We had fantastic weather for the Autumn trip around Dungeness and the Marsh starting at Tenterden, for the club ride. A chilly but sunny start before it warmed up mid morning, with light winds.
Six of us this time – Ian, Keith, Warren, Kelvin, Dave T and myself set off at about 9.45am from Bridewell Lane car park on the 58 mile adventure. We had to spin the legs as it was so chilly, and a brisk pace developed. Once again, some comments about the unexpected climbs – mere bumps in the road actually – and before long we were off the busy B2080 and riding on quiet lanes towards Appledore. The pace however was faster than I wanted, aiming for a 15mph average, and I tried to reel them in. Perhaps they were keen, but they are all strong riders.
A brief stop at the junction at Appledore to admire the old village houses and pubs before we turned right, and then first right to follow the military canal, and ride the 6 miles to Rye and the tea stop. Because it was so flat, and the winds light, the pace was still brisk. It was also due to a desire for caffeine and hot refreshments. On arrival at Rye, we slowly rode up through the old arch and along the high street. Warren seemed especially pleased with the quaint old houses and shops judging by his comments, and everyone liked Tambika, the tea stop.
Refreshed, and warmed by the Sun sitting outside, we set off through town, and towards Camber and Dungeness. Ian had the bit between his teeth as we approached the tarmac path section next to the main road, and was streaking along it before I had a chance to cross the road and join the back of the team. Kelvin wondered why we didn’t stay on the main road for this section, and I could see why – today the A259 seemed quiet, but it’s best to play safe.
I managed to lead the group for some time here, riding into a slight headwind. As Pontin’s Holiday Camp came up on the left, Dave T remembered a youthful holiday memory, and Keith too shared a more salubrious youthful encounter he had here that cannot be published. Later, Warren took the lead, easing the headwind on me. We admired the flat landscape and fields to our left, and the pebbled, birded and lake filled landscape to our right. Lydd church and village came into view, and before long, we were turning off to get a closer view of the Dungeness power station, lighthouses, and the late film director Derek Jarman’s shack, and then thought about a lunch stop. The pub here was not chosen, so we pressed on, riding up the coast past Greatstone on Sea, through New Romney, and then back onto the Marsh. As everyone was feeling hungry, I chopped a mile or so off the route to arrive at The Star pub at St Mary in the Marsh more quickly.
Excellent beer and food was supplied by this lovely Kent pub. Kelvin bought me a pint. The regulars made comments about our club jerseys, and the distance we must have ridden. The landlord even put his head around the door to offer roast lunches to us – beef and lamb as I remember, but we mainly had ham eggs and chips, and Ian had the lasagne. After much banter, we were off again after Warren fixed a front wheel puncture. Due to the brisk pace, we arrived at Miss Mollett’s High Class Tea Rooms in Appledore a little too soon, so we pressed on to Tenterden for a final tea stop.
Here, we had tea and coffee, and the café owner wanted a picture of us. Further good PR for Redhill CC. Keith kindly paid for us all as a final treat, and we returned to our cars in the car park. 58ish miles at 15.9mph.