Oxted cycling club organise up to three rides a week. It’s a big club
and caters for a wide range of abilities. You can usually join a group
setting out to complete a distance, average speed or with a time
commitment to suit. Occasionally we get together with the one target
in mind. Staggered starts mean everyone arrives at roughly the same
time. Once a year we head to the Isle of Wight, click here to read about last year.

There are also multi-day trips. My inaugural jaunt was a three
day weekender into Kent based in Canterbury organised by Austen and Alan. 

It started, as most rides do, from Oxted. Thirty three set out in four groups. Planning to meet for lunch and then to arrive In Canterbury at around the same time. Our luggage was transported by van, driven by Norman on the way there, Neill on the return journey so that Norman could join us. We also had Stewart in a car providing mechanical backup.

The first stop was only 20 miles into the trip. Coffee, food and to fix some punctures.

the George, Trottiscliffe

Richard, the club chairman brought his lounging A game.

The next place the club invaded was Lenham for lunch. The cafe, bakery and pub all enjoyed a visitor boost.

The day started chilly and rain always seem to be on the horizon, but it never came. The weather steadily improved as we got closer to Canterbury. The route was great, mostly avoiding very busy roads, whilst keeping it flowing. The last couple of miles being alongside the Great Stour River into the centre of the city.

We met Normal near one of the city gates at a pub.

We gradually took over the outside seating area and boosted the takings appreciably I’m sure. Everyone then slowly dispersed to their accomodation. Then small groups congrigated at various restaurants for an evening meal.

I awoke early, as I do most mornings, breakfast wasn’t until eight thirty so I went for a walk.

Much of the city wall remains as does a wall that surrounded the catherdral. My hotel, the Cathedral Gate, forms part of it. Hence the great view. The one at the top of this page being from the toilet window.

view from the stairs