Wheelers Weekend Away, May 2012
We have booked Palace Farm Hostel near Faversham for the weekend again (we last went there in May 2010).
This page will be updated with all the latest information about the weekend away.
(On-line Registration is now closed. Please contact me re: bookings and cancellations... - Rob)
Friday 25th - Sunday 27th May 2012
- COSTS: £60 includes: 2 nights accommodation, breakfasts and evening meal on Saturday.
- We are offering a discounted rate of £55 to LCC Members. If you Join LCC before May, we will refund you £5.
Past weekends have been well attended by people of all cycling levels, ladies and gents. We arrange a variety of rides (Long/Short distances) and options to suit on Saturday and Sunday.
Read the Ride Report for 2010 if you want to get an idea of how things went!
Friday 25th May
If you can get the day off, (and there's enough people) we will do a ride either all the way from London, or take a train part-way.
If you can only escape on Friday Evening, Nearby train stations are: Lenham (London Victoria to Ashford Kent line), or Sittingbourne, Teynham or Faversham (London Victoria - Dover line).
Teynham is 4 miles, Lenham is 5 miles (but more hill) Sittingbourne and Faversham stations further.
We will chat nearer the time to work out who is going when, as we can often group people together on trains. This helps because:
- We know when you will be arriving
- There are limits on the number of bicycles on some trains
- If you travel in a group of 4 or more, often it is cheaper to purchase a groupsave ticket
- If you have your bike in the station and need to nip to the ticket office/toilet/shop/cash machine... somebody can keep an eye on your bike while you go, rather than having to unload it all and lock it.
Evening Meal Options
We will be eating at The Chequers Inn, Doddington. (Not all at once!) from about 7.30 - 8.00 PM.
If you are going to arrive very late, then you can rustle up some supper in the hostel, or get take-away.
Saturday 26th May
- Breakfast rustled up in the hostel. (Tea/Coffee/Toast/Porridge/Cereal/Fruit/Juice etc..)
- Two or three circular rides. long and short options, some with sightseeing and tea stops!
Will be coastal routes with opportunity to paddle at Whitstable/Margate Deal/Dover etc. - ....some people just pottered about, went for walks, and did their own thing!
- Evening meal at hostel. This is being prepared by the lovely Alicia (and helpers!)
Sunday 27th May
- Breakfast, gather up your stuff and check out
- Ride out for the day, ending up somewhere to eventually catch train back to London
Below is a quick list of questions and general advice. Feel free to contact Rob if you have any other questions or concerns.
E-Mail: robl@wheelers.org.uk Tel: 07973 815198
FAQ:
If you have not ridden with us before, please take a look at our ride guidance notes
- Will I be able to do it? - Almost certainly Yes. If the only cycling you do is to work and back every day, most people can easily cover 20 - 30 miles in a day without much of a problem (there may be hills!), and we recommend going out on a few rides beforehand.
You don't need to be super fit, but generally in good health and have been cycling a while.If you have not done a longer ride before or haven't really been riding regularly, go on a few rides beforehand, and ride as often as you can, slowly increasing the distance you feel able to do. This will build your fitness level up a little, and identify any little problems you may have with the the bike.
Our monthly workshops are handy to resolve any issues such as bike problems (gears/brakes), or more commonly incorrect seat height (If your seat is too low or too high, you will get pain in your knees on a longer ride which doesn't show up when pottering about town. -- I speak from bitter experience!!)
- What sort of bike do I need? - Our rides are mostly on country lanes with some cycle paths and the odd bridleway or old railway tracks etc. A road bike (with not-so-skinny/slick tyres), tourer, or hybrid would be suitable, maybe even a town bike. People have also done it on basic mountain bikes, which are okay, while not the best tyres for on-road, will get you around.
- What sort of rides do you do? - We try to do a variety of long/short rides to suit different levels. The rides are mostly leisurely paced (10-12 mph avg), seeing the sights along the way, tea stops etc. Normally there is a back marker, and we do not leave anyone behind. We do not 'drop' anyone, however occasionally if somebody is really not having an enjoyable time for some reason, we can try to get them back to a train station or shorten things a bit.
... That said, if you want to go off zooming on your shiny new road bike, feel free - one or two of us might even join you, although zooming isn't the main focus of this particular weekend! The main focus is: Having a lovely time, tea, cake, ice creams by the sea..
oh - and riding the bike a bit. :-)
- Will it be mostly men? - No. We can't say for sure what the gender mix will be this time, but perhaps unusually for a cycling group, all of our past weekends have had virtually 50/50 men/women.
