Adrian's Challenge - 2

Club member Adrian McKie has been out with the 9.15 run in recent weeks and has been enjoying the challenge. Here are some more of Adrian's thoughts on riding with the Woolwich ...

Sunday morning club-ride, September 2010

Autumn is certainly with us, strong gusty winds and the threat of rain; however we cyclists are not deterred by the elements.

The route this week is decided by the prevailing wind, head into it on the way out and hopefully it will blow you home.

Bexley through the lanes to Hawley, tucked in the back of the lead riders. It’s comfortable progress all the way to the foot of Gorse Hill. The battle into the wind has commenced; the combination of the climb and the strength of the wind are to say the least challenging. The conditions are forcing the group to spread out but it regroups at the top of the climb. From then on it’s a tightly packed group to the top of Wrotham Hill. The buffeting headwind calls for caution and demands good bike handling skills on the descent.

Winding up through the gears the group is setting a good pace as we head along the A20 for Ayelsford. Before too long we are crossing the ancient bridge over the Medway into the historic centre of the village, very picturesque.

The climb from the village takes us past Ayelsford Priory, which was founded in 1242. The Priory tearoom is on the list of stopping off places for the club but today it’s not on the agenda.

It’s on through the village of Eccles, a glance ahead, as we progress along Bull Lane, is it déjà vu, another chalk cliff face looms in the distance, is it another 20% climb? Left at the junction and we are heading west, I’m still conscious of the cliff face; is the inevitable being temporarily delayed ? On we go through the village of Burham, and then it’s left towards the River Medway, signposted Wouldham. The road is now running parallel to the River Medway, a lovely peaceful flat road with scenery to match.

Ahead looms the Medway Road and Rail Bridge, still not sure when the climb, there is always a climb, will appear. Suddenly we are turning off the road; by-passing a locked metal gate; a slight incline and we are on the Medway Bridge, “phew” there is a cycle path. Fantastic view along the river, it’s a along way down to the water. Wind behind us, smooth road surface, we are flying across the bridge.

Over the bridge and we are descending the A228 to Cuxton. It’s left into the village and through the lanes to Cobham. Now the sting in the tail, Cobhambury Road, a healthy climb to the village of Cobham. This hill has been used in the past for the Club’s annual hill climb, one consolation its not 20%.The incentive to keep going, a refreshing cuppa, is now dangled in front of me, a few more miles to Camer Park, hill what hill?

Only time for a quick cuppa the weather is changing, the forecasted rain has arrived. At least the wind is behind us and we are blown home at a good pace through Longfield and on to Bexley.

I’m learning you never get wet on the bike! But the next time I must remember the overshoes.