Pilgrim's Progress - Whitstable via Pilgrims Way

A 80 mile-ish ride to Whitstable following some lovely roadie douchebag lanes out to the coast, a nice portion of which follows Pilgrims way. I'd prefer the group be fixed or ss but if it's a barrier to coming then don't let it, although please don't ride like a dick (see the road etiquette below). The route has a few ramps on the way out but is perfectly doable fixed. Meet up at 8:30 am outside Fowlds Cafe, SE5 7JZ just off the Walworth Road in Camberwell to roll out at 9am. If we have time and people are keen we could extend it out to Herne Bay/Margate if people fancy - I've never been and sort of keen to explore, legs willing obviously.

http://ridewithgps.com/routes/13388945

Self-sufficiency
Bring tools, spare tubes, appropriate clothes, plenty of food and water, lights, batteries, etc. Familiarise yourself with the route, swap numbers before departing, and charge your phone. Eat/drink little and often.

Check your bike
Give it a look over before the ride – tighten, inflate, oil, check tyres for glass/flint/gatorskins.

Bring lights
Just in case innit.

Road etiquette
Try to remain vigilant on the country lanes, especially when navigating blind corners. Let others know when you are slowing or coming past, and for the benefit of those behind you, call out or point at hazards such as potholes and cars. If you have a puncture, mechanical or drop off the back, call out to those in front to wait, and unless they hate you, they’ll pass the message forward. Don't go off the front as it splits the group and, let's be honest it's pretty fucking annoying.

Nice one!!

If you want to head to the coast that weekend but fancy something a bit flatter and shorter check out London to Southend - 99% traffic-free 3 that @|³|MA3K is leading on Sunday.

ooh, Southend or Whitstable... probably whistable for the sake of being on tarmac.

@Backstop I've edited the post - I don't think his ride is off-road just that it's more greenway, parks and cycle paths - whereas this ride is straight up lanes.

Actually Southend is on the Sunday so I guess people could do both.

Southend is for big tyre fixed/cx/mtb though..

IN, IN, IN, IN, IN

Such a good idea - Viking Way is good - as is sitting on the beach at Whistable eating chips.

Not sure I am fit enough - but sure I can cling on for grim death

Ooooh, maybe!

Hopefully in for this.

Good work YAL - I'll need to make a call nearer the time, but hopefully I'll be able to make it..

Hmm not a good date for me but I'm tempted to join for the start as this could be a stellar line up :-) Dan, Tim, Katy, Jim, some of london's famous london's finest.

My pass has been rescinded. Gutted - wld have loved to have done this. If weather is ok might try and ride to a coast (unspecified) on one of the other days.

Boo :( Ok well enjoy the coast when you make it there

Hey peeps this is coming up in a few weeks time. There was some land slippage around Dover which was messing up the train lines but I've checked with Southeastern and it's not affected Whitstable so all is good. As it's not like demand for this ride is shooting out of control feel free to just bring whatever bike you want (as long as it's dependable).

@KT_Bee any change to your pass by chance?

Keen ...

Hoping to make it along to this. Assuming this is easy rolling pace rather than chin-to-the-stem?

that was my plan! Over a km of climbing will make it challenging enough for me!

Yeah easy rolling, maybe about 15-16mph avg? Too much slower and it can make for an overly long day in the saddle I think. And most of the climbs are pretty sensible, Layhams and Beddlestead are shirty little rises but anything sharper is very short.

Did this on New Years Eve. It's a fun route! There's a climb nearish the end that'll beat you up if you're riding fixed....

I remember suffering on Hollingbourne Hill in the past...

brilliant looking ride, would deffo be game for this but for being away, Bon velo,

Crap! It looks like Daily Goods doesn't open until 9 and I'd like to leave at 9. Therefore CHANGE OF START VENUE:

Fowlds Cafe, 3 Addington Square, London SE5 7JZ just off the Walworth Road on Addington Square. Leaving there at 9am. I've updated the original post.

Out. Bank hol innit.

Oh. This is in two days. Hurm

Aye tis.

I'm getting excited now. Probably be going on the pompino for 35mm squishy action

Let's do this shit. I am totally drafting your 35s the whole way..

I'm planning on getting drunk tonight. If that happens I'm out. If I don't then I'm in.
I should find out in the next hour or so.