James West tackles the North Downs with an 80-year-old club with an evergreen attitude
Months of warm, sunny weather have given way to a bitter chill and heavy rains as I arrive in Swanley, Kent, to ride with West Kent Road Club. But a warm welcome awaits me, and the atmosphere among club members seeking shelter from the elements is one of bonhomie as we wait to set out for the rolling roads of the North Downs. Even the poor conditions can’t dampen the spirits of this club, which celebrated its 80th birthday this year.
West Kent Road Club has a strong focus on time trialling. Michael Ashcroft, son of club president Colin, tells me why the race of truth is so popular here.
“TTs are the easiest form of racing to get involved in. If you have a bike and don’t mind getting up early on a Sunday then it’s all about improving yourself. If you start rubbish it doesn’t matter; next time you just try to beat your time.”
Despite the keen TT contingent within the ranks, we set out at a sedate pace that allows everyone to warm up before reaching the North Downs. The club operates a no drop policy, stopping whenever it is required. As we pull over for the day’s only puncture, Steve Rivett tells me more about the club’s social side.
“We do a lot of stuff off the bike. We had a curry night a couple of weeks back and the Christmas meal is coming up. We do short trips to Belgium. We’re a social, friendly club. And nobody gets left behind.”
Denne historien er fra January 24, 2019-utgaven av CYCLING WEEKLY.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra January 24, 2019-utgaven av CYCLING WEEKLY.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
CLASSIC BIKE COLNAGO SUPER
A trailblazing bike immortalised by Merckx and Saronni
"Strava activities are the only way I know some of my friends are still alive"
...or that Bernard is doing his weekly shop
AN EXPERT'S TAKE ON... SADDLE SELECTION
Crucial advice to guide your next purchase
JUST A NUMB#R?
Approaching a landmark birthday, Charlie Graham-Dixon explores how ageing affects cycling performance and what can be done to stay ahead of the curve
RURAL PERIL
More UK cyclists are killed on rural lanes than on busy city streets. Rob Kemp investigates why and what can be done to keep us safe while riding in the countryside
A BLESSED RIDE THROUGH THE FOREST OF BOWLAND
Forgoing cloak, cassock and cross, Trevor Ward goes in search of the holy roads that helped make a Tour winner
Dame Sarah Storey claims road and 19th gold double
More success for Team GB's Paralympians in Paris, but Storey slams women's time trial course
Roglič matches Vuelta win record
Slovenian takes fourth Tour of Spain title after hunting down O'Connor's lead, writes Adam Becket
Williams crowned Tour of Britain champion
Welshman leads home resurgence at the stage race to crown an Israel-Premier Tech clean sweep, reports Tom Davidson in Felixstowe
CLASSIC BIKE CLAUD BUTLER OLYMPIC ROAD
Iconic British brand's Holdsworth-era road bike