Canary Wharf to Sittingbourne to SouthWest London

[dellzeqq]

the A20 is an odd item. For whatever reason the junctions on the eastbound side are on the downhill stretches - so you can get up a pretty good pace when you jump the slip roads. Going west the opposite applies, and you've got to be a lot tougher than I am to do it twice.

 

[rb58]

The A25 from about Westerham westwards is no fun at all.

 

[rb58]

Ian's route is the one I'd take too - perhaps substituting the FNRttC Whitstable edition for the bit to Rochester. If you do go straight up the A2, be careful down Chatham Hill - the traffic lights come up at you faster than you can say "Oh sh*t"!

 

[ianrauk]

Ian's route is the one I'd take too - perhaps substituting the FNRttC Whitstable edition for the bit to Rochester. If you do go straight up the A2, be careful down Chatham Hill - the traffic lights come up at you faster than you can say "Oh sh*t"!

Indeed........*remembers squealing of brakes*

 

[Sketchley]

Fortunately (I think) I was born in Chatham, grew up in Sittingbourne, lived briefly in Upchurch, and brought my first house in Rochester. So I know that part of the world fairly well. And you are correct about Chatham Hill and stopping at the bottom. As the route goes across river using the motorway bridge I may well head through Rainham and Hampstead to get to the bridge and cut out that bit...

 

[dellzeqq]

Thanks, looks interesting, but I was thinking more of heading across to Maidstone then following the a20 and a25 through to Dorking, then box hill then home..... Not sure about the A25 though....

the A25 is busy on a Sunday - so Saturday might not be terrific.

I know I'm not being terribly encouraging about this, but that sector, from south of the Thames swinging round to the A23, is not a lot of fun unless you sneak along lanes. I've ridden through Kent sufficiently often to realise what a work of wonder User10571's route to Whitstable is.

I did follow somebody home via Meopham and New Ash Green once, and that was nice, if slow. Looking at the map it takes you to Farmingham, which is a lovely place.

 

[Sketchley]

Ok looking like riding down is unlikely, riding back will be Ian's route via Orpington then. Might change my mind though as I do fancy the ride down, and I need to start doing consecutive long daily rides before lonjog......

 

[Sketchley]

Afternoon off work, so I'm cycling down leaving the Wharf about 1/1.30pm. Big wind from the west should make it a "fun" ride down. Saturday back looks like it'll be into a headwind (only a small one at 5mph though!) and I might get a little wet.

 

[rb58]

Enjoy!

 

[Sketchley]

I will, I keep finding an excuse no to cycle to my parents and brothers. No excuses this time.....

 

[Panter]

Gorgeous day for it too! enjoy!

 

[User10571]

I've just returned from a Greenwich>Erith>Greenwich ride.
Totally flew on the outward part.
Coming back was slightly harder work.

 

[Sketchley]

Well that was (almost) fun. Good ride down taking just under 3 hour, excluding walking through the foot tunnel and 15 min stop for lunch. I should have eaten earlier thought as I had a torrid time between Gravesend and Rochester where I seem to have nothing at all.

The ride back on Saturday was very hard, 4h 45m for just under 60 miles but I really suffered on the hills and nearly gave up. Still please to have got all the way home.

I certainly prefer riding in a group to on my own.

 

[Aperitif]

Well that was (almost) fun. Good ride down taking just under 3 hour, excluding walking through the foot tunnel and 15 min stop for lunch. I should have eaten earlier thought as I had a torrid time between Gravesend and Rochester where I seem to have nothing at all.

The ride back on Saturday was very hard, 4h 45m for just under 60 miles but I really suffered on the hills and nearly gave up. Still please to have got all the way home.

I certainly prefer riding in a group to on my own.

Well done, Chris - 'the group' will enjoy your celebratory round of drinks next time!