Route 1 to Rochester along the Thames Path. This ride is mostly off road to Dartford and then there are a few busy roads before Gravesend.

Gravesend for lunch hopefully at the riverside cafe and then quiet roads to Rochester. Quiet roads from Gravesend to Rochester. From Rochester we'll loop back to Gravesend and take in the superb view over the Medway from Church Green in Frindsbury.

All day ride - train back from Gravesend.

There are plenty of opportunities to cut this ride short; we're never very far from a station.

Photos from last years Rochester ride.

Slideshow including views from Frindsbury over the Medway.

Report

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Ian, Ian, Anil, Lynn, Borak, Marik, Katie, Sam, Alex, David, Steve, Rob, Richard, Rebecca, Paul, Jurek, Simon and Alan were all on the ride at various stages. Four at Ladywell Fields, nine at Cutty Sark Gardens, one at Woolwich and four at Gravesend. There’s nothing like the sun to bring out the numbers. The numbers appeared to grow significantly between the Thames Barrier and Woolwich Ferry as we intermingled with a 30 strong ride from the Blackheath Baptist Church who were on their way to the Blackwater Estuary in Essex.

We paused at Erith both to take on fluid and to get rid of fluid. Crayford Marshes was crossed without a puncture. There were 3 the last time we crossed this stoney path. Between Dartford and Gravesend  I  opted as usual, for the big, busy but quick roads to Gravesend. As we went up and down the 3 hills into Gravesend Sam pointed out a little device that probably most of us have on our bikes and use without realising on the odd occasion. The Fuck it button. Press it and walk. Not pressed today, but she came close.

Into Gravesend and Richard had a puncture. Did he pick up a stone crossing Crayford Marshes? They usually get one of us. We lost Rob briefly but everything came together again at the Promenade Café. My soft drink, burger and flapjack came to £3.50. It was an easy ride now into Rochester. One burnt out car was being loaded onto a flat back – nice to get that out of the way and then I was pleasantly surprised to find the narrow section that takes you to the Thames Medway Canal had been tarmacced. We paused briefly at the obelisk type memorial/monument newly revealed by shrub and tree cutting at the side of the canal going into Lower Higham. Anyone know what this is and why it’s in such an isolated place? It would have meant paddling across the stagnant canal to get a closer look.

At Rochester Katie, Rebecca, Lynn Steve and David departed. The rest of us turned and went up the hill for the view over the estuary. As we went into the church yard we received some nervous glances from the wedding party who were no doubt worried that we going to make an unwanted splash of colour on the photos of the dream day. We left before everyone came out and returned to Gravesend for the wind assisted slightly downhill run.

At Gravesend we sat on the terrace of the pub by the ferry (I didn’t take the name) had a pint and then returned to Lewisham on the train. The 4 for 2 deal back was £2.75.

Another great day out  -  thanks everyone for coming.

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On another subject - I’m doing a sponsored ride in aid of Gt. Ormond Street Children’s Hospital up the Grand Union Canal on Thursday and Friday of this week – 160 miles of bumpy tow paths. Any donation large or small would be gratefully received. Donate at

http://www.justgiving.com/ianpendleton

Ian Pendleton.