CTC Swale Ride Reports

ridedate	leader	route	notes
2012-04-18 18:30:00	Antony King	nowhere	rainy start, taking over from Rob. no-one else was daft enough to turn up given the weather, though it did clear up and I was treated to a lovely rainbow on the way home.
2012-03-31 00:00:00	Andrew Weale	Headcorn	Today Steve Butt and myself rode over the Downs to Headcorn. A fast paced ride with plenty of hills including Detling to finish for a change.
2012-03-28 00:00:00	Antony King	Shipwrights Arms	A great first evening ride; perfect weather,great beer and good company as ever. Checked out a new track which would make a good alternative to route 1.
2012-03-24 00:00:00	Alan Barton	Plucks Gutter	A foggy start, which did not lift until herne bay at 11.30 or so, but then ideal early spring conditions for a longish ride via Reculver to Plucks Gutter.
2012-03-10 00:00:00	Dave Rolfe	Faversham,Whitstable	An unusual route, about 50 miles, worth trying again: Faversham, Selling, Old Wives Lees, Chartham, Canterbury, Whitstable, Yorkletts, Faversham. Lovely early spring weather, some riders ventured into shorts. A bit hilly in parts, but the riverside path into Canterbury is excellent. Lunch stop at Beanos, then Crab and Winkle towards Whitstable.
2012-02-25 00:00:00	Alan Barton	Patrixbourne via Canterbury	A lovely day and a really good ride out to Patrixbourne via Canterbury (for lunch), then back using the cycle path alongside the river Stour. One puncture for Alan.
2012-01-15 09:30:00	Barry Jordan	Faversham	Another fine cold sunny day for us to enjoy, we set off climbing up through Bredgar to the Water Tower then down through the valley to Doddington and Newman, Antony suffered a front wheel puncture, then it was up and over Painter’s Forstal and along Plumford lane where poor old Rob suffered a rear wheel puncture, we finally got to Faversham garden centre by 12am and enjoyed their Bacon Rolls. It was a quick ride back home along the Lower road. A great ride of around 40 miles.
2012-01-02 00:00:00	Barry Jordan	Bredgar via lanes	It was the kind of winter’s day cyclist’s dream off, cold, bright sunshine, no wind. It was lovely to see the Wastall family out, young Lewis proudly sitting behind dad. We rode a convoluted route to Bredgar via Milton, Upchurch, Hartlip, Oad Street and finally the cafe at Bredgar. The cafe was full of cyclists enjoying the cafe’s refreshments after bacon sandwiches coffee and a good old natter it was a short sprint home, all in all a great start to 2012.
2011-12-18 00:00:00	Barry Jordan	-	I got to the start at Homebase around 8.45am and waited till 9am when feeling cold went to the cafe in Milton for breakfast and visited Aunt Gwen at her care home then headed home to read the Sunday papers and watched two john Wayne films on the telly "Bliss".
2011-12-10 00:00:00	Barry Jordan	CTC Swale Christmas Ride and lunch.	Fully dressed in all our winter clothes we set off in lovely cold winter sunshine for a 20 mile run through the lanes before arriving at the Bobbing Apple and joining the rest of the club for our Christmas lunch and presentation of our cups to their well deserved winners. A great day.
2011-11-13 00:00:00	Barry Jordan	Bethersden	What a corker of a day, bright sunshine, light wind, cyclists everywhere enjoying the day. We made good time to Bethersden where we stopped outside the church to observe remembrance day after which we enjoyed a good breakfast in the garden centre. We headed back home through Smarden, Headcorn, Grafty Green where Dick said he was happy to make his own way home so after our goodbyes, we headed back through Lenham over the Downs and home. A great ride of around 53 miles.
2011-11-05 00:00:00	Dave Rolfe	Whitstable
2011-10-23 00:00:00	Barry Jordan	AGM ride	It was a lovely sunny morning that saw the King family join us with Jamies new super trailer, after having at good look we all set off for a short ride around the local lanes before heading back for our AGM, It was a great ride hearing squeals of delight from Jamie urging daddy to go faster.
