, but fortunately there was a very efficient service at the coffee stop. The road through Milstead to Doddington gave a rather welcome break from the undulations before coffee, but then it was time to climb back up the Downs to Warren Street, before the decent into Lenham.

The Red Lion was quite busy, and we had a while to wait for lunch, so the afternoon’s ride was curtailed somewhat. Riding South West through Platt’s Heath, Sutton Valence and Chart Sutton, before negotiating Park Wood and Willington housing estates to return after about 33 miles to Mote Park. Liz and Mark, having cycled to the start, set off home, whilst the rest of us stopped for a cuppa in the Leisure Centre’s café.

Cliff and Pauline

Event Date: Sunday, 23/03/14

Cranbrook

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

We are planning to start from the Co-op car park, stop for coffee then on to Brenchley for lunch.

Event Date: Sunday, 27/04/14

Hamstreet

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

We will meet at Hamstreet car park (south of the village).
A flat ride across Romney Marsh to Rye via New Romney for coffee. Then a short climb to Udimore for lunch.
After lunch a few climbs to Peasmarsh and Wittersham, before returning to the flat marshes after tea at Reading Street.
Please could you contact Cliff and Pauline to say that you are interested so they can let the pub know how many for lunch.

Event Date:  3 - 5 /05/14

Joint Camping Weekend - Suffolk

   start time: will be decided at the time
   approx. ride distance:
   contact: Alan & Wendy - 07752 780700
   email:



click here for a report and pictures of the joint camping weekend

Event Date: Sunday, 18/05/14

Crowborough Leisure Centre

   start time: 09:45 for 10:00
   approx. ride distance: 35 miles
   contact: Dave & Caroline - 01737 766649
   email:

start 9:45 for 10:00. We will head south for a coffee stop at Wilderness Wood, Hadlow Down. Then on to Isfield for lunch in The Laughing Fish (next to the station) at around 12:30. The tea stop will be the garden centre at Jarvis Brook. Around 35 miles total – additional loops or short cuts possible as required.


Five tandems and a solo met on a bright and sunny morning outside Crowborough's Leisure Centre. Liz and Ken came all the way from the adjacent camp-site. We sped along the lanes to the break at Hadlow. Liz tried to teach us how to tie bow-lines but none of us had either the knack or the memory! It didn't manage to sink in even after lunchtime's referesher.

As it was such a beautiful day we had lunch outside. However we were glad of the shade. It was great to see Clem once again. It would be even better to see him on a tandem next time!

We all agreed to a modifed return route so that we could incorporate a stretch of off-road. As this meant that the planned stop at Jarvis Brook garden centre was no longer on the way, we thought we'd try out the cafe at the Leisure Centre. However we jumped at the opportunity to stop for ice creams at the top of the Ashdown Forest. Shame we were beside a busy road!

Event Date: Sunday, 15/06/14

Northiam

   start time: 9:45 for 10:00
   approx. ride distance: 39 miles
   contact: Richard & Anne - 01797 252944
   email:


The start will be from the ride leaders' house. Tea will be at Merriments garden Centre and lunch at the Rose and Crown, Burwash. The whole ride is about 39 miles and quite hilly.
Please contact the ride leaders by the end of Wednesday - the pub needs numbers.



Assembly started from 09:30 with the arrival of Cliff and Pauline. All 14 had arrived by 10:05: Barry & Janet (visiting from Lincolnshire), Jim & Kate, Phil & Verna, Dave, Caroline & Christopher, Mark, Liz & Jake, so after a photograph we rolled off through the wooded undulating country side. It was grey day with a promise of some sunshine later and a NE wind. Tail wind made the ride to Merriments via Bodiam Castle very pleasant. Tea stop at Merriments was outside as they had two coaches in, but very friendly and prompt service. There was actually a little bit of blue sky as we left Merriments. It was an enjoyable ride up to Ticehurst which was followed by a short ride along the ridge before dropping down into the valley before Stonegate. The one arrow hill before Stonegate had everyone (except Jake) puffing a bit, Satisfying drop down into the valley after Stonegate followed by a stiff climb up to Spring Lane. The hills up to Burwash were quite tough. Arrived at Burwash before 13:00 and the landlord said they had a bit of a queue for food. Waited and waited and waited! The landlord’s wife eventually took pity on us and bought out some olives and some warm bread. I got out the route profile to show everyone the nice hills on the way back. Cliff's comment, "I'll remember this ride when people complain about my rides being hilly!" This comment had to be taken in the context that Cliff stole my ride in May, so it was his fault really. Lunch eventually came at 14:30 and it was very good quality. everyone was ravenous and in the words of Kate, "You had to remember to chew after the first few mouthfuls!" Those who had the mushrooms had a real treat. The 550' climb up to Brightling after lunch did seem a bit cruel but wasn't too bad once the 'cafe legs' (Thanks to Barry & Janet for this metaphor) got going. Some more (quite large!) ups and downs to Netherfield at 460'. A pleasing run down the valley towards Battle but as always on this ride a sharp climb to get to the north end of Battle. This was followed by a short climb up Virgins' Lane and then the l ong, satisfying rundown to Whatlington ready for the last substantial climb of the day. Reasonably flat run through Cripps Corner and Staplecross; however David did comment that one of the small hills still felt quite substantial! I took pity on the group and went via Mill Corner rather than the sharp climb up Ewhurst Lane. T he last hill was the steep ascent of our drive as noted by Barry and Janet. The 39 miles and 3400' of climbing, was a good day’s ride. (The attached profile includes the avoided climb up Ewhurst lane.) Tea and delicious cakes were enjoyed by all. My 'brick tree' was the subject of much discussion. Thanks to all for coming.

