MIDWEEK RIDE ‘UPNOR CASTLE’ WEDNESDAY 4TH JULY

Together with Bob, we had Vic, Andy, Alan, Chris M, Terry and Phil.

A little cooler and cloudier it was up and on out of Gravesend to Sole Street, Cobham and Upper Higham. A pause again on Hermitage Road gave us an inspiring view of our Essex coast and countryside. Hotting up now, it was onwards through the ripening field crops, taking a zig zag route, avoiding tractors… and with much pleasantness all around, we got to the Kings Arms. Hospitality, with exceptional food, drink and craic – we could have settled here a while…

Homeward through Strood, passing the refurbished Russian submarine in the Medway we took the long climb out of the town. A sensibly planned sweeping cycle route avoiding heavy traffic led us to Shorne Country Park, then Lower Higham and on to Gravesend… Patience, team work and encouragement got us up the steeper climbs, avoided the usual reckless divers… the occasional heavy lorry and around some downed power lines…

A couple of us may have missed the ice cream but thanks to all of you fella’s for making this a fun ride and all round good laugh, and another great Gateway Cycling day. We’ll do it again soon…

Cheers! Jon.