2011-10-16 09:30:00	Rob Fradgely	Seasalter	A lovely sunny autumn day saw 7 of us meeting at Homebase for the start, Nathan had his new bike brought through the Bike to Work scheme so we all had to have a good look, As Nathan is also a ranger for SUSTRANS we did some route signing on Route 1, while doing this Tony Peters caught up with us and we met up with Dick Calvert and Alan Barton at Faversham so it was 10 that pushed onto Seasalter where refreshments were enjoyed, After saying goodbye to Alan who lives in Whitstable we set off on our return trip which went inland up and down a few hills. But it was a great day to be out on the bike, dont think there will be too many more like that for the rest of the year.
2011-10-08 09:00:00	Dave Rolfe	Canterbury	Cooler day, the layers have started to go on, at least until the big hill up to Boughton! On to Canterbury where Alan met up with us in Beanos, then back home via the Crab & Winkle to Whitstable. Welcome to several new riders joining us for the first time, hope you enjoyed the ride. Quiz points equal after a tie break.
2011-10-06 00:00:00	Antony King	Tudor Rose	Fantastic weather fo rthe time of year. Last pub run of the season, to the same destination as the first one back in march when it was a bit darker and colder!
2011-10-02 13:00:00	Barry Jordan	Riverside	Our first club afternoon ride saw 10 of us setting out on the hottest October day for many years, poor old Rob got a puncture right at the start, but lucky for him our local Halfords soon got him under way, Robs son Luke found the going a bit tough, he did really well getting to Riverside but was over the moon when Sharon King offered him a lift home. Tea + cake were enjoyed before returning home. A great afternoon.
2011-09-25 00:00:00	Sharon Luck	West Malling	We had a great ride today from Rochester to West Malling. It was hot, sunny with a south westerly breeze. Five riders turned out and we rode a minimum of 47 miles depending where our starting points were. A Farmers Market was very busy in West Malling. The cafe in the park was also busy and we sat outside and enjoyed our food and drinks.
2011-09-11 10:30:00	Antony King	CPC Charity ride round cliffe woods	Windy but otherwise perfect weather.
2011-09-03 08:00:00	Dave Rolfe	Reculver	Lovely weather, hot, but with a nice breeze. Breakfast at Weatherspoons Herne Bay, Tea and cakes at Tescos Whitstable. About 60 miles, home by 2-30 or so.
2011-09-01 18:30:00		cancelled	No ride as I missed the start. Dick was the only one out so gets a point.
2011-08-28 10:30:00	Sharon Luck	Brands Hach, there will be a refreshment stop at Speedgate Cafe	Jo Rowden came to Rochester but did not ride with us to Brands Hatch. It was a cool day with south westerly wind and outbreaks of rain showers, luckily we missed most of them. Well done to Tony and Andy for riding up Lockyer Hill 25% gradient and sorry to Dick for my route of so many hills!! We all enjoyed our breakfast bap at Speedgate cafe, it was well earnt. We did approx 52 miles with a top speed of 32 mph down Speedgate Hill.
2011-08-24 18:30:00	Barry Jordan	Plough & Harrow	As Steve Butt was away on holiday, I led the group on a merry dance through the lanes to the Plough and Harrow at Oad Street, alas Nathan on the descent down Virgo Lane he suffered a rear wheel puncture, which he repaired at the pub, alas he found the tyre had split and we hope he managed to get back home to Faversham safely.
2011-08-17 18:30:00	Steve Butt	Hook and Hatchet	Dave Horne, had a points puncture
2011-08-13 08:00:00	Dave Rolfe	Sarre Mill	Four hardy souls set off in a drizzle which turned into driving rain by the time we stopped at Herne Bay for brunch, but by the time we emerged, it had cleared up and the rest of the ride was fine. Just under 70 miles, getting back home about 4-00pm
2011-08-10 18:30:00	Steve Butt	blackmiths arms at wormshill
2011-08-07 09:30:00	Tony Peters	Capstone Park	Lucky with the weather. Only got caught by one shower. It was so light that Dick didn't even bother to put on his waterproofs! They make em' tough oop north. (Lanc's!!)
