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RIDE AGAIN in 2017!
There is a Spokes ride on the first Sunday of every month at 10.30. They always start and finish at a station. Our rides are a celebration of slow riding and a leisurely exploration of the beautiful Kent countryside. We ride on cycle paths, quiet roads and country lanes. We stop for a relaxed lunch at a cafe or pub. As we ride at “chatting” speed, it’s an opportunity to catch up with old friends and meet new ones. So in short, a Spokes ride is an unashamed escape from day to day living and a chance to enjoy your bike. ALL RIDES START FROM A STATION AT 10.30 on SUNDAYS August 6: Ham Street. Romney Marsh. Such different scenery to the rest of Kent. Dead flat, apart from a small hill near the station. Fascinating churches. Leader Chris Beswick. September 3: Faversham: Explore the orchards and hop fields around Perry Wood. Leader Andrew Wyver. For more information phone Beatrice Shire: 01227 766782. More to follow... We're not all lycra! We plan to cater for cyclists of varying experience and ability; we are certainly not all lycra. Most rides avoid busy main roads almost entirely, and you will often be surprised how few cars you see. The idea is to escape from day to day living, explore the beautiful Kent countryside, and have a good chat if you like. Circular routes The routes are circular with a pub or café lunch stop. Please bring a roadworthy bike; a spare inner tube is always useful. |
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Later we hope to welcome in Spring with the Annual Catha’s Seat Picnic
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Saturday 30th April 2016 saw the third annual Catha's Seat Picnic when all are invited to travel by foot or bicycle from the surrounding villages, towns, and further afield to congregate on a stunning destination overlooking the Stour Valley and Chilham Castle. This remote, quiet place on National Cycle Route 18 and the Stour Valley Walk is known as Catha's Seat, and features two handcrafted solid oak benches with in-built cycle parking. Between 1 and 3pm the gathered enjoyed their picnics and some light live music from the fantastic Ashford Folk Community, hot off the heels of a tour to Germany!
This place is named after Catharine 'Catha' Keegan, a dedicated cycling campaigner who lived in Wye and who was involved in planning the Ashford to Canterbury section of National Cycle Route 18. Her mission was to create safer cycling routes and encourage their use, so Catha's Seat and the annual picnic provide opportunities for people to discover or re-discover this route as well as the joys of cycling and walking in the glorious Kentish countryside. Catha’s Seat Awards At this year’s Picnic we launched the first ever Catha’s Seat Awards. A total fund now worth £1,000 is available to applications from local groups, schools and individuals for equipment and expenses as part of projects to encourage safety and increased use of Route 18 between Ashford and Canterbury. Closing date was 15 July 2016 - winners announced in September. http://cathas-seat.org/awards/ To find out more keep up to date with our website www.cathasseat.org _or social media; Facebook -https://www.facebook.com/cathasseat | Twitter - https://twitter.com/Cathasseat Catha's Seat has been supported by Kent County Council, Ashford Borough Council, Godmersham Parish Council, Chilham Parish Council, Councillor Andrew Wickham and over 70 private donors. Catha's Seat was built by ARC Creative Design. 
Spokes member, Frank Guthrie, pictured with one of the new gates.
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Photo credit: Funder Films CIC (old man and small child)
 Click to enlarge
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Coastal rides - Viking Coastal Trail improved
Now we can get past the gates!
For many years, enjoyment of the stretch of the Viking Coastal Trail between Reculver and Minnis Bay has been marred by the presence of two gates that cross the sea wall, one near each end.
The one near to Reculver has always been firmly padlocked; the one at the Minnis Bay end has been openable, but only by brute force. There were awkward chicanes by the side of each that could be negotiated by pedestrians and people on orthodox bikes, although the one at the Minnis Bay end was unprotected by any fencing, and it would not have been impossible, in the dark maybe, to skid off the top of the wall and down the slope into the dyke below.
As for wheelchairs, disability adapted bicycles, tandems etc., these gates were impassable for many. There is a Thanet District Council facility at Minnis Bay that provides adapted bicycles for disabled folk, but anyone intending to head west for a nice ride in the sea air and a pint at the King Ethelbert was stymied, if not by the first gate, certainly by the second.
Now, however, all is remedied! The old gates have been removed, and replaced by half-width ones, with plenty of space for all non-vehicular users. The sign on them reads 'Kent's shared paths are for everyone to enjoy' with pictures of a dog-walker, a wheelchair user, a runner and a cyclist.
Well, just what Spokes has been campaigning for for years! At long last.
Thank you KCC
Now we can get past the gates!
For many years, enjoyment of the stretch of the Viking Coastal Trail between Reculver and Minnis Bay has been marred by the presence of two gates that cross the sea wall, one near each end.
The one near to Reculver has always been firmly padlocked; the one at the Minnis Bay end has been openable, but only by brute force. There were awkward chicanes by the side of each that could be negotiated by pedestrians and people on orthodox bikes, although the one at the Minnis Bay end was unprotected by any fencing, and it would not have been impossible, in the dark maybe, to skid off the top of the wall and down the slope into the dyke below.
As for wheelchairs, disability adapted bicycles, tandems etc., these gates were impassable for many. There is a Thanet District Council facility at Minnis Bay that provides adapted bicycles for disabled folk, but anyone intending to head west for a nice ride in the sea air and a pint at the King Ethelbert was stymied, if not by the first gate, certainly by the second.
Now, however, all is remedied! The old gates have been removed, and replaced by half-width ones, with plenty of space for all non-vehicular users. The sign on them reads 'Kent's shared paths are for everyone to enjoy' with pictures of a dog-walker, a wheelchair user, a runner and a cyclist.
Well, just what Spokes has been campaigning for for years! At long last.
Thank you KCC
SkyRides in Kent
Try a local ride in Kent
http://www.goskyride.com/kent for rides near you!
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2017 Ardres ride tba
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- We aim to integrate bikes and trains by starting and finishing our rides at or near railway stations.
- We have taken every care to ensure that ride details given here are correct at time of publishing but you may wish to check with the leader by phoning before travelling.
- You are advised to wear protective equipment, such as a cycle helmet, and wear warm clothing in cold weather. On longer rides, there will usually be refreshment stops but please bring a drink and some food with you. You should ensure your bike is in a safe, roadworthy condition before setting out.
- We regret that SPOKES and its members cannot accept liability for any accident or loss - please note that you attend a cycle ride at your own risk.
- Kent section Veteran Cycle Club rides, contact Dave on 01892 722584. For East Kent Cycling Club rides contact Jack Cole on 01843 592577 (evenings).
- White Cliffs and Romney Marsh Countryside Projects regularly organise cycle rides throughout South Kent. Call 01304 241806 or 01303 274806 for details and ask for a comprehensive guided walks leaflet.