Event Date: Sunday, 20/07/14

Headcorn

   start time: 09:45 for 10:00
   approx. ride distance: 35 miles
   contact: Daphne & Nick - 077733 26365
   email:

The ride follows a gentle route through the beautiful Kent countryside. Please contact Daphne & Nick on 077733 26365 or nick.allen.54@gmail.com for details of the start point etc.. Also our chosen venue will need to know numbers. Please don't leave a message on the home phone.



Having had to change our mode of tandem last year we quickly realised our speed is not up to what it was ( we have never been among the fastest in the group!) We therefore decided on a fairly sedate flatish ride in the Kent countryside, starting at Headcorn, having warned everyone to bring a packed lunch. We arrived early and in fair weather, although it was a little overcast it was dry. Seven Tandems set off along pleasant quiet lanes skirting Biddenden, and out through Sissinghurst. We then dropped down and up again through Golford and through Hamsted Forest before arriving for morning coffee in the pleasant surroundings of Biddenden Vinyard (they do sell coffee and tea as well as alcoholic beverages!)

After coffee we set off out to St Michaels, crossing the A28 which proved entertaining. We then returned to smaller roads and up to Woodchurch, a friend had kindly opened the Windmill early for us, and we ate our lunch sitting outside, halfway up the mill. ( If you cannot have a picnic in the summer when can you have one!!) As we sat chatting, eating our lunch and admiring the scenery we started to hear distant rumblings of thunder. It was about then that Christopher realised he had left his waterproof behind in the car. Never mind we were sure the storm would pass us by. The rumblings carried on and after a look around the very interesting windmill and a photoshoot, as the charity running the mill had never had a party of tandems visit before! We all started to talk about leaving. It was then that the storm really started, the wind started to blow and the heavens opened. We all took shelter within the windmill and delayed the start for a few minutes to let the storm pass. After 20 minutes we knew that we had to leave and brave the elements. We left Woodchurch in truly torrential rain with thunder crashing all round. The idea had been to stop for afternoon tea at a garden centre, but it was decided to carry on back to Headcorn returning far quicker than we had anticipated. We returned to Headcorn via Bethersden, Pluckley and Smarden. The storm accompanied us all the way, I can honestly say I have never riden a bike in a full on thunderstorm before, and, although memorable I do not think I wish to repeat the experience in the near future. On our return Pauline, Cliff, Nick and I went into a coffee shop in Headcorn. As we left we realised how wet we had left the seats in the cafe, they were very understanding. I hope that this ride will be remembered for the interesting Windmill as well as the weather!

Report by: Nick and Daphne

No ride due to clash with International Rally in Brittany, France - see Tandem Club Website for details

Event Date: Sunday, 21/09/14

Ditton, Kent

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




It was a fresh but dry morning when 5 tandems set out from Ditton Community Centre. We cycled through the winding country lanes for 10 miles to arrive at Wyevale Garden Centre, Paddock Wood. Here we enjoyed tea, cake and friendly banter and catching up with all the news since the last ride. We then proceeded through the back lanes of Kent, passing through Staplehurst where we stopped to look at the Eco House that was recently shown on T.V. We arrived at ‘The Woolpack’ at Benover for our lunch by which time the sun was shinning brightly, however it was still a bit fresh so we decided to stick with our table inside. After refuelling we went through Yalding, crossing the River Beult, we continued riding in the lanes taking us through Teeston and Barming. We stopped in Barming to look at another interesting property, a converted water tower before heading through Oaken Wood, a beautiful ancient woodland. From the woods, we cycled the last mile home for more tea, cakes and talking!

Event Date: Sunday, 19/10/14

Herne Bay

   start time: 09:45 for 10:00
   approx. ride distance:
   contact: Jim and Kate - 01227 740964
   email:

Jim and Kate say, we are going to start in Herne Bay. It will be a nice easy ride around the cycle paths/routes of Thanet heading into Sandwich and then back up to Preston for a pub lunch.

Let us know sometime during the week before so that we can confirm numbers with the pub and give you the exact start details.


It’s Sunday morning and Kate and I have 6 tandems confirmed for the ride. I pull back the curtains and its blowing a gale and raining hard. Not a good start to the day. I quickly log on while I’m waiting for the coffee to brew and check the weather. Looking good, early rain followed by sunshine, possibly 20 degrees. Take a chance and dress in shorts and light top, positive thinking I’m told is a powerful thing.

