London to Southend via Burnham-on-Crouch Overnight

I have yet to write up my second nocturnal London to Brighton adventure with Dr John where I navigated all the way again but with this under my belt I felt a little nostalgic for something else. Previous night rides to the coast involved a location call Burnham-on-Crouch and taking advantage of the good weather we are still experiencing I put out a few feelers in case anyone else wanted to join me. Luckily Dr John and Geoff agreed and the date was set for the night of Friday 10th August.

The meeting point was Hyde Park Corner. I decided upon this again purely for nostalgia as for several years the night rides to the coast started from there. My ride actually started at Euston where I met Dr John. We cycled the few miles to Hyde Park where Geoff was ready and waiting.

The night was still quite mild but not as warm as it had been of late. Thankfully rain - which had been very heavy during the day - stayed away and there was only the gentlest of breezes. After chewing the fat for a short while we headed off into the night.

Progress was brisk and I was conscious of the fact that I was riding with two very good cyclists. If the pace was too quick we owl reach Burnham-on-Crouch with hours to spare, so the pace was gentle.

Much of the first 20 miles or so was urban cycling but the roads were fairly quiet which made things a great deal more pleasant.

At a petrol station we stopped for a few quick refreshments and Dr John took the opportunity to get a snack. Sadly there were no hot drinks of sale there for him.

Dr John powdering his nose

After roughly 20 miles or so the urban started to give way to rural and busy lit streets were replaced by narrow, unlit country lanes. It was quite lovely cycling along with the roads virtually all to ourselves .

I knew that on this ride we would come to a ford that could get pretty deep at certain times of the year or when there had been heavy rain. The last couple of days had seen almost biblical downpours and I wondered how deep the ford might be. I had heard of the foolhardy cycling through, not anticipating how deep the water was and ending up with it hitting the top of their saddles.

The water was not too deep but there was no way my bikes was going to ford the ford as it were. Thankfully there was a conveniently placed footbridge adjacent to the ford, so we stepped carefully across. As we did, mist rose from the depths creating an quite sinister mood.

With the ford out of the way we pressed on. Our halfway point - which wasn't quite halfway at 32 miles - was the village hall in Stock. On previous rides (with much greater numbers) this had been opened up by a team of volunteers who served all manner of lovely goodness. We had to make do with the bench outside.

We arrived at Stock Village Hall at just after 03:30 in the a.m. and with only another 22 or so miles to go I knew that we would have to remain there for a little while. Geoff proved to be a saviour. In his pannier bag he had stored away this this very moment a flask containing hot coffee. I have to report that it was wonderful!!

We stayed quite comfortably at Stock Village Hall until about 04:50 a.m. with dawn approaching. As we had been sitting there it started to get progressively colder to the extent that all of us put on a extra layer or layers. I didn't feel warm again until several miles later.

The early morning was quite stunning. Stopping to take some photos of a windmill the views just got better and better. The sky was clear. The sun was coming out and the miles were flying by.

Our breakfast stop was 'The Cabin Dairy' which opened at 08:00. We arrived at 07:15 which wasn't actually bad timing.

Propping the bicycles against the wall we retired to one of the tables, waiting for The Cabin to open. The sausages served at The Cabin were much talked about in the past and when my 'Full Monty' arrived I can report that the sausages were as good as I remember them (I think four years ago which was the last time we cycled to this location).

The ride could have ended here but on on previous ride we got a ferry to take us across the River Crouch so that we could cycle the 10 miles to Southend where we would get the train from there.

As we waited lot of very expensive motorbike started to park up for perhaps a Saturday morning show it all off kind of thing.

I had been in contact with the gentleman in charge of the ferry and he said that he would be able to take us across slightly earlier than the official 10:00 start. Good to his word at about 09:40 he rang to say he was just coming in.

Walking our bikes the short distance to meet the ferry - which was a small boat - we had to walk down a rather steep gangway. This proved to be rather difficult, if not comical. Dr John went first, followed by myself and then Geoff. So it was that Larry Grayson, Frankie Howard and Charles Hawtrey walked with bicycles trying not to fall over.

The boat journey didn't take long but was very pleasant. (Geoff and I had mercilessly wound Dr John up about this part of the journey. He was informed that there was danger of rogue waves, capsizing and a general swell so great he would be advised to take some travel sickness tablets before getting on the ferry).  

Once on the other side Geoff guided us the 10 miles or so to Southend Central. The journey there was lovely and again the scenery before us was stunning. At Southend Central we said goodbye to Geoff and Dr John and I boarded our train for Liverpool Street.

