Latest Gateway News

Last day of forum day 3

From Bob D   Proposed rest day delayed until tomorrow,26 local miles which I will save and add to next weeks total as unsettled weather may curtail some ride days in the coming week.Saw some of the new saturday group on the road returning towards Orsett hopefully another successful addition to the calendar.Definately resting tomorrow hope to resume riding monday. Bob D. … Read entire article »

Last Forum Day 2

From Bob D Dusteded off the FP UNO model Pinarello for todays short ride.This model is Pinarello’s take on an affordable entry level machine.Frame built with an alluminium main triangle with carbon chain stays,seat stays and the ubiquitous carbon Onda fork, design shape much the same as their high end models, nice black white and red paint job,more Dog than Dogma but never the less uniquely Pinarello.Was able to build up with full Ultegra group set and nice pair of lightweight wheels from my stock of secondhand spares so now nearly up to mid range quality. Up and away to spread my brand of joy de vivre to Peter and Theresa Clark in Grays where Peter is 2 weeks into his 6 weeks rehab after his major hip operation,he is his … Read entire article »

! St Day of Last Forum Month

From Bob D Just in from todays 28 ml local ride with cafe stop.Decided to give 20 year old Cannondale Saeco CAAD 3 a run out for a change,although old like me this machine still rides like a dream.this particular model has now assumed cult status.still built in those days in the USA not the far east as most are today in the late 1990’s it was ridden by Mario Cippolini to 42 Giro Italia and 12 TDF stage wins,not bad for an aluminium american bike.No particular incidents on the road today although as it’s now harvest time there is a proliferation of huge tractors and trailers close passing at high speeds which can be quite scary to those of a nervous disposition.If the weather holds and I can get out … Read entire article »

Not Quite THE LAST POST

From Bob D Hi all forum readers,I have been informed that as from the 1st of Sept the club committee have decided to close the Gateway club forum.Although I think I understand their reasoning for this I for one will be sorry to see it go.Looking back through the last few years contributions it becomes obvious that only three or four of us have availed ourselves of this facility with myself making the most use of it to publish my weekly ramblings.In this technological age of Whats App and Facebook which the other 96% of the members seem to prefer the end of the Forum was I suppose inevitable.However for the next month I shall try to fill it up with more of my useless ramblings. In this vein,Fifteen riders took … Read entire article »

Membership fees

For information to all members. As we are now more than half way through 2019 the membership fees are reduced by 50%. Thus a single person membership is now £10. If anybody has ridden with us and has not joined please do so. Gateway Committee … Read entire article »

Last Wednesday’s HOT ride 24th July 2019

From Jon L An Exceptionally hot sun! … Fifteen arrived at Orsett – trying to find a shady tree. It was good to welcome a few folk back who’ve not been able to make it recently. At a sensible pace we headed out around the regular route. Not feeling 100% in the heat I took a shorter cut back to Puddledock, although by contrast Bob did the full Berwick Ponds circuit! well done mate… The usual good chat and banter whilst consuming ‘meat free’ breakfasts and such like… We rolled back to Orsett, it getting still hotter, but glad to say no weather or traffic incidents, this followed by more shady chat and a warm down. Whatever the weather – I know we all look forward to and enjoy these midweek … Read entire article »

Upnor Castle Ride Last week

From Jon L All eleven of us made the ferry crossing without incident or inconveniencing the other passengers … It was warm and humid out of Gravesend, up and along the Wrotham Road for the left turn into the calmer Country Park. Avoiding the stony footbridges… and after a couple of right turns we made our way into Church Road which led us through the tranquil summer wheat fields to Sole Street – which kind of set the scene for most of the ride. Through the attractive villages of Cobham, Shorne and Upper Higham and along Hermitage Road with inspiring views across the estuary to our own Essex. A steady manageable pace all the way, our challenge was negotiating the numerous temporary red and white ‘road closures’, eventually arriving at the rustic … Read entire article »

Saturday morning Rides

From Mark W Hi all I have been thinking about putting some rides together for the rest of the summer. Each Saturday starting from the 27/7/19 for Six weeks, and if it is a success try and keep it going into the winter. The rides will not be a chain gang or a full on ‘see how fast we can go’ ride, but a steady group ride with no drop. I will post up on WhatsApp and the FB group every Thursday with details. All rides will be open for debate for distance and time out, as I know some do not have a lot of time. I’m thinking 2-3 hours for each ride. All rides will start and finish at Bulphan and start at 10am. Can I ask, would anybody be willing to help with this? … Read entire article »

Maximum number of ride attendances for non-members

A question relating to how many rides a non member can join before joining the club has been asked a few times. Here is the text from the Constitution. 3.10 Maximum number of attendances for non-members: Non-members riding with the club on organised club rides will be allowed the following number of attendances before being required to become club members: Weekly rides four attendances Recreational (formal) rides two attendances … Read entire article »