- What kit do I need?
Contact me for any advice... I would suggest at a minimum that you have:
- A working bicycle! That fits you reasonably well. (Pop along to one of our workshops for advice!)
- A pump and a spare inner tube (or two) to fit your tyre size. This is essential. (People will help if needed to mend a puncture!)
If you are about to get new tyres, do it before the weekend not just after! (-- I speak from bitter experience!!)- A small puncture repair kit and tyre levers may make the job easier. Some people also carry a small multi-tool with allen keys for adjusting things.
- Lights, Lock etc. (The hostel will be locked at night. Some people bring a lighter lock or chain instead of heavy lock, as you are never usually too far from your bike, or one of the group who will watch the bikes. Others never part with their sold secure AAA rated D-Lock and are willing to carry that heavy beast. Up to you!)
- A rear rack and panniers - While you could do it with a backpack, panniers are generally recommended. (These are bags that clip to the back of your bike.) If they are waterproof, then great, otherwise, get some cheap ones and put your stuff in plastic bags inside the panniers, or, some panniers have rain covers. A good pair of waterproof panniers, while not cheap, will last you many years. (It helps to get the rack and panniers fitted together, then you know it all fits, rather than discover the night before that the rack won't fit your bike, or the panniers won't fit your rack properly! Check that you can get them on and off easily and you don't hit your heels on them as you ride. Ask us for advice if needed.) A couple of short bungee cords are sometimes useful.
- A water bottle - preferably in a bottle cage on your bike.
- A variety of clothes for different weather. You don't need specific cycle clothing – general outdoor activity clothing is fine for Wheelers rides. Ideally have quick drying things in case of rain. Bring layers: fleeces, light tops or baselayers, and light trousers.
Heavy jackets, thick wool jumpers, jeans and cotton t-shirts are NOT good for riding in as they take ages to dry out and/or you will not be comfortable. A hat to keep the rain off is more practical than a hood.
- Hat and sun cream are a good idea. (here's hoping!)
- Waterproofs - waterproof/windproof jacket is good, again doesn't need to be a cycling one, but avoid anything long or very baggy as it will flap around and maybe get caught under your seat.
- Waterproof trousers and maybe waterproof 'Sealskinz' socks or overshoes while not essential, are a good investment, and will keep you dry and happy even in the heaviest downpour!
- Padded cycling shorts (2 or 3 pairs) - Most riders have these, especially if riding all day. This will avoid most "sore bum" issues. They don't have to be lycra! In fact.. you can get loose fitting ones, or padded pants that fit under your regular shorts or trousers. They feel a bit odd at first, but well worth it!
- Shoes: If you don't have cycling shoes, then bring a good pair of sturdy shoes with a hard sole that will support your foot. (Nothing too "squishy" as this will make pedalling more effort.) Avoid long laces, or find a way to do up, or tuck in the laces so they don't get wrapped round your pedals!
Also, you might want to bring light sandals, trainers or flip-flops for wearing in the hostel, breakfast and in the evenings, or as "backup" shoes.
- Overnight things, toileteries, soap, medications etc. Bring whatever you want, but remember you have to carry it! (Bottles of shampoo and shower gel are big and heavy.) (Maybe even downgrade from heavy electric toothbrush to a manual toothbrush!)
Just bring the bare essentials and try to get smaller travel sizes of things, or decant into smaller bottles. Maybe bring moisturiser and chapstick (lipsalve.) The sun and wind tend to dry out your face.- If you wear spectacles and really cannot see well without them, a spare pair is a good idea! Otherwise you may end up either having a very blurry weekend, or spending the time hunting around for opticians...
- Small Towel or Travel Towel. While the hostel provide sheets and bedding, they do not provide towels.
- Stuff to wear at night/breakfast.... Nightie or PJs! And maybe something for evening. (I just wear the same t-shirt every evening, as I only need it for a few hours before going to bed.)
- Dorm things: Small torch (or use a bike light). Earplugs and maybe one of those eye mask things if you're a light sleeper.
- Bin bag is handy for dirty laundry, keeping dry things dry, or wet things, muddy shoes etc.
- Cash - Cash machines can be few and far between, and you will need cash for train tickets, lunch stops, tea stops, emergencies...
- Treats / Backup nibbles - Chocolate, Cakes/Shortbready-things, Cereal Bars, Wine Gums. Avoid too many sugary things as it gives you a sugar rush, but then you feel worse.
