July 25th, London to Hastings: the Wen to Wen ride

Which ride most interests you?

  • London to Hastings

    Votes: 6 75.0%
  • Tunbridge Wells to Hastings & back again (the Witch's Hat)

    Votes: 2 25.0%

  • Total voters
    8
  • Poll closed .
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gr3g0ree

Member
It was a great ride with great company, unfortunately had to bail out and rush to Hastings to the place I stayed at, and that was on the top of the hill behind the castle, above old town so I had an extra hill to tackle at the very end. Easy peasy, got there just before 8pm. By 10pm I was already in a local pub checking out a local band, refueling with my preferred 'energy' drink brand (beer and cider). More pizza, cheddar and some drinks followed before called it a day at 2am :smile:
It was Pirates Day in Hasting the next day, the rain and wind made staying anywhere outside, even in the old town, pretty miserable.
Still, it was great to be there, been to another pub to check out another band and took the train back to London that evening.
 
OP
OP
anothersam

anothersam

SMIDSMe
Location
Far East Sussex
Cheers to the CC contingent, which comprised half the expedition. Without you it would have been mathematically half the fun.

I appreciate the ride reports. Mine is here.

If anyone would like to be on a mailing list for future rides, including a shorter but still challenging one from Tunbridge Wells to the coast, and possibly an intra-London jaunt, please contact me at london2hastings@gmail.com

Thanks again.
 
I like hills. Some more than others. We were warned by our very own ‘Uncle Sam’ that this would be a lumpy ride. Perfect. My personal interpretation of the major lumps follow.

Church Hill, Cudham
One of the aspects of hills’ enjoyment is the descent down the other side. This was the opposite – down then up. Accepted wisdom states that you gain as much speed as possible going down to propel you up the other side. Going down an unfamiliar single lane road, patchy surface, debris washed along from the previous night’s rain called for circumspection, as far as I was concerned. And suddenly the ascent began. Fumbling for the right gear, I mentioned to Catherine this is payback time for taking a descent first. She articulated an affirmative. Her look showed steely determination as she applied a constant cadence to carry her to the top. I continued to fumble for ever lower gears. Sensible girl, that Catherine. At what appeared to be the top, a right turn was required and a few steeper metres further on was the real summit. ‘Mind the sting in the tail’ read Uncle Sam’s ride notes. Quite.

Hosey Hill, Westerham
After taking a break at the village green and with less than 2 minutes back on the road, we were ascending again. A gentle gradual climb on a wide road. Just what was needed to spin the legs after the stop. A very pleasant conversation with Christian regarding the merits of professional (ice) hockey players from Slovakia and other (ice) hockey stuff helped pass the time. Not a usual topic of conversation one finds on CC rides, just the nicest people.

Rogues Hill, Penshurst
Sharp right after Penshurst Place, over a narrow stone bridge and the climb begins. A little kick up and the gradient stays fairly even for a while and then eases off near the top. Very little to see as tall trees line the road on both sides and enough bends to keep the next step up out of sight. A seemingly long and relentless grind. The reward comes as you enter Bidborough - a vast panoramic vista of northern Kent.

Kings Hill Road, Burwash
‘The last real hill of the ride’ according to Uncle Sam. Wide road, new smooth tarmac, no traffic, varying gradient, a lovely climb. If the legs and mind are in agreement. It was like a black ribbon laid across the fields and woodland. The Blue Condor took flight. Gliding away with elegance and nonchalance. I caught up with Geoff and in between the laboured breathing, we exchanged pleasantries regarding the loveliness of it all. A quick stamp on the pedals and he arrived just ahead of me at the summit where the loveliness got lovelier - Mrs Uncle Sam proffering homemade blueberry muffins and drinks. A thoughtful touch.

There were other inclines and undulations, just none so intense. The route flyer makes much more sense to me now - post-ride! Next time I hope to complete the last, western section of the ride!

Thanks to all, especially Uncle Sam, for a wonderful day.
 

StuAff

Silencing his legs regularly
Location
Portsmouth
We met one of those. Its driver was a touch aggressive
Indeed. I thought Königw••kpanzer would be an appropriate name.......
 
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