Brighton to Maidstone for a newbie...

[Anthony J.]

Hi everyone

Same old story from what I've been reading, inherited a bike from a mate who moved abroad, started riding to work, that got my juices flowing and so now I'm ready for my first biggy! So, I would appreciate some advice!

First, has anyone done the Brighton to Maidstone route (via Tunbridge Wells)? What is it like? Hilly/flat/windy/busy/fun etc etc?

Also, is 50miles too long for a first one? I'm 26, pretty fit, but also unexperienced! How am I likely to feel in the evening and the day after (going for a stag night!)?

My bike is knackered, but new tyres, inner tube and break pads are on their way. Is there any other essentials?

You guys probably get threads like this all the time, but I would appreciate the advice. And, I promise, I'll report back

Ant

 

[BrumJim]

50 miles is not too far for a young fit man like you.

Will need to take water with you to survive, so you need a drinks bottle and holder. Always good to stuff some food in your pockets too - cereal bar/flapjack/malt loaf. But not too much.

In order to enjoy it and feel good at the end, you should have done at least one 40 miler before the day. Otherwise it isn't too big a step up from 25, which should be very do-able if you build up to it over a couple of weeks.

Get your bike working properly. Nothing worse than a squeaking chain, rubbing brake and jumping gears when you are on your last legs with 10 miles still left to go.

 

[Ticktockmy]

Here is a route which you may want to look at is mainly minor roads, with plenty of choice to vary it.
I have ridden all of this route in the past. I found the area north of Tunbridge Wells full of intresting little roads.


Brighton to Pyecombe.

Pyecombe to Clayton.

Clayton to Ditchling.

Ditchling to Wivesfields.

Wivesfields to Scaynes Hill.

Scaynes Hill via Horsted Keynes.

Horsted Keynes to Sharpthorne.

Sharpthorne to Forest row.

Forest Row to groombridge ( either by road or by the Forest way cycle route)

Groombridge to Tunbridge Wells.

Tunbridge to Pembury, ( Cycle Route)

Pembury to Paddock Wood ( Choice of Routes)

Paddock Wood to Yalding (nice cafe at weir)

Yalding to Maidstone (Choice of routes)

 

[Anthony J.]

That could possibly be the hilliest route of all time

Thanks for the advice Jim. I'm gonna try a 30 miler on Thursday night, see how I feel, if all good gonna attempt the 50 on saturday.

 

[Ticktockmy]

That could possibly be the hilliest route of all time

Thanks for the advice Jim. I'm gonna try a 30 miler on Thursday night, see how I feel, if all good gonna attempt the 50 on saturday.

Apart from the Beacon the route never goes 200 ft....LOL

 

[Ticktockmy]

Whoops 200 mtr's

 

[GrumpyGregry]

It will be heaven if you do it on minor roads as suggested. It will be sheer hell if you A road it. But it should be within your capabilities.

How will you feel the next day. Elated, sore and tired I suspect.

 

[rb58]

Don't forget a a spare inner tube, pump, tyre levers in case you're visited by the p*nct*ure fairy....