ToKA 9/8 CSS @ 9am

[monty]

Andrew H on andrew.j.hutchings@marsh.com
ToKA is going ahead as planned for this Saturday the 9th Aug.....
The ride itself will be some 90 miles and takes in the climbs of Farthing
Downs, Woldingham Village, Hosey Hill, Ide Hill, Toys Hill, Yorkshill, Gover
Hill and Star Hill. Although not as severe as ToSH in terms of the number of climbs, the distance is greater and there are a number of rolling sections which allows less recovery time. Expect to be back at CSS around 5.00pm
The route is a circuit with Sevenoaks and the A25 as a hub, so anyone
wishing to bail can do so and make their way back to CSS via the A25, should there be a terminal mechanical, there are stations at Malpit Hill,
Penshurst, Sevenoaks and Otford. The condition of the roads are better than that of ToSH, however there are some fast narrow descents where caution is needed.
Meet at CSS 9.00am for a 9.15am KO, maps will be issued and we can get a head count.
Equipment: Weather forecast is a MASSIVE 31degrees so bring two large water bottles & additional fuel for refils, plenty of food, spare tubes, money and mobile phone (if you have one).
The Pace: Will be steady and should be targeted by riders of intermediate
standard. Remember there will some strong riders out so don't destroy
yourself in the first 2 hours by challenging them on the early climbs -
you'll end up paying for this effort later. We will always look to regroup
at the top of the big climbs.
Cafe Break will be at the tea rooms on Ide Hill, and an optional stop at
The Plough, Ivy Hatch for a jacket spud and pint of orange juice and
lemonade, time and number of riders allowing.
There is a safety net for those who want to come but are worried by the
distance, there will be several shorter routes back from the top of the big
climbs which are covered by the map.
This ride should be good preparation for those looking to do ToSH. In the
meantime can you please let me know if intend joining us on Saturday so we can get an idea of numbers andrew.j.hutchings@marsh.com

[Tamar]

Don't forget your suncream....it's going to be gorgeous on Saturday.

From BBC website:
"Forecasters predict temperatures in the south east of England may come close on Saturday to breaking the record for the hottest day, as the UK heatwave continues. "

[Tamar]

Don't forget your suncream....it's going to be gorgeous on Saturday.

From BBC website:
"Forecasters predict temperatures in the south east of England may come close on Saturday to breaking the record for the hottest day, as the UK heatwave continues. "

[Matt_Ives]

One word for this event : insane.
Insane but vastly enjoyable.
It was 35C,I believe.
And I thought Kent was supposed to be flat

[Matt_Ives]

One word for this event : insane.
Insane but vastly enjoyable.
It was 35C,I believe.
And I thought Kent was supposed to be flat

[steve c]

[quoteAnd I thought Kent was supposed to be flat quote]
looked pretty flat to me last time i flew over it !!!.

[Tamar]

Lovely lovely day out. Top organisation - great maps and big thanks to all who waited at junctions to give directions.

Sorry I had to duck out early - was still 30 mins late home and covered 92 miles in the end.

Looking forward to ToSH and hope to see you all there.

[Tamar]

Lovely lovely day out. Top organisation - great maps and big thanks to all who waited at junctions to give directions.

Sorry I had to duck out early - was still 30 mins late home and covered 92 miles in the end.

Looking forward to ToSH and hope to see you all there.

[siwickm]

I only did half the ride, drank like a fish and was still dehydrated in the afternoon. I think it was the ride back from the top of Ide Hill. I went back with a couple of guys (forgotten their names) who were flying. I ran out of water at the top of Coulsdon and got dropped as I pootled back home wimpering into my empty water bottle.

Thought the Kent countryside was superb and really enjoyed the route, we should incorporate some of this ride every week. Just need to re-produce the good weather.

Cheers

Marek...

[siwickm]

I only did half the ride, drank like a fish and was still dehydrated in the afternoon. I think it was the ride back from the top of Ide Hill. I went back with a couple of guys (forgotten their names) who were flying. I ran out of water at the top of Coulsdon and got dropped as I pootled back home wimpering into my empty water bottle.

Thought the Kent countryside was superb and really enjoyed the route, we should incorporate some of this ride every week. Just need to re-produce the good weather.

Cheers

Marek...

[siwickm]

I only did half the ride, drank like a fish and was still dehydrated in the afternoon. I think it was the ride back from the top of Ide Hill. I went back with a couple of guys (forgotten their names) who were flying. I ran out of water at the top of Coulsdon and got dropped as I pootled back home wimpering into my empty water bottle.

Thought the Kent countryside was superb and really enjoyed the route, we should incorporate some of this ride every week. Just need to re-produce the good weather.

Cheers

Marek...

[steve c]

in a word...phew.
great route and superb company
the weather...scorchio!!!.
thanks to the producers and riders on the day who arranged an epic
tour of the finest hills in just one small corner of kent.
i punctured near otford and with the help of the AA (addiscombe assistance ) i was on my way again...cheers guys
unfortunatly the blow out had tore a big split in my tyre and the only
thing i had to put inside the tyre was my map (very usefull) but this mean't that i could not inflate the tube to much for fear of it coming through the hole.
so as my two clubmates turned to accend star hill i thought it best i took the direct route back to smallfield and said goodbye and headed off towards sundridge and westerham.
i managed to get as far as hurst green on a soft tyre and descending wolfswood hill in the shade of the tree's i hit a pothole hard and new i was in trouble as the back wheel tried to overtake the front .
as luck would have it the hill also had a bend to the left.
my life flashed before me as i could only brake so hard without losing complete control and the bike only wanted to go in one direction (straight)
so as i crossed the white line (broken) dividing the sides of the road a car
appears round the bend.
now things are starting to get just a bit silly!!!.
does the car slow down...no!!! perhaps they just did not see me but the car carried on even when i passed it on the wrong side and dissapeared up some kind persons well positioned driveway.
that was that i managed to stop without falling off all in one piece
and i think i managed all this without being seen
after much searching i found a call box and international rescue were called (more luck they were in) my folks that is .
despite my mechanicals all in all a good day was had.
sunday..watched a mr malcolm elliot win the havant gp
monday..2hrs EASY ON NICE FLAT NEWCHAPEL CIRCUIT .
cheers all
regards
steve c

[Matt_Ives]

maybe we could do another ToKA in the Autumn sometime?
It would be nice to do it again without the fear of being fried alive.
Any takers for this?

[steve c]

i would be interested in doing this ride again just so i could have another crack at one certain hill in particular.
might have to change my gearing as my 23 hit a wall .

[Will]

That was definitely a great ride, so thanks to the organisers & leaders

Some of it was on home turf for me, as I grew up around Sevenoaks. It was nice to ride the familiar parts, and at times I felt a bit like a Tour rider on his 'home' stage. If only I'd had the legs to put in that extra little bit of effort, rather than just trying to keep up

I couldn't believe the heat! It seemed easier just to keep on riding, rather than stop and swelter... I too drank like a fish, and by the end of the day had got through about 7 litres!