Members of the East Kent Ladies Cycling Club joined Spokes on our annual ride to Ardres in France over the weekend. They had a great time, writing this on this on their blog:
It makes a lot of difference when the ride leader knows where they are going … I mean what kind of idiot would attempt to lead a ride without knowing the route?! Thankfully this time we were in the very capable hands of Steve Fawke and the Spokes guys. Quite a challenge to lead 44 people from ferry to pub and back again. It was absolutely lovely to see such a mix of riders: little kids bombing along, tandems, a recumbent.
A great club turnout – 14 East Kent Ladies plus 1 random bloke turned up bright and early on the Saturday morning. Lovely to welcome new girls Kelly and Tracy. Unfortunately, Tracy didn’t get off to a great start as her rear mech got damaged on the car rack and she spent half the ride being pushed along.
The weather was fantastic on the way down to Ardres, really quite strong sunshine. The pace was relaxed and I couldn’t help but notice how laid back the motorists were, very courteous. I think Lisa has plotted the route on her GPS so we may attempt this trip later in the year and perhaps make it a family event?
Great lunch, the Pub de la Mairie could not have been more accommodating, setting up tables outside and actually running over the road to the boulangerie to buy fresh baguettes for us. Chips and beer, wine and peanuts …. not exactly haute cuisine but somehow just perfect. Next time, we may take a trip down to the Lakes, more restaurants/bars to explore!
Not so warm on the way back and very windy. Unfortunately, we missed our return ferry and ended up standing around for what seemed like ages. The jobsworth attitude of the port official prompted Elodie and Tracy to start their own game of Cluedo. Strangulation by inner tube at the ferry terminal, beaten to death with a bicycle pump …..Eventually, we boarded and made our way to the comfy seats. A couple of the lady riders with Spokes asked for our details and apparently Rachel managed to recruit another potential member in the duty free shop!
Making our way out of Dover was a piece of cake, we just followed the red line which takes you straight back to the booking office. Lots of tired but happy bunnies.
Steve tells me he is working on a project which involves a three day ride with two overnight stops. He is still trying to sort out accommodation and he is looking for group gites or similiar. The idea is to catch an early ferry to Dunkerque, have lunch in Le Tavern de Brugel in Bergues and then on to Casel for the overnight stop. The next day cycle through the wonderful countryside of Flanders to St Omer for the evening. Final day St Omer to Ardres for a meal and then to Calais. I am a member of Spokes (annual subs £7.50 individual, £12.00 family) and I am definitely up for this. Anyone else fancy it?
We hope everybody enjoyed the 
Maps and guides are now online for the free 
On Sunday 25th and Tuesday 27th April Spokes lead a group of over 20 French schoolchildren and their teachers on a cycle ride along National Cycle Route 1 from Dover, via Sandwich to Canterbury, then Regional Cycle Route 16 back to Dover again. Much fun was had by everyone.