- Map(s) – if you have one that covers the local area this could be useful but not essential.
- Mobile phone with charger
That said... do not take too much stuff! think "Weight!" If you need a more extensive kit list and advice, please ask.
- What are the sleeping arrangements? All en-suite shared rooms with bunks. See: http://www.palacefarm.com/facilities.html
Ladies and Gents will be in different rooms. If there is room, we can sometimes get a couple a room together, but can't make any promises... Camping or nearby B&B might also be a possibility for some. Please ask about this.
- What's it like staying in a hostel? - Well, it's pretty fun! All the hostels we stay in for our weekends away have been checked out by us, and/or we've stayed there before. They are clean, cozy and basic. Palace Farm is a very good place, we stayed there in 2010, and booked the whole place to ourselves. It is an arrangement of converted farm buildings around a garden and patio, completely private. Around the courtyard are doors leading to en-suite rooms sleep up to 30 guests, one 2 person, one 4 person, two 5 person, one 6 person and one for 8 persons. You will be expected to lend a hand doing things such as preparing food, laying tables, washing up, drying up, clearing away, maybe running errands and checking bikes etc. (This isn't a massive chore, as many hands make light work. Although you will be spotted if you never offer to help out, and just dump your plate in the sink and walk away...) You should try to be reasonably considerate to your fellow roommates. If you are unsure about anything, then ask about to avoid any misunderstanding. "Is there a queue for the shower?" "Is it okay if I move this...?" "Can I use some of this toothpaste?" etc. A smile and a "Thanks!" to people who have done stuff for you will go a long way too!
Nobody is going to tell you when to get up, but you need to allow plenty of time to wash/shower, have breakfast, change, pack, decide what you're doing, and get you and your bike ready for the day. Some people take longer to do all this than others! Plan ahead and prepare things as much as you can. Check your tyres before breakfast in case you've got a slow puncture and it's gone down overnight. This way, you will have some time to fix it and to get help if needed, rather than only discovering it when you get on your bike to go, and everyone else is waiting to leave! At Palace Farm this is handy because you will walk past your bike in the yard on your way to breakfast!
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Is there an age limit? Yes, would suggest minimum age of 16, because we are not really set up for families. (But if you are interested in helping us arrange a 'family friendly' weekend in the future, get in touch!) There's no maximum age, as long as you can ride a bike....!
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I am on my own and want to come along, I don't know anybody, will I feel out of place? - No. Our weekends away usually attract regulars and several people we've never seen before. We are a friendly and chatty bunch, and will introduce you to people. The group has a wide variety of backgrounds, interests, professions, world views, crazy habits.... In general the only thing most of us have in common is that we own a bicycle! You may be able to meet some of us before the weekend away, at other events such as the rides, workshops etc. At first, the old stories of rides-gone-by, bicycle mishaps, legendary tea stops, nice afternoons in the sun on a beach, rides in the rain, getting lost... getting found... may not mean much... but by the end of the weekend, you will have plenty of stories of your own to share, and will hopefully want to come again...!
- What about cancellations / refunds? We issue refunds on a 'best efforts' basis to avoid incurring a loss. We have to make the books balance if someone cancels. Therefore, if you cancel in good time (at least a month or so before) we will probably be able to refund your money, if we can find somebody to take your place. If you cancel at short notice and we cannot find somebody to take your place, you may have to wait until after the weekend. After the weekend, we will then see if we can give you a partial or full refund from any money left over. If we cannot refund you without incurring a loss, you will not get some or all of your money back.
- What about medical conditions etc?
It is up to you to decide if you wish to let us know about any medical conditions/allergies etc.
You do not have to inform us, but you might want to do so for two reasons:
a. In case of an emergency. This information will be kept confidential and only used in an emergency. (i.e to get you approriate help, so we understand what's happening and react accordingly, and to pass on information about you to medical professionals looking after you, should you be unable to tell them yourself.)
b. So that we can take you into consideration when planning routes and activities. (i.e. if you have asthma that may cause you a problem going up hills and you need to take rests...)
It is up to you to bring any medications you need, and to consider whether you should take part or not.
Try some short rides first before taking on a harder challenge.
Do not suffer on in silence, tell the ride leader straight away if you are having a problem.If you are in any doubt, you should talk to your doctor.
If you wish, you can seal your information in an envelope, to be opened only if needed.
If you'd rather not say, it's a good idea to make sure someone knows, or that we have a contact.If you would like to discuss any of this further, please get in touch.
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