This was a lovely adventure and one I would definitely repeat. Dr John and Geoff were great company and I thank them for being slightly unhinged enough to trust me with the navigation (which I have to report went rather well).

Despite knowing that the original leader of the night rides to the coast, Simon won't read this blog post, I think it only fitting that I thank him too. I more or less used his route and would not have been introduced to the joys of nocturnal adventures had I not signed up for one of his rides over fives years ago.

I Navigate London to Brighton Overnight!

A few weeks ago - with the weather still as lovely as it is at the moment - I decided that I wanted to go on an overnight ride to the coast. On the night of the 29th June and into the morning of 30th June I actually managed to do this and navigate the entire route!

There were of course a few issues that needed to be ironed out. The first was that I didn't really fancy going on my own. I had done this once before using my iPhone and every other navigational device I could strap to my bike. (I stopped short of a Tom Tom Car Sat Nav you'll be pleased to know). The second was that I would be navigating my way there. I am not too good with navigation.

Thankfully, Dr John agreed to come along so the first issue was sorted. The second - navigation - I left in the capable hands of my Wahoo Elemnt!

The meeting point was the same one used on the Friday night rides to the coast, the time was the same (23:30) and even the route was the same. The last Brighton run was a lovely route so I decided to use it more or less as it was.

On the way to meet Dr John somewhere near Barbican I spotted the familiar yellow Brompton of Jenny on the other side of the road. She swung round to say hello and it was lovely to see her albeit briefly.

Dr John arrived in good time and after chatting until the allotted hour (midnight) we then set out into the night. Dr John had placed a great deal of faith in me navigating all the way to Brighton from Central London and I have placed as much in my Wahoo Elemnt. (Spoiler alert! The Wahoo was brilliant)!!

Our pace was very good. We were not really going any fast than the pace normally set by the Friday night rides to the coast crew but as there were only the pair of us and no tail to wait for, our progress was brisk.

The weather was excellent. There was a gentle breeze and the temperatures - although not t-shirt weather - was very pleasant.

The roads were fairly quiet and after 28 or so miles we reached the halfway stop. This was the Scout Hut that on the previous ride had opened up especially for the much larger group, providing sustenance and sanctuary. The large gates were well and truly locked and outside we eat the meagre snacks we had brought with us.

Suitably refreshed we set off again into the early morning. I felt the chill a little so decided to put on a super lightweight layer.

During the early morning we saw all manner of wildlife. Owls, deer, rabbits and other creatures that we could hear but not see, which judging by the noise some of them made, was for the best!

We approached Turners Hill and made our ascent at a good pace. At the top we sat down for a quick rest to collect our thoughts and kill a little time as we were making excellent progress. According to Dr John I not only rested my eyes but was asleep and snoring for a good ten minutes. He even took photographic evidence to confirm this!

Not too long thereafter dawn was fast approaching and so was Ditching Beacon. It seemed strange that just the two of us were here and at times I wondered where everyone else was.

We stopped at the car park at the base of Ditchling Beacon before making our ascent, which I suppose is traditional. An elderly lady walking her dog took ages to get going wherever her eager dog wanted to go which meant those of us wanting to powder our noses before the ascent had to wait!

Dr John headed off first and was too into then distance and out of sight. My Surly Disc Trucker again proved itself to be a wonderful bicycle in my eyes and confirmed that it is my favourite bicycle.

After a few photographs to prove it happened we made our way to Brighton central. This part of the ride is always very enjoyable and with the final few miles it is all downhill.

We headed for the Wetherspoons in the Marina but it was to open at 08:00. We had arrived much earlier which would have meant a lengthy wait. We therefore decided to head into the centre of Brighton to see if we could find an alternative.

Luckily we did and fit being a stones throw from the station was a bonus. With a good breakfast we headed to the station. I was going to get on the quicker Brighton Express but it was filled almost instantly by a huge party of students and tourists. I ended up on the same train as Dr John - which was a blessing as had hardly anyone on it and we had a bike space.

We parted once we arrived back in London with me vowing to repeat this again - possibly on the same day the Dunwich Dynamo takes place as I would not be participating in it this year. As I type this, Dr John and I will be doing this all again this Saturday night.

My Surly Disc Trucker has very quickly become my favourite bicycle.  I have used little else since I bought it and have already clocked up several hundred miles. I can see me going on many more adventures with it.

This was a wonderful route and a great little ride. I am still amazed that I was able to navigate all the way there and this is testament to the confidence I place in the Wahoo Elemnt which is brilliant.