We only live minutes from the meeting point so set off at 9.30 thinking we’ll get there first to welcome our fellow tandem riders to Herne Bay. We cycle into the car park and are greeted with smiling faces and tandems parked all ready to go. Maybe I’m not as early as I thought. Never mind smiling faces, positive thoughts, powerful thing.

I had promised a flat ride and sunshine. As we turned left all 6 tandems in a row we started our first climb on cold legs, a few grumbles, not positive thinking. Soon over the top and with a nice strong wind behind us we soon zoom through Herne Bay seafront with the sun in front of us and a black cloud chasing behind. At the end of the seafront we had another climb (more negative thoughts) as we headed up to the top for a beautiful view of the sea and distant wind farm. The wind is still blowing so we are pushed along through Birchington and downhill to Reculver for an early coffee stop. Positive thinking, powerful thing. So we set up tables outside the coffee shop for a chat.

As the last of the 12 sat down the negative thoughts caught up with us along with the big black cloud. Back inside to watch the rain. The coffee was good and the conversation better as many of us had not seen each other since the summer hols so lots to talk about. The positive conversation worked, as we headed outdoors the rain had stopped and the blue sky was starting to break through. Plus the cafe owner wanted photos of the group for their facebook page, I didn’t realise a group of lycra clad tandem riders would be such a good marketing ploy.

We set off back into the wind but soon turned off on to country lanes and cycle paths to make our way into Thanet passing villages of St Nicholas at Wade and Monkton. Some real positive thinking going on now as the sun shines and the strong wind pushes us along nicely and guess what, flat. Before we knew it, we were heading into Sandwich for a quick comfort break. People are in short sleeves by now. We headed out of Sandwich on the cycle route and soon found ourselves riding past Richborough Fort and old roman ruins (are there any new roman ruins?). The lanes were quiet so gave the riders time to ride side by side and share more chat, a perfect relaxed cycle ride. The wind was starting to pick up but we were getting some shelter from the hedgerows.

We got to our planned lunch stop at about 13.00 - the Half Moon and Seven Stars in Preston. From Caroline’s google research and conversation with the chef we already knew we were in for granule gravy - is there any other sort? The pub set us up in an area of our own on one large table which worked well as the conversation got louder. For some reason we got onto the conversation of falling off, and as we went around the table talking of exploits from falling off on ice, mud, tyres bursting and being knocked off, Ken and Liz topped us all by confessing they ran a small child over when touring abroad. Lunch arrived with a selection of roasts to fish and chips. Granule gravy tasted OK.

We set off for the final leg feeling quite fat and full but luckily had a bit of a warm up before heading over the first bump (not hill, more positive thinking and sun still shining). We soon got into a good groove and the wind was getting stronger against us across the open flat recently ploughed fields. It wasn’t long with a few more bumps to go over before we rode back into Herne Bay to complete the 37 miles circuit of Thanet back to ours for coffee, tea, cake and of course a good bottle of wine for the stokers - I knew Kate had ulterior motives for never wanting to lead.

We sat in the garden with the sun still shining, everybody with a smile and me thanking the power of positive thought.

Thanks to all those who joined us.

Jim and Kate

Report by: Jim and Kate

Event Date: Sunday, 16/11/14

Bekesbourne, Kent


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

There will be a few hills to keep us all warm. Please contact us for more details.




Just four tandems headed south from Bekesbourne railway station on a dull but unseasonably mild November morning, along the Bourne valley. This must be one of the most picturesque roads in Kent with the Bourne flowing under gothic arched bridges that seem very excessive for just a bridleway. After Bishopbourne the road climbs gently for about 5 miles to Stelling Minnis before a brief sweep down through Mockbeggar Wood to coffee at the Lord Whiskey Animal Sanctuary.

Down to Elham and then the only steep climb of the day to Swingfield Minnis. Another long descent to Lydden, before the final climb to The Bell at Shepherdswell.

Very large Sunday lunches were served, so I was quite relieved when Jim broke a gear cable, forcing an unexpected break. This gave me a chance to digest the dinner for a little longer while we replaced it. Our route home took us past Barfrestone, Nonington, Goodnestone, and down to the Stour valley at Wickhambreaux. (All the villages hereabouts seem to have long three syllable names.) It began to spit with rain as we followed the river Stour back through Littlebourne and past Howlett's Animal Park to the finish where Pauline produced cake and coffee from a flask to finish the day. Run length: about 35 miles.

Report by: Pauline and Cliff

Event Date: Sunday, 7/12/14

Joint region Christmas Lunch at Tunbridge Wells

   start time: 09:45 for 10:00
   approx. ride distance:
   contact:
   email:

Our Christmas lunch will be a joint affair with Kent and Surrey & Sussex Regions. It will be held at the Mercure Tunbridge Wells Hotel, located just off the A21 near Pembury, Kent at 1pm.
The pre-lunch ride will be led by Pauline & Cliff. For ride details contact 01732 750885 or