Club Rides
We meet every Saturday morning at 9 am, at the Wooden Bus Shelter just beyond the junction of Leyton Cross Road and Oakfield Lane, Dartford Heath, Kent. (please see 'about us' section for the map of meet location).
Route: Ride east along Oakfield Lane until the junction with Hawley Road (A225). Turn right and remain on A225 until the roundabout with A20 (WJ King Garage). Turn left and ride along A20 but turn right onto A225 Eynsford Road. Remain on this road (passing through Eynsford and by passing Shoreham) until the outskirts of Otford. Here take Pilgrims Lane East on left.
A longer faster (harder) ride turns off this route. The longer loop is somewhat harder and skirts around Sevenoaks, and Plaxtol before reaching Borough Green and joining the A20 climb from Wrotham!
The short route remains on Pilgrims Lane until Pilgrims Lane becomes Kemsing Road. Continue on Kemsing Road until Wrotham Village. Here turn left onto High Street Wrotham and ride through village. Proceed onto Bull lane (passing Bull public house on left) until the roundabout with A20.
Take first exit onto A20 London Road uphill (crossing bridge over M20). Remain on A20 take first exit at next roundabout (runing uphill alongside M20). At top of climb continue on A20 until junction with Portobello public house. Here turn right on to Fawkham Road. Remain on Fawkham Road until rear entrance to Brands Hatch circuit is reached. Here turn right onto Three Gates Lane (crossing bridge over M20). At second crossroads (approx 700 yds over bridge) Turn left onto Mussenden Lane.
Café stop is at Speed Gate Farm (approx 80 on left from turn). Café can be seen as you enter the yard. Please park bikes considerately at rear of café.
Take Mussenden Lane down into Horton Kirby. Take care on right hand bend into village! Remain on road through village until the viaduct can be seen ahead. At The Bridges public house turn left into Station Road. At junction with Dartford Road, turn right onto A225 (towards Dartford).
Here the run usually splits into smaller groups to get home. To return to start – continue on A225 (until passing Papermakers Arms public house) then take Shirehall Lane on left. Remain on this lane until the T junction with B258 Barn End Lane. Turn right towards Wilmington. At mini roundabout in Wilmington village turn left up High Street. Slot right on to Common Lane which leads back to Oakfield Road which leads to Oakfield Lane and the Wooden Bus Shelter.
The average pace is approx. 18-20 mph. Frankly, you will need to be able to manage a distance of 40 miles and the ability to manage 25+ mph at times.
New riders are always welcome to come along and ride with us so please come along and introduce yourself. We stop at Speed Gate Farm Cafe, so remember to bring some cash. If you're new to the club, have a look at the FAQ that relate to the club run.
The club runs are the central activity of the club. They take place all year round. We have listed a few ground rules. Most are common sense but they're worth setting out so newcomers can get a better idea of what the club runs are about.
Route: Ride east along Oakfield Lane until the junction with Hawley Road (A225). Turn right and remain on A225 until the roundabout with A20 (WJ King Garage). Turn left and ride along A20 but turn right onto A225 Eynsford Road. Remain on this road (passing through Eynsford and by passing Shoreham) until the outskirts of Otford. Here take Pilgrims Lane East on left.
A longer faster (harder) ride turns off this route. The longer loop is somewhat harder and skirts around Sevenoaks, and Plaxtol before reaching Borough Green and joining the A20 climb from Wrotham!
The short route remains on Pilgrims Lane until Pilgrims Lane becomes Kemsing Road. Continue on Kemsing Road until Wrotham Village. Here turn left onto High Street Wrotham and ride through village. Proceed onto Bull lane (passing Bull public house on left) until the roundabout with A20.
Take first exit onto A20 London Road uphill (crossing bridge over M20). Remain on A20 take first exit at next roundabout (runing uphill alongside M20). At top of climb continue on A20 until junction with Portobello public house. Here turn right on to Fawkham Road. Remain on Fawkham Road until rear entrance to Brands Hatch circuit is reached. Here turn right onto Three Gates Lane (crossing bridge over M20). At second crossroads (approx 700 yds over bridge) Turn left onto Mussenden Lane.
Café stop is at Speed Gate Farm (approx 80 on left from turn). Café can be seen as you enter the yard. Please park bikes considerately at rear of café.
Take Mussenden Lane down into Horton Kirby. Take care on right hand bend into village! Remain on road through village until the viaduct can be seen ahead. At The Bridges public house turn left into Station Road. At junction with Dartford Road, turn right onto A225 (towards Dartford).
Here the run usually splits into smaller groups to get home. To return to start – continue on A225 (until passing Papermakers Arms public house) then take Shirehall Lane on left. Remain on this lane until the T junction with B258 Barn End Lane. Turn right towards Wilmington. At mini roundabout in Wilmington village turn left up High Street. Slot right on to Common Lane which leads back to Oakfield Road which leads to Oakfield Lane and the Wooden Bus Shelter.
