Group ride with Alec Gore.

17 riders had signed up for Alec's two-day ride to Kent and Sussex last Sunday and Monday, with an overnight stay near Ramsgate on the Isle of Thanet. Three riders chose to pull out beforehand. However, on balance, the weather and road conditions could have been worse and all 14 of us thoroughly enjoyed the trip. Of course, the bikes needed a good clean after getting home!

Sunday's ride was about 180 miles using mainly A and B roads with a few lanes thrown in for fun early in the afternoon. Leaving the start at Loomies, we used Steep Hill down into Petersfield then the A272 out towards Billingshurst and the morning stop at a garden centre on the A24 at Dial Post. We continued on some great B roads to the lunch stop at Lewes. The afternoon route followed the South Downs to Battle, with great views over the Weald, and on to Rye on the edge of Romney Marsh, with a stop at Tenterden Garden Centre. The final section to Ramsgate took in villages south-east of Ashford and up to Sandwich, with a dual carriageway to our stop at the Premier Inn at Manston. We saw the first persistent rain of the day, which was ironic as the predicted rain in the first two sections hadn't really materialised.

The staff at the Smugglers Retreat restaurant adjacent to the Premier Inn put tables together and we dined together. The social side, for many like-minded riders, really adds to the value of these two-day rides.

The optional round-Thanet evening ride was postponed to 0800 Monday morning, a good decision because the sun was shining through the clouds. 12 riders took part. We had to negotiate some school traffic, but the views out to sea, Ramsgate Harbour, the white cliffs of the North Foreland (photo opportunity at the lighthouse) and Margate sands towards Birchington made the ride worthwhile. We returned to the hotel in time for our planned departure at 0930.

Round Thanet ride stop at North Foreland lighthouse

Monday's route was about 150 miles back to Hampshire with an easy start along the Thanet Way dual-carriageway and a short section of the M2. We then took the A251 and A28 down to Charing before heading into The Weald across the Kent-Sussex border on some lovely B-roads. The first stop, Taywell Farm Shop, near Goudhurst, was a great find with excellent coffee, cake and service.

Up to this point, although there were black clouds ahead and wet roads from recent rain, we hadn't actually gotten caught in any. All that was about to change in the next section to Costa at Edenbridge! Still using A and B roads, there was a lot of surface water, washout and incredible flooding in some fields.

Environment Agency possible flood locations

Surface water flooding out from fields

We got to Edenbridge about midday, keeping the stop brief as some of the group, sold by Paul Farrar, our most efficient and intrepid tail-end rider, preferred to eat at the third stop, Billy's, a biker cafe on the A29 near Five Oaks. Leaving Edenbridge towards Lingfield we encountered a flooded section of the road, which required a quick decision on the merits of turning back, with no guarantee other roads wouldn't also be flooded. Alec went for it and cautiously led the way through the flood.

The flooded section on the Edenbridge to Lingfield Rd (local Facebook post on Monday)

Mark Hummerstone's bike cam view through the flood

Well done to all 12 remaining riders - two had left for personal appointments, one after breakfast and one after the first stop - for following through. The water was up to the axles and pegs in places! Carrying on, we used a mix of roads to skirt around Crawley and join the A29 and then the A272 from Billingshurst. Unfortunately, a marker got missed in the downpour near Horley, so Alec was left with two markers and time lost waiting in consequence through Petworth and stopping at Midhurst. The remainder of the ride made its way to Billy's on the A29. Fortunately, comms via text were still good and we agreed riders would make their own way home from these final mid-afternoon stops. And the rain eased off for the ride home!

So, a ride that turned into a bit of an adventure in some heavy rain and flooding on the second day. Nonetheless, one that stayed safe with everyone riding sensibly according to the conditions. Participants clearly enjoyed themselves overall, with some very appreciative and kind comments received in the next couple of days. It was worth it. It was fun, including cleaning the bike in time for its MoT today!

Thank you to Paul for back-marking so well, as ever, and to all riders who braved the conditions to take part, building their confidence and skills in the process.