@ianrauk had an early start. I, as so often where rides are involved, had a Really Early Start. Alarm at 3.45, out the door by 4.30 for the 5am Victoria-bound train, changing at Hove for Brighton where I had half an hour to wait for the train to Ashford, scheduled to get in 8.18. Why so early? Return ticket was £10.15, all the via-London tickets are £37 for one thing. For another, in view of Southern's recent issues, and there only being one train an hour via Brighton, thought it best to allow much more time to get to Ashford. I was also intending, like Ian, to get this month's imperial century done at the earliest opportunity. Getting some extra miles done in the morning would save me having to get them done in the evening...as it was the wind speed & direction ruled out the ton, but did make riding in from Rye even more attractive. Train arrived at Rye just before eight, and I added a three mile detour to the route I had planned (whoops) before getting back on track. Positively flew. Even with the (lumpy) extension, I managed 14.8 mph rolling average for those twenty miles, in part helped by
@Tim Hall on the last few miles, he was making his own way north and spotted me up ahead (the pannier was a giveaway...). We made it to Ashford Itsnotinternational at 9.20, where a select gathering had already turned up at the cafe. Considered the full English (only five hours after my first breakfast...), but
@User10571's review has sadly confirmed I was right not to get it. Pot of tea and a pastry (perfectly good) before our eventual departure.
Excellent ride. I did have a very minor tumble (came to a stop and got caught out by the camber) but the only damage some teeny scratches on the STI lever. And that ****** wind was a pain. I did suggest to
@Hill Wimp we could hire a bus to act as windbreak....! Otherwise, splendid. Dungeness was a real attraction for me to make the trip- Derek Jarman's garden, of which I had read and seen so much but never with my own eyes, was worth the flying-past visit. Beautiful. Pub worth a return visit too though. Given the condition of much of the roads & the off-roading, the Litespeed was definitely the right bike for the job. I still prefer roads, even if she likes gravel.....
I was indeed the last person to get food at the Ypres Castle. They redeemed themselves when it turned up though- excellent burger, and a decent portion of chips this time! As tempting as it was to enjoy the Military Road again (as good as its namesake on the IOW) it was Going The Wrong Way. I made it back to Rye in plenty of time for the next Brighton-bound train. The Southampton-bound service there was absolutely rammed (yet another Southern cancellation) but that soon eased. Back home just after seven.
Great job
@Hill Wimp @Stephen Piper and thanks everyone else.