Many thanks to Dr John for taking a leap of faith and for the always pleasant company. Until next time...

Adventure to Dungeness

Dungeness is a location I have wanted to go and pay a visit for some time. I have seen photos from other cyclists and Bromptonians and decided that I needed to go. Back on June 16h, I did.

Having a good look at logistics, a fast train from St Pancras International station would take only 38 minutes to reach Ashford International station. From there it would be a very pleasant 21ish miles to Dungeness.

I managed to convince Dr John to come with me and we met  at St Pancras just after 08:00. Even at this time, things were pretty busy and the queues for Eurostar were massive. Dr John arrived shortly before I did and soon we were on the train. Managing to get some good bicycle specific seats we settled down for the almost quick hop to Ashford.

At Ashford we actually found some difficulty getting out of the station but thankfully managed to eventually find the route out.

Ashord International

The route I had chosen was a good one. There was quite a bit off-road on very pleasant cycle tracks. At one point we crossed a narrow gauge railway track and I could not resist a photo opportunity. I would not have been so keen to do this had I realised how rapidly this little train actually travelled!! On the way back we passed the same way and the little train thundered past believe me!

Don't try this without a friend to hold your bike!

After about 15 miles or so we started to see the coastline and the barren landscape that is Dungeness. It was quite something and different in many ways to any seaside location I have been to.

Dr John

I was looking out for the cottage of the late Derek Jarman, Propect Cottage and before long I was gazing at it in all its glory.

Prospect Co

Prospect Cottage was established by the late Derek Jarman back in (I think) the mid 1980's and I remember it being featured in various articles and television programmes over the years.

Even though I have seen it it print many times I had not seen it in the flesh as it were and I have to say I found it quite beautiful.

'The Rising Sun' by John Donne (1633) adorns one of the walls of the cottage:

Busie old foole, unruly Sunne, 

Why dost thou thus, 

Through windowes, and through curtains call on us?

Must to thy motion lovers’ seasons run?

Sawcy pedantique wretch, goe chide

Late schoole boyes and sowre prentices, 

Goe tell Court-huntsmen, that the King will ride,

Call countrey ants to harvest offices;

Love, all alike, no season knows, nor clyme, 

Nor houres, dayes, moneths, which are the rags of time…

Thou sunne art halfe as happy as wee,

In that the world’s contracted thus. 

Thine age askes ease, and since thy duties bee

To warme the world, that’s done in warming us. 

Shine here to us, and thou art everywhere; 

This bed thy centre is, these walls thy spheare

Having taken dozens of photos of the cottage and its garden, we pressed on towards the two lighthouses that along with the nuclear power station dominate the landscape.

The first lighthouse you come across started in 1961 and made of precast concrete rings. It is still in operation and was automated in 1991.

The second opened in 1904 and although no longer used as a lighthouse does serve as a visitors centre and I imagine it affords some pretty good views. I will endeavour to return to it another day.

Dr John waiting for some food

The power station had its licence extended to 2028 and is now owned and operated by EDF Energy. Believe it or not you can actually go on tours but I believe there are security checks that need to need to be gone through several weeks in advance of paying them a visit.

Nuclear Power Station

We were going to eat at a pub called the Britannia - the only one in Dungeness but sadly they were not serving food for another 40 minutes. We therefore decided to head towards the station where food was being served.

While we waited a small narrow gauge steam train pulled up and took several passengers on a short ride. This was the train I mentioned earlier and again I have to report it can certainly go at speed!

We were treated to a rather tasty cod and chips and feeling all the better for it we started to head back to Ashford Station.

Before we left Dungeness the draw of the seaside was too much and we decided to explore its famous shingle beach.

Old boats and various items of fishing equipment were being bleached over time in the warmth of the sun.

The landscape was unusual and not like any beach I had ever been to. Strange plants grew here and there, only adding to the uniqueness of the location.

The route there and back was a good one. Quiet lanes and stunning Kent countryside. I liked Dungeness a great deal and as I cycled back towards Ashford I knew I would definitely return again.

My 'Surly Disc Trucker' - the only bicycle I seem to be using at the moment - gave me reason to again assert that it is my favourite bike. It handles the road and the rough stuff quite easily and the rack and panniers make carrying whatever you want a breeze.

Arriving at Ashford Station we had cycled 42 miles. I enjoyed the ride, Dungeness and the company of Dr John. As stated, I am pretty sure I will do this ride again but next time perhaps a little longer.