Awayday Healthy Ride to Crab and Winkle Way

NOTE. Please register on Eventbrite so we can limit numbers, link:   https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/awayday-ride-to-crab-and-winkle-trail-tickets-685937506547

All day excursion by train with Jamie leading.  Here are his (very) full instructions.  Please read carefully.

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Awayday ride from Faversham to Canterbury via Whitstable on Saturday 5^th Aug 2023

This ride will start from Faversham Station at 10am and is expected to finish at Canterbury by 4.30pm.

Mission
To cycle this enjoyable ride in two phases covering a total distance of about 20 miles in all.
Phase 1 will be to cycle from Faversham to reach the Kent coast at Sea Salter and on to Whitstable beach where we will stop for lunch for an hour. The first stage involves reasonably flat cycling along the stunning Kent coast to Whitstable Bay.
Phase 2 will be to cycle from Whitstable to Canterbury along the iconic and scenic ‘Crab & Winkle’ disused railway line which involves a few hill climbs on unsurfaced woodland tracks best suited to more confident riders

Coordinating Instructions and Timings
Riders will meet at 10.00am sharp on Saturday 5^th August at Faversham Station car park where a quick safety brief will be given.
Riders are advised to book their single rail ticket to Faversham station and their single ticket back to London from either East Canterbury or West Canterbury Station without delay as these destinations become busy at this time of year.

Please note that although the ride is estimated to finish in Canterbury by approx. 4.30pm the timings have to remain flexible to mitigate unforeseen mechanical problems etc on the ride.  For those who do not know it, Canterbury is a stunning city with some fascinating cycle paths in and around the Cathedral Precincts where there are many restaurants, bars and take aways to suit all needs. Some riders may consider booking a return train that departs an hour or two later should you wish to explore the city further.

Rations and Water
A brief coffee stop will take place near Faversham.
We will stop at approx. 12.30pm for fish & chips etc on Whitstable beach weather permitting (or in the Old Neptune Pub) riders are welcome to bring their own picnics.
If time permits we will stop again briefly in Canterbury for a cup of tea before dispersing to train stations which are relatively near each other.

Checks and Equipment
Due to the remote nature of our route, Riders are particularly urged to carry-out or basic pre-check ABC bike serviceability before the event. A = Air in tyres, B = Brakes, C= Chain & gears etc as there are no obvious cycle repair shops available on sections of these routes.
Riders are further advised to bring: water, fleece, waterproof top & trousers, puncture tube canister, bike lock, bike pump & cycle lights.

Communications
Please feel free to contact me with any queries regarding this event or in case of any issues on the day by phone: 07976 803741 or email on jamie.pedrick@outlook.com

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Jamie is leaving it to individual riders to sort out trains.  There are 2 train routes both operated by Southeastern Trains. There is a Victoria to Ramsgate train calling at Faversham at 9.49. This stops at Bromley South. A possible route for people could be to use the Thameslink service to Sevenoaks which goes to Bromley S after calling at the Elephant and Peckham Rye stations.  There is also a St Pancras service calling at Stratford, might suit riders living north of the river.

There is an overtime ban by Aslef in place on the 5^th.

Southeastern Trains say “The ASLEF union has an overtime ban from 31 July to 5 August, and from 7 to 12 August. We expect to run our full service during this time.”  You can check here: https://www.southeasternrailway.co.uk/travel-information/live-travel-information/industrial-action.

Thameslink say “Travel Advice for Saturday 5 August. We’ll provide further information on this when it becomes available.” Check for updates at https://www.thameslinkrailway.com/travel-information/plan-your-journey/industrial-action

As for getting home. Several options from the two Canterbury stations. Check these out a.s.a.p.