Dear All… In 2007 Gateway Cycling Club was created and every new year since we’ve taken a jolly ride to Purfleet, the RSPB centre café The same to see in this new 2024… Meeting at Blackshots Leisure Centre RM16 2JU, at 10 am for a start at 10.15. This is a slow and steady family type of ride, all ‘off road’ on dedicated cycle tracks and paths… Onwards to Purfleet, we try and take in the Mardyke Valley Country Park, (Davy Down) although if it’s very flooded, (I’ll check it before…) we’ll opt for the ‘top road’, the cycleway above Lakeside… We’ll go via the back path to Watts Wood and cross over to the Tank Hill Road cycleway and from here, onward alongside the historic Thames… Rest at the RSPB … Read entire article »

A SUMMER SUNDAY RIDE – 13th August 2023… Yet another super Sunday ride – ably led by Dave F, Vic, Sharon, Andy and Les, departed Bulphan via Dunton Caravan Park, Laindon Centre and around Gloucester Park. The destination being ‘The Greedy Chef’, at Pound Lane, Bowers Gifford. Untroubled by the odd summer shower, it was perfect cycling weather…Being early for a change… I took a different route via Ockendon to West Horndon and the A127 cycle path of Arterial Road. First constructed in 1924, where our forbears had the wisdom to build in the broad cycle paths either side. Riding between the leafy trees and speedy traffic, it is functional and reasonably well surfaced. My thoughts – ‘We’d better use it before we lose it’. At Pound Lane junction a very … Read entire article »

Rain wind and punctures best says how this ride turned out. My first flat was on the down ramp to Tilbury Landing stage, managed to fix it before the boat left… Joined by Terry W, Sharon P and Les T we got out of Gravesend town to the country route where the drizzle set in… Through Cobham village and stopped at Shorne Country Park for a comfort break and coffee. While inside a heavy downpour set in so stuck for an hour or so – in good company, wet runners, walkers, kids and dogs. Finally set out and found another deflation… fixed and off again we decided to miss the visit to Cliffe. Before Upper Higham punctured again. Following the good practices as before, of checking the tyre carcass found … Read entire article »

Dear All. I plan to leave on the Tilbury Ferry tomorrow 08.45 SATURDAY 13.3.2020  – to Gravesend. From here out towards Sole Street, Cobham and on… arrive at Cliffe Cafe for tea and eats… Some uphill work but fairly easy to do, then mostly downhill. We’ll take the Thames and Medway canal path back to the ferry, a bit bumpy so Gator Skin/Schwalbe tyres would be best. It looks to be a bit windy and nippy but manageable for most… An all round pleasant route – we may catch blossoms on the way… We should be back in Essex in time for lunch. Be on time for the ferry – they break for breakfast at 09.00… Sorry I’m later than usual with putting this one out but have been busy. All welcome, hope to see you … Read entire article »

We caught a grey weather window between the high winds and rain… 11 – 12 riders set out each at their own pace in small groups of varying speeds. I hadn’t ridden this Bulphan route for a while, it was mainly ‘damp’ with some mud being dragged on to the surfaces. The water had scoured out some potholes making them from small to medium, medium to large… We all got safely to the Puddledock cafe for the jolly chat and well earned nosh, the usual good gossip on news and health and so forth… Soon the sun will shine and the birds will sing – then for a change we’ll maybe cross the Thames and take an excursion through the Kent countryside – Keep pedalin’ – probably see you all next … Read entire article »

Dear All… A low dazzling sun and frost underfoot greeted the seven of us at the Tilbury Ferry landing stage, Vic D, Peter C, Bert H, Alan and Simon along with Club friend Martin H. Up and out of Gravesend town along the Wrotham Road, avoiding a couple of reckless drivers! we headed to the park lands next to the M2. Over the slightly stony foot bridge and through the wintry farmlands and little lanes surrounding the village of Sole Street. All this a deceptively stiff climb brought the seven of us to the village T junction – for a breather. Jolly banter and encouragement and onward – and the last sneaky little climb – through the pleasant Codham village. Crossing the M2 again it was pretty much down hill from here. Turning … Read entire article »

    From Jon Lane New Year is fast approaching and therefore the annual Gateway Cycling’s ‘first day of the year’ ride out… This has been running for a few years now and has been enjoyed by many and is especially geared towards youngsters, families and those who may not be regular bike rides. So, if you want to break out from the wonderful Christmas ‘fug’…  for a leisurely ride – do come and join us. Meet at 09.45 at Blackshots Leisure Centre, (RM16 2JU) next to the entrance steps and depart at 10.00. We will head towards the RSPB Centre at Purfleet along cycle paths and tracks, all flat and manageable by everyone. The group will be led by helpful experienced riders. A loop along Marsh Road and then back alongside the ‘big … Read entire article »

Dear All. Here is a copy and paste of a social ride Terry W has planned for Tues 22nd… We usually end up at The Rake Pub, Boro’ Market (SE1 9AG) for drinks and good food eats and chat… For non club members reading this, it’s not for beginners but those who are little experienced and reasonably confident riders – your’e welcome. The weather looks promising… Hi All. Tuesday 22nd, does anyone fancy a ride to Borough Market (weather permitting) starting 0800 at Hacton Lane/ Ingrebourne Valley, or 0830 at Dovers Corner roundabout? ( RM13 8QT.) All welcome. Terry W. Cheers! Posted by Jon L   … Read entire article »