2011-08-04 18:30:00	Antony King	Chequers Inn, Dodington	Looming clouds all the way - managed to out-run them and had lovely weather at the Chequers PH sat outside. Tailwind half way out followed by the long drag up to Newnham and Doddington.
2011-07-27 18:30:00	Steve Butt	George Inn at Newnham
2011-07-24 00:00:00	Sharon Luck	Ebbsfleet	It was a great turnout today and the weather was kind to us, we stopped at Nell's Cafe on the A2 for our break. Cycled on to Ebbsfleet, it was very quiet not much going on. On our way back to Rochester ,Dave Horne picked up a puncture and within a quarter of a mile Andy Weale also punctured and was left with a badly torn tyre. Thanks to everyone who turned out today, I hope you all enjoyed the ride.
2011-07-19 18:30:00	Steve Butt	the Crown @ Upchurch
2011-07-17 09:30:00	Dave Wastall	Rodmersham	Starting out from Homebase, we felt some light rain in the air but felt pretty confident it wouldn't affect us. Running down the Lower Road to Norton and then through the lanes to Kingsdown, the drizzle appeared for a short period and then abated just as we stopped for refreshments at the shop on Rodmersham Green. After coffee and a cake, 7 of us started back for home while Tony and Dick departed on their routes home in the other direction. Distance of 23 miles from Iwade.
2011-07-16 09:00:00	Alan Barton		Alan Barton ride to Patrixboune cut shout bad whiter rides out wer Tory Peters Jeremy Deacon David Rolfe Alan Barton and Miriam do not Miriam s urname Got to Caterbury and back home wet from david
2011-07-10 00:00:00	Andrew Weale	Seabrook	Andy led his first club run down to Seabrook, shortly the start Jeremy punctured and had to returned home, we were joined by Damien who is undertaking a ride from Geneva to Nice in September and wanted to join us for some training. We had a good run out to the Downs where we met Andy’s son Dan. At the Lord Whisky centre we enjoyed coffee & cake. The weather was lovely and we soon made Seabrook where Jeremy & Alan joined us. After lunch we began our return journey, at Saltwood we had a run in with a local driver who knocked Dan of his bike, the police were informed, Dan wasn’t hurt. We made it to the top of Wye Downs and admired the view then it was a fast descent followed by a slow climb up White Hill. We got back into Sittingbourne after 75 miles and 1300m of climbing. A great day.
2011-07-10 00:00:00		Bonus Points for riding on 9th and 10th	Dear All. Congratulations to Andy Weale, Tony Peters & Barry Jordan for riding both events over the last weekend 9th & 10th July and earning themselves double points. Double points will again be on offer this weekend to those riders taking part in both club runs. A great way to boost your points total and to put you into contention for the Alstair Turner Cup.
2011-07-09 10:00:00	Dave Rolfe	Birchington	Lucky with the weather again, overnight rain cleared to give a sunny morning with clear views. Andy suffered a broken saddle and was able to repair it with a flat stone and cable ties, good enough to get him home, anyway. Tea was at Seasalter, when a customer offered an uneaten sandwich, quickly added to Tonys cake before disappearing! Chris wasnt satisfied with a mere 70 miles and cycled back to Margate to meet his parents, making 100 or so.
2011-07-07 18:30:00	Dave Rolfe	The Ship, Conyer	Weather looked quite dodgy, but we managed to escape the rain, riding from Tonge along route 1 , which looked good at high tide, to the Ship at Conyer. Tonys bear shirt caused great excitement behind the bar. Thanks to Antony for letting us know he wasnt well, and Dave for leading at short notice. (Dick)
2011-07-03 10:00:00	Steve Butt	Mote Park, Headcorn, Lenham	We went via Maidstone Mote Park to the cycle fair at the spots centre and then onward to Headcorn aerodrome for brunch. Returning via Lenham
2011-06-29 18:30:00	Steve Butt	Old House At Home, Queenborough	Last evening I lead the pub ride to the Old House at Home, Queenborough were the following riders enjoyed a beer in the sun shine over looking the Costa del Medway.
2011-06-26 10:00:00	Sharon Luck	West Malling	Todays ride was glorious with the sun on our backs all day. West Malling was busy with a Farmers Street Market and thanks to Irish Tony and Barry sending me a text we found the St Leonards Tower and the Green Park Cafe opposite, it was very reasonable.
