It started relatively mundanely, compared to what was to follow, getting out of London directly. The feeling that we were doing something different started when we passed through the towns with the 11pm drunk shouty people doing what is normal to most. The cycle paths that followed felt new. Then it really started to feel like something special was coming around the crossing of the Medway with long quiet dark lanes and views from the new elevation to the south which continued as we hugged the side of the hill that makes part of Pilgrims Way.
There was one very short section of steep downhill with deep loose stoney gravel which you'd need to be very lucky to make it down, but otherwise everything else was rideable. Very close to the limits of fixed on 25s though. Some lovely pre-dawn lanes followed which we reckoned would also be great in the day, but without any cars. Lots of pub options at the regular little intersections with my favourite pub name being The Dirty Habit.
With all the climbing finally done we stopped for some finely brewed coffee while watching the new moon/light rise from the east.
It was flat and misty through twilight and more lanes and awesome light onwards to Romney Marshes before heading more south west with the destination finally dead ahead, along some beautiful narrow cycle paths. I realised John's tourist pic of the beach was not misleading as we arrived with the low sun. The tide was way out so we could easily walk to the middle to be surrounded by the vast expanse of sand to enjoy a can of JD and coke. We needed supplies though. So decided to head on, heads down to Rye before the toughest climb of the ride when we were at our most depleted. At that point, on fixed gear bikes, it was fucking hard. But at least Hastings' offerings of cheap beer were plentiful and close by after that, and made for a super relaxing time in the warm sun on the beach.
My memory of the whole trip feels like that was only half way, with the train and more beer and chat back in London being what makes these rides. So grateful to be able to have these opportunities.
It started relatively mundanely, compared to what was to follow, getting out of London directly. The feeling that we were doing something different started when we passed through the towns with the 11pm drunk shouty people doing what is normal to most. The cycle paths that followed felt new. Then it really started to feel like something special was coming around the crossing of the Medway with long quiet dark lanes and views from the new elevation to the south which continued as we hugged the side of the hill that makes part of Pilgrims Way.
There was one very short section of steep downhill with deep loose stoney gravel which you'd need to be very lucky to make it down, but otherwise everything else was rideable. Very close to the limits of fixed on 25s though. Some lovely pre-dawn lanes followed which we reckoned would also be great in the day, but without any cars. Lots of pub options at the regular little intersections with my favourite pub name being The Dirty Habit.
With all the climbing finally done we stopped for some finely brewed coffee while watching the new moon/light rise from the east.
It was flat and misty through twilight and more lanes and awesome light onwards to Romney Marshes before heading more south west with the destination finally dead ahead, along some beautiful narrow cycle paths. I realised John's tourist pic of the beach was not misleading as we arrived with the low sun. The tide was way out so we could easily walk to the middle to be surrounded by the vast expanse of sand to enjoy a can of JD and coke. We needed supplies though. So decided to head on, heads down to Rye before the toughest climb of the ride when we were at our most depleted. At that point, on fixed gear bikes, it was fucking hard. But at least Hastings' offerings of cheap beer were plentiful and close by after that, and made for a super relaxing time in the warm sun on the beach.
My memory of the whole trip feels like that was only half way, with the train and more beer and chat back in London being what makes these rides. So grateful to be able to have these opportunities.