The average pace is approx. 18-20 mph. Frankly, you will need to be able to manage a distance of 40 miles and the ability to manage 25+ mph at times.
New riders are always welcome to come along and ride with us so please come along and introduce yourself. We stop at Speed Gate Farm Cafe, so remember to bring some cash. If you're new to the club, have a look at the FAQ that relate to the club run.
The club runs are the central activity of the club. They take place all year round. We have listed a few ground rules. Most are common sense but they're worth setting out so newcomers can get a better idea of what the club runs are about.
Club Run Rules
- Have fun: Above all, the club runs are supposed to be fun. There may be some rules here but the club run isn't a military drill, it's about getting out on the bike.
- Say hello: If you're new, please identify yourself to those leading the club run. Please listen to them, as they will explain how the run works and where it's going.
- Join: We do welcome new members on the club run and if you like the club run, please become a member. We're happy for you to try the ride a few times but after three or four rides you join if you want to ride with us.
- Don't race: You'll get fit riding the club runs regularly. There are no trophies on offer, merely the opportunity to annoy those less fit!
- Keep together: It is inevitable some will sprint up the hills and others will take their time. So if you ride up fast, you should wait at the top making sure the group reforms after any descent too.
- Group size: Groups setting off together shouldn't be more than 15-20 riders strong. There's nothing illegal about large groups but collectively the group is like a long vehicle and the bigger the group, the harder it is to ride safely together.
- Safety: Be responsible and ride safely. It's not complicated. You're responsible for your own safety but think of others. If you see an obstacle ahead like a pothole, then warn the others with a shout or hand signal. Likewise, if you're on the back of the group and notice traffic building up, shout for the ride to fall into single file.
- Wear club clothing: Members should wear the club clothing. Gemini BC Clothing is exclusively available from Welling Cycles, Bellegrove Road, Welling, Kent.
- Mechanicals: If someone punctures or has a mechanical problem, everyone should stop. So in return for delaying everyone, make sure you start the ride with two spare usable inner tubes, tyre levers, pump, (the ability to change an inner tube) and a roadworthy bike.
It is all about being sensible and aware whilst riding on the road. These rules set out what's required. Remember, you are responsible for your safety and take part in activities at your own risk.
Club Run FAQs
No. We welcome all potential new members. Please feel free to come along as it's a good way to find out more about the club. If you like it, sign up.
No, just turn up before 9 am and aim to introduce yourself to a member in club kit, they'll explain more.
Yes, except when it is snowing or icy.
Parking is possible in the car park approx. 600 yards along Oakfield Lane (on same side as the Bus Shelter).
Distance is approx 40 miles whilst the pace is usually an average of 18 - 20 mph. When you come along, introduce yourself to some club members and explain that this is your first ride with the club so we can make sure you don't get dropped or too tired. If you can handle a 40 mile ride, you'll be fine. Remember that riding with others is a lot easier than riding on your own!
Two usable inner tubes, tyre levers, and a pump and you should be capable of repairing a puncture. Also, bring some cash for the café.
Then come along and start with our club runs. Over time, building up the mileage you should improve.
No. Enthusiasm for cycling is the most important thing. Some members do have flashy bikes but the truth is they don't help you ride that much faster. That said, you'd need talent to do the club run on a shopper bike. For the club run, really a road bike is essential. Use of a properly fitting cycle helmet is highly recommended.
Modern versions can be fitted to most bikes. However, there is no requirement to ride with them.
You should accept responsibility for your own conduct and safety (including the safety of your bicycle and other equipment) during Club activities. You take part in Club rides entirely at your own risk. We strongly recommend that you take out appropriate third party insurance for your own sake. Membership of British Cycling or the CTC can offer you this form of cover.
16.
No, just turn up before 9 am and aim to introduce yourself to a member in club kit, they'll explain more.
Yes, except when it is snowing or icy.
Parking is possible in the car park approx. 600 yards along Oakfield Lane (on same side as the Bus Shelter).
Distance is approx 40 miles whilst the pace is usually an average of 18 - 20 mph. When you come along, introduce yourself to some club members and explain that this is your first ride with the club so we can make sure you don't get dropped or too tired. If you can handle a 40 mile ride, you'll be fine. Remember that riding with others is a lot easier than riding on your own!
Two usable inner tubes, tyre levers, and a pump and you should be capable of repairing a puncture. Also, bring some cash for the café.
Then come along and start with our club runs. Over time, building up the mileage you should improve.
No. Enthusiasm for cycling is the most important thing. Some members do have flashy bikes but the truth is they don't help you ride that much faster. That said, you'd need talent to do the club run on a shopper bike. For the club run, really a road bike is essential. Use of a properly fitting cycle helmet is highly recommended.
Modern versions can be fitted to most bikes. However, there is no requirement to ride with them.
You should accept responsibility for your own conduct and safety (including the safety of your bicycle and other equipment) during Club activities. You take part in Club rides entirely at your own risk. We strongly recommend that you take out appropriate third party insurance for your own sake. Membership of British Cycling or the CTC can offer you this form of cover.
16.