The weather today was to be clear for most of the ride, with some showers coming in late afternoon.We departed Thurrock Services at 9.30am and rode over the Dartford Crossing to meet up with Mike Gallefant from the Kent Branch. We then followed Mike to Maidstone Services to meet up with more of the Kent Branch. Here we had our morning coffee stop.Mike O then took the lead and led us down to Rye along some lovely country roads.When we arrived at Rye it was quite busy there. We parked up and sorted ourselves out before going to get food. Social distancing was adhered to at all times. The “Kettle O Fish” had their restaurant closed, not sure why. We bought fish and chips anyway and found somewhere to sit by the water. The fish and chips went down a treat. Even the Sea Gulls were eager to get some of ours, I’m sure I heard some of them saying “mine, mine, mine, mine”. Time came to leave Rye, so we headed through Hastings to the 1066 Cafe on the A21. Here we had our afternoon coffee stop. When we were a couple of miles from the cafe the heavens opened up. We had the rain just for a few minutes before we reached the cafe and of course the rain stopped as we got there. We said our goodbyes here as the run home would be nonstop now. We donned our wet gear in case it rained on the last leg home; of course it didn’t rain any more. By the time I got home I had completes 173.2 miles today. Another great day riding, with good friends on great roads.Well done everyone and thanks to the Kent guys for showing us down some great roads. Until the next time.
Roland Murphy.
Essex Branch Secretary.