2011-06-22 18:30:00	Dick Calvert	The Harrow, Stockbury	Only got a little lost; found a nice, long steep hill (up, of course) worthy of the next hill climb comp. Got lucky with the weather - rained a tiny bit while in the pub.
2011-06-18 08:00:00	Alan Barton	Faversham, Margate, Westgate	A very pleasant ride down to Margate despite the weather forecast. We made good time with the wind behind us, which unfortunately meant we left Faversham a bit early, causing Angela to miss the ride - sorry Angela! One puncture around Minnis Bay area (Allan Barton). Breakfast at Herne Bay and a cup of tea at Westgate, followed by a look round the Turner Contemporary at Margate, then home by train, apart from the redoubtable Mr. Deacon, who cycled home.
2011-06-15 18:30:00	Steve Butt	The Bell, Bredhurst
2011-06-11 10:00:00	Dave Rolfe	Deal	Moto, never believe a weather forecast. The forecast was for heavy showers; in fact we only got two the rest of the day was lovely warm sunshine. Dave led us through the lanes to Canterbury where we met Alan in Beanos and enjoyed breakfast; we then set off on a new route to Deal where lunch was enjoyed outside before setting off on the home run. Jo suffered a rear wheel puncture and earned a point. We were looking forward to a final cup of tea at the new Sainsburys in Faversham, but alas it doesnt have a cafe. We got home around 5:30pm after 85 miles ridden at an average speed of 11.5 mph.All in All it was “A grand day out”
2011-06-08 18:30:00	Steve Butt	Alma PH, Painters Forstall	We were lucky with the weather, only got caught in one shower. Pub made us very welcome Jim & Barry had a meal which came with a huge bowl of chips which were enjoyed by all.
2011-06-05 09:00:00	Jo Rowden	Fort Amhurst, Chatham	Tony Peters and Dave Rolfe led parts of this ride.
2011-06-04 10:00:00	Alan Barton	Stour and Canterbury	From Tescos Faversham
2011-06-02 18:30:00	Antony King	Shipwrights Arms nr Oare	Nine riders, including two new members. Good weather, good beer, good company.
2011-05-29 10:30:00	Sharon Luck	Brands Hatch	Jo Rowden cycled to Rochester but did not come with us to Speedgate at Brands Hatch. The mileage was different for us all as some cycled to start, it would be roughly 40-70 miles each person.
2011-05-28 08:00:00	Dave Rolfe	Reculver	Very pleasant ride down to Reculver led by Dave, the wind on our backs on the way down, which unfortunately means it was in our faces coming back. Who knew?
2011-05-21 10:00:00	Antony King	Cafe @ Bredgar	Bike week event. Glorious weather, gentle ride with new rider up to the cafe. Christine had saddle problems; needed a 13mm spanner which none of us had. Must remember to take more tools when new riders are out!
2011-05-21 09:30:00	Dick Calvert	Riverside	Bike week event: Lovely 25 mile ride in beautiful weather. Three riders new to the club. Average speed 9.8 mph 2080 calories burnt
2011-05-21 09:00:00	Jim Brennan	Bike Week Organisation	Bike Week Event. Jim opened up PH and arranged tea and snacks, banners etc
2011-05-18 18:30:00	Rob Fradgely	CURRY & PINT at the ship, conyer	A gentle meander down to Conyer was enjoyed by all , pint and curry went down well with still room for pud
2011-05-15 09:00:00	Jo Rowden	Seasalter	Dick Calvert - left ride at Teynham on way home to meet Stella to take John and broken bike home Tony Peters - missing on way back at Faversham (waiting for Pat) but Dave found him John Linton - gears smashed by a twig near Luddenham on way back Pat Preece - left ride at Seasalter to make way home at her own pace Dave Rolfe - took back tracks and detours to find missing riders,Alan Barton - joined ride at Faversham and left at Seasalter Have learnt a couple of things - make sure mobile is in pocket not bag and make sure all riders know who is not planning to stay with the group. Dave, Stella and Dick were kind to sort out problems with missing riders and wrecked bikes. Birthday doughnuts were brought by Dick - lovely! Looking forward to leading another ride and hope report next time is shorter.
2011-05-07 09:30:00	Rob Fradgely	Sheppey	A good turn out for the tour de sheppy with 8 riders out with a few hills and quiet country roads - not as fast as the tour of Italy , but more fun . back in time to watch the tour and cav's team win the first stage .
2011-05-05 18:30:00	Antony King	The Sun, Bredgar	Nominally a family ride, though it was just Isaac. The outdoor area and playground at the Sun is quite nice. Went via Bottom Pond Rod - hills and bike trailers are not a happy combination!
2011-04-27 18:30:00	Rob Fradgely	Raspberry hill freewheel comp, three tuns	Fun competition down Raspberry Hill, with Steve Butt winning. Pint at the Three Tuns after.
2011-04-24 10:30:00	Sharon Luck	Gravesend from Rochester Castle	It was a glorious hot, sunny day with a slight breeze. Dave Rolfe and Jo Rowden came to the start at Rochester but did not take part in the ride.We did approximately 42 miles from our home start points including the route to Gravesend and back. Average of 11.03 miles per hour. The Sustrans route from Higham to Gravesend has been resurfaced and is terrible with large stones and aggregate. I will not be taking that route again as it could ruin your tyres and wheels. We came back along the cycle route that runs parallel with the A2 and noticed they are building a cycle park with a MTB track, looks very good.
2011-04-21 00:00:00	Steve Butt	Hill Climb comp, Chequers PH, Doddington	Hill Climb comp - well attended with 7 riders. A closely fought race-last years winner Jim put up a good fight but the comp was won by Antony King. A pint, bangers and mash to follow with a mad dash home afterwards!
2011-04-16 10:00:00	Steve Butt	Yalding
2011-04-13 18:30:00	Steve Butt	The Ship, Conyer's Quay
2011-04-09 00:00:00	Barry Jordan	Five Windmills Ride
2011-04-07 18:30:00	Antony King	The Elephant, Faversham	Good beer, excellent weather. Not really anywhere to leave the bikes so we sat outside the front. Interesting steps though town to avoid the one-way system!
2011-04-02 08:00:00	Dave Rolfe	Sandwich	Puncture Alan Barton. Some riders met at Herne Bay with Alan Barton
2011-03-30 18:30:00	Steve Butt	Oad St, the Plough	Was originally the annual hill climb, with a view to visiting the Chequers pub after, but only 3 riders turned out (Jim showed up at start but wasn't well enough to continue). Nice ride out, quite quick, good weather in the end, good beer and an interesting chat about energy efficiency and supply.
2011-03-27 09:30:00	Barry Jordan	Lenham via lots of hills
2011-03-26 11:30:00	Steff Woodard	Bredgar	Cycling Festival sponsored ride from Westlands Primary School
2011-03-26 11:00:00	Barry Jordan	Brogdale Apple Centre	Cycling Festival sponsored ride from Westlands Primary School
2011-03-26 10:00:00	Jim Brennan	Stand	Manning the stand at Westlands School for Cycling England's Cycling Festival
2011-03-19 09:00:00	Barry Jordan	Bowl PH Anniversary ride	Our first anniversary ride was a great success, the sun and the lanes were quite although there was some standing water in some of the lanes, poor old Rob came off but no damage was done apart to his pride. The Bowl P.H. was very welcoming with a warm welcome, good beer and excellent value food. The start joint start from Sittingbourne and Faversham worked well with four coming up from Faversham.
2011-03-12 10:30:00	Sharon Luck	Hoo (start Rochester Castle Steps)	We had a very good ride today, it was sunny and warm with a south westerly breeze. By the time I returned home the total mileage was 44.1. I expect those who rode from Sittingbourne may have covered more miles than me. Thanks to Tony Peters for taking the riders back to Rochester which allowed me to peel off at Wainscott to ride home.
2011-03-05 10:00:00	Dave Rolfe	Grafty Green	No punctures,25.4 miles, 3041 ft ascent, 1791 calories
2011-03-03 18:30:00	Antony King	Tudor Rose	Originally due to go to Oad Street, but due to extreme cold weather, failing lights and tired legs, we ended up at the Tudor Rose instead. My excuse was that it was the first night ride of the year!
2011-02-27 09:30:00	Barry Jordan	Brogdale Apple Centre
2011-02-20 10:30:00	Barry Jordan	Aylesford	Sharon Luck could not lead the ride today because of illness, Barry took over until problem with the crank.
2011-02-12 09:00:00	Dave Rolfe	Canterbury + Whistable
2011-01-29 09:00:00	Dave Rolfe	Canturbury	no punctures
2011-01-23 10:30:00	Sharon Luck	Hoo Heron Trail (start Rochester Castle Steps)	The day was cold and dull
2011-01-16 09:00:00	Dick Calvert	Whitstable
2011-01-03 09:00:00	Barry Jordan	Doddington
2011-01-02 09:00:00	Steve Butt	Round Sittingbourne
2010-12-29 09:00:00	Dave Rolfe	The Coast
2010-12-11 00:00:00	Dave Rolfe	Riverside
2010-11-27 10:00:00	Dave Rolfe	Xmas ride to Oad Street
2010-11-21 10:00:00	Steve Butt	Cobtree Park
2010-11-13 09:00:00	Dave Rolfe	Whitstable
2010-11-06 09:30:00	Steff Woodard	Riverside
2010-10-31 08:30:00	Barry Jordan	Brogdale
2010-10-16 09:00:00	Jim Brennan	Open Day at Phoenix House
2010-10-06 18:30:00	Steve Butt	Pub
2010-10-02 08:00:00		Bodiam Castle
2010-09-22 18:30:00	Steve Butt	Pub
2010-09-19 00:00:00	Barry Jordan	Cliffe Woods Charity Ride
2010-09-18 08:00:00	Dave Rolfe	Reculver
2010-09-10 18:30:00
2010-08-30 08:00:00		Lathe Barn
2010-08-18 18:30:00	Dave Rolfe	Pub
2010-08-14 06:00:00	Barry Jordan	Ardres
2010-08-11 18:30:00	Barry Jordan	Crispins at Teynham
2010-08-07 07:00:00	Dave Rolfe	West Stourmouth
2010-08-01 07:30:00		Dungeness
2010-07-28 18:30:00		Selling
2010-07-25 09:30:00
2010-07-21 18:30:00
2010-07-17 08:00:00	Dave Rolfe	Deal
2010-07-14 18:30:00	Steve Butt	Isle of Sheppey
2010-07-11 08:00:00
2010-07-07 18:30:00	Steff Woodard	Maypole in Borden
2010-06-30 18:30:00	Nick West	Horseshoes P.H. near Gravney
2010-06-27 09:00:00		Riverside Country park
2010-06-26 09:00:00	Nick West	45 mile fast ride
2010-06-23 19:00:00		bike week pub run
2010-06-20 09:00:00		dr bike+family ride to bredgar
2010-06-19 08:00:00	Dave Rolfe	Rye
2010-06-16 18:30:00		Shipwrights
2010-06-13 08:00:00		Tri-vets ride from Tonbridge
2010-06-06 18:30:00		(check time??)
2010-06-05 08:00:00	Steve Butt	Fast ride 75m
2010-05-30 08:30:00		Canterbury, Dover
2010-05-26 18:30:00	Barry Jordan	Hill Climb, Chequers
2010-05-16 09:00:00
2010-05-12 18:30:00	Nick West	Chequers, Doddington
2010-05-08 09:00:00
2010-05-08 08:00:00
2010-05-05 18:30:00		Painters forstal
2010-04-28 18:30:00	Barry Jordan	Freewheeling Competition
2010-04-25 09:00:00	Barry Jordan	Tenterden
2010-04-21 18:30:00
2010-04-17 09:00:00	Steff Woodard	Riverside
2010-04-14 18:30:00	Barry Jordan	Crispins in Teynham
2010-04-10 10:00:00	Steff Woodard	Bregdar
2010-04-04 09:00:00		Whistable
2010-04-02 10:00:00	Jo Rowden	Bredgar